Oklahoma is not the place where you would expect people to get arrested for unlawful possession or carrying of firearms. The people of Oklahoma proudly proclaim their love for the Second Amendment on T-shirts and bumper stickers, and if you are in a situation where you need to make small talk with someone you do not know very well, there are worse topics you can choose than your experiences with hunting and target shooting. Everyone knows about firearm safety, gun laws, and responsible firearm ownership. Despite this, it is still possible to make mistakes and bring a weapon to a place where it is not allowed, and if you do this, you can face criminal charges for unlawful carry of a firearm. A Tulsa criminal defense lawyer can help you fight your charges or negotiate a plea deal if you are facing criminal charges for unlawful carry of a weapon.

Who is Eligible to Carry a Firearm Legally in Oklahoma?

Oklahoma requires one kind of permit for concealed carry of a firearm, where the weapon must not be visible to observers. It requires another kind of permit for open carry, where the firearm is easily visible, such as if it is in a holster attached to your belt. If you have either of these kinds of permits, it is legal to bring the firearm to most public places.

Oklahoma law prohibits firearms at the following locations, even if you have a permit:

• Schools and school buses
• Casinos
• Government buildings
• Sports arenas
• Establishments that serve alcoholic beverages

The following people are not eligible for permits to carry a firearm:

• People under 18 years old
• People who are not residents of Oklahoma
• Respondents in permanent restraining order cases
• People with felony convictions on their record
• Defendants in pending felony cases

Losing one of these eligibility requirements invalidates your permit if you already have one.

Criminal Penalties Associated With Illegal Possession of Weapons

If you get convicted of enabling a minor to carry a firearm, you can get misdemeanor charges, with a maximum sentence of a $250 fine and 30 days in jail.  If you bring a gun to a bar or carry one while you are under the influence of alcohol, the charge is also a misdemeanor, and in this case, the maximum penalty is one year in jail.  The most serious gun possession charge that does not involve firing the weapon or threatening someone with it is possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.  This is a felony charge, and it carries a sentence of one to ten years in state prison. 

If you are accused of unlawful carry, you are presumed innocent until proven guilty.  A criminal defense lawyer can help you identify the most applicable defenses.

Contact Tracy Tiernan About Criminal Defense Cases

A criminal defense lawyer can help you exercise your rights if you are being charged with illegal possession or carrying of a firearm.  Contact Tracy Tiernan in Tulsa, Oklahoma, to discuss your case.