The problem with the law last year is it was deemed “unconstitutionally vague” and struck down by the courts. Now, armed with a clearer and more concise language, the Republican dominated Legislature hopes to over-ride the veto and allow bar patrons to carry their firearms.

Several states prevent licensed gun owners from taking their weapons into bars or places where alcohol is served. The common belief is that alcohol and firearms don’t mix as the potential for accidents or intoxicated mistakes is just too great.

When changing laws, the legislators must pass a bill which goes to the Governor for final approval. If the governor vetoes the bill or stops it from becoming law, it isn’t necessarily the end of the road. The Legislator can override the veto, going against what the Governor believes and moving forward with the original passing of the bill.

This is likely to happen here. Soon, licensed Tennessee gun owners will be able to drink with their pistols on their side.

While the 2^nd Amendment to the Constitution guarantees the right to bear arms, states reserve the right to regulate it. Groups like the NRA work to limit those regulations and restrictions.

Despite their work, laws restricting firearm ownership and use prevail in every state. It isn’t too difficult, when owning a gun, to make a mistake and find yourself facing criminal charges. When this happens, you need the assistance of an attorney.

If you are facing gun charges in Tennessee and aren’t sure what you’re up against or what to expect, contact us today for a free consultation.

The law is being questioned after learning that in two recent and highly publicized fatal gun attacks in Las Vegas and Washington DC, the guns used were traced back to resale by the Memphis PD.

Prior to that law passing, confiscated weapons were most often destroyed. This practice began in Memphis in 2005 when the sheriff enacted the policy to eliminate guns that had already been used in crimes or carried by criminals.

According to this report from The Commercial Appeal, many have “philosophical concerns” over the thought of weapons like this ending up back on the street.

The new law is reportedly from the NRA who doesn’t see why the functioning weapons should be destroyed when they can be recirculated through dealers to law abiding citizens. Their position focuses on the fact that weapons are legal and the destruction of these firearms simply because of who owned them last is unnecessary.

In Tennessee we see changes to firearm laws on a nearly monthly basis. From weapons in businesses and parks to what happens to the weapons after they are confiscated, guns are a big deal here.

The laws and media coverage surrounding weapons laws, all seem to try and balance public safety with that tricky 2^nd Amendment, the one that guarantees us the right to bear arms. While the U.S. Constitution guarantees that right, states have historically reserved the right to regulate it.

Laws about what types of weapons you can carry, how you can carry them, who can own them, and how they must be used vary from state to state.

In our state, there are numerous criminal offenses related to the possession and use of firearms. There is a whole list of weapons that are simply illegal and punishable by felony charges.

When you are facing weapons charges you need to speak with an experienced and aggressive defense attorney. The most common offense of Unlawful carrying of a weapon, a misdemeanor, is likely the least serious but can still result in several months behind bars. Call our lawyers for a consultation today.

This is exactly the problem that local Convention and Visitor’s Bureaus are saying has caused a drop in tourism to the state. New gun laws passed last year allowed those citizens who own a concealed weapons permit to carry those weapons into public establishments like restaurants or bars and this has potential travelers worried.

According to this article from The Tennessean, other cities across the country have also used the new laws to paint our cities in a negative light when competing for conference and event venues. Conventions are big money makers and it seems that some people may be playing dirty, capitalizing on these laws and making our cities look bad.

Lt. Governor Ron Ramsey, however, is just one person who believes the media should be blamed and not the law itself. The law does not allow just anyone to carry a concealed weapon. It only applies to those who already have a permit and in case you’re wondering, getting a concealed weapon permit is no walk in the park.

Cities can decide to make their own ordinances banning the weapons, as this blog post details, but some of the larger Tennessee cities like Nashville and Memphis have let the law stand as written.

Being able to possess a firearm is a right guaranteed by the Second Amendment of the US Constitution. The potential dangers of firearms, however, have led to countless federal, state, and local laws governing the possession and use of these weapons. Being caught in violation of these laws isn’t that difficult as there are simply so many to navigate.

The most commonly charged firearm offense in our state is Unlawful Carrying or Possession of a Weapon. This crime is a Class C misdemeanor in most instances. While this is the most commonly seen charge, it is far from the only.

Being caught in violation of a gun law can have disastrous effects on your future. If you are up against the state of Tennessee in the criminal court system, you need the assistance of a local defense attorney.

Contact me today to discuss the circumstances of your case and to see how I can help.