imported post
I found out about the legality of OC in AL in Julyof this year and started OC-ing a little in Huntsville/Madison County. I have had one LEO encounter where I called their office to report a possible break-in on my street. After the responding officers checked the house, I anda neighbor approached them to ask about the outcome. It was night and, as a courtesy, I let the officers know I had a handgun rather than have them suddenly see it themselves. They didn't say a thing. Below is basic advice that I've gathered from this forum.
The AL Constitution, State law, AG opinions, and AL case law all agree that OC is legal. Whether or not you get harassed by a law enforcement officer (LEO) depends on the individual officer and the circumstances. From what I've read, they will probably respond more assertively if they receive a 911 "man-with-a-gun" (MWAG) call than if they simply encounter you on the street. The important thing is that you know your rights as a law-abiding citizen and that you remain calm and polite during any LEO encounter. I would also suggest you keep a digital voice recorder or audio/video recorder (like an iPhone) running at all times. Although I wish a dress code didn't matter, it does. So, it will be advantageous to be clean cut and well dressed. This doesn't mean you have to wear a suit, but don't expect to be left alone if you open carry while dressed like a gangster/goth/militant and/or have an unkempt look.
Finally, please note that concealed carry permits in AL are issued at the sheriff's discretion and are currently required to carry a loaded handgun in the passenger compartment ofa vehicle. So, if you upset your sheriff, you may lose your permit and your ability to easily carry openly while out and about. You might get it back, but only after litigation.
