North Carolina law reflects federal law when it comes to guns – you have the right to bear arms. That doesn’t mean you can carry a gun or other weapon anywhere you want or any way that you want in this state.
In fact, North Carolina gun statutes, in some ways, restrict the ability to carry a concealed gun. There are other weapons with restrictions on them as well. The law also outlined the serious consequences that violations can carry.
Learn more here about the weapons you can and can’t conceal and carry in the state of North Carolina, and the ramifications that can result if you’re caught doing so.
Carrying Concealed Guns in North Carolina
You can legally carry a concealed gun in North Carolina, but you must meet certain criteria before doing so. They are:
- You must possess a valid concealed gun permit
- You must be on your own property while carrying
- OR You are authorized to carry a weapon as a part of your official duties
Qualifying for a NC Concealed Gun Permit
To qualify for a permit, you must be 21 or older, a citizen of the U.S. or a permanent resident, and a resident of North Carolina for at least 30 days. You must also complete a firearms safety course that is approved by the state.
NC Laws for Other Concealed Weapons
There are some weapons in North Carolina that can be legally concealed and carried as well. Two of the most common ones are pepper spray and an ordinary pocket knife. Items such as stun guns, metal knuckles, razors, daggers, slingshots, and other weapons cannot be concealed and carried.
Disqualifications for Carrying a Concealed Weapon in NC
Even when you have fulfilled the requirements above, you will not be granted a concealed carry permit if you:
- Have been convicted for indicted for a felony
- Have been convicted of violent misdemeanors such as domestic violence
- Are free on bond as you await trial, sentencing, or appeal for a disqualifying crime
- Have been convicted in the past three years of a DUI
- Cannot legally possess a firearm
- Have been deemed mentally challenged or mentally ill by a government agency or court
- Were dishonorably discharged from the U.S. Armed Forces
There are also certain places where it is never legal to carry a gun — concealed or otherwise — even when you do have a permit.
Where in NC You Can Never Carry a Gun
The following is a list of locations where carrying a gun is always illegal regardless of whether you have a permit or not.
- On school property
- At any school-sponsored event
- In a correctional facility
- In a law enforcement facility
- In a parade, picket line, demonstration, or funeral procession
- In a federal or state office building
- In a courthouse
- On private property that prohibits open or concealed carry guns
- Anyplace a gun is barred under federal law
Concealed Carry Permits and Alcohol
For those with concealed carry permits, you may be able to carry your weapon in places that sell alcohol. However, if you carry a concealed weapon away from your own property when you are consuming alcohol or while you have alcohol or any other illegal substance in your blood, you may face criminal charges.
Consequences for North Carolina Gun Carry Violations
Gun carry law violations can be serious. If you’re a gun owner, then sometimes having a permit to carry a concealed weapon won’t be enough to keep you from getting in trouble, so make sure you know where you can and cannot take your concealed weapons.
In North Carolina, it is a misdemeanor to carry a concealed weapon without a permit. The sentencing structure in North Carolina does consider your criminal history and the particular facts surrounding your case.
Due to this, penalties for gun carry violations such as concealed weapons can vary, which makes having a competent and experienced attorney to represent you even more important.
