Have You Been Charged with Carrying a Weapon in an Unauthorized Location in Georgia?
Georgia has a myriad of laws relating to weapon possession. The penalties range from misdemeanor charges to felony charges with lengthy prison terms and extensive fines. It is critical to understand Georgia's weapon laws and where to turn if you find yourself arrested. If you or a loved one has been arrested, contact one of our Georgia Carrying a Weapon in an Unauthorized Location Lawyers now. Our team has more than 50 combined years of criminal defense experience.
Georgia Law on Carrying a Weapon in an Unauthorized Location
According to O.C.G.A. § 16-11-127,
A person shall be guilty of carrying a weapon or long gun in an unauthorized location when he or she carries a weapon or long gun while:
(1) In a government building as a nonlicensed holder;
(2) In a courthouse;
(3) In a jail or prison;
(4) In a place of worship, unless the governing body or authority of the place of worship permits the carrying of weapons or long guns by license holders;
(5) In a state mental health facility as defined in Code Section 37-1-1 which admits individuals on an involuntary basis for treatment of mental illness, developmental disability, or addictive disease; provided, however, that carrying a weapon or long gun in such location in a manner in compliance with paragraph (3) of subsection (d) of this Code section shall not constitute a violation of this subsection;
(6) On the premises of a nuclear power facility, except as provided in Code Section 16-11-127.2, and the punishment provisions of Code Section 16-11-127.2 shall supersede the punishment provisions of this Code section; or
(7) Within 150 feet of any polling place when elections are being conducted and such polling place is being used as a polling place as provided for in paragraph (27) of Code Section 21-2-2, except as provided in subsection (i) of Code Section 21-2-413.
It is important to note that even if you are in a place other than listed above that is private property, the owner has the right to control the access to such property. Furthermore, they have the right to exclude or eject a person who is in possession of a weapon.
The law does not apply when
- The use of weapons or long guns are used as exhibits in a legal proceeding by courtroom security of the judge hearing the case;
- A licensed holder approaches security upon arrival at a location and notifies them of the presence of a weapon and follows directions for removing, securing, storing, or temporarily surrounding such weapon; or
- A licensed holder of a weapon has it in a locked container within a motor vehicle, and it is parked in a parking facility.
Penalty for Possession of a Weapon or Long Gun in Unauthorized Location in Georgia
A conviction for carrying a weapon or long gun in an unauthorized location in Georgia will be treated as a misdemeanor. Misdemeanor convictions in Georgia come with a fine up to $1,000, up to one year in jail, or both. Even though the penalty may seem minor, it is critical to hire an experienced Georgia Weapons Lawyer. Having a weapons conviction on your criminal record can make it difficult to obtain employment. Let our experienced legal team help you protect your record and your future!
Contact Us Today
If you have been charged with violating Georgia's gun laws, call our experienced weapons lawyers in Georgia today. We promise to defend your legal rights and vigorously advocate for your rights! We will work to get the charges against you reduced, or your case dismissed. We have been representing clients for over 25 years in Georgia. Call now for a free no-obligation case evaluation.
