CONCEALED CARRY
MISSISSIPPI FIREARM AND CONCEALED CARRY FAQ
What is “concealed”?
By statute, “concealed” means hidden or obscured from common observation. Concealed does not include a pistol in a belt holster or shoulder holster that is wholly or partially visible.
May I carry a concealed firearm in Mississippi?
In most circumstances you must have a permit in order to carry a concealed weapon. However, if you are over the age of 18 years, it is not a against the law to carry a concealed weapon within the confines of your own home or place of business, or any real property associated with your home or business or within any motor vehicle. It is also not a violation for you to carry a firearm or deadly weapon concealed if you are engaged in a legitimate weapon-related sports activity or are going to or returning from such activity. This specifically exempts hunting, fishing, target shooting or any other legal sports activity which normally involves the use of a firearm or other weapon.
What is a concealed carry permit?
A concealed carry permit allows you to carry a concealed firearm with certain limitations. The Mississippi Department of Public Safety is authorized to issue a concealed carry license to carry stun guns, concealed pistols or revolvers to qualified persons.
What are the qualifications for a concealed carry permit in Mississippi?
The qualifications include things like being a resident of Mississippi for twelve (12) months or longer; being twenty-one (21) years of age or older; not being a convicted felon; not being an abuser of drugs or alcohol.
What limitations are there with a concealed carry permit?
- The licensee must carry the license, together with valid identification, at all times while carrying a concealed weapon.
- Despite having a concealed carry permit, there are many places that you may not carry. Some of these include police stations; jails; courthouses; polling places; government meetings; schools; colleges; professional athletic events; any portion of an establishment, licensed to dispense alcoholic beverages.
- Concealed carry may also be disallowed in any place in the discretion of the person or entity exercising control over the physical location of such place by the placing of a written notice clearly readable at a distance of not less than ten (10) feet that the “carrying of a pistol or revolver is prohibited.”
- With additional training you may obtain an endorsement which expands the places where you may carry concealed.
What about mace?
“Mace” generally is not considered to be a “deadly” weapon, within the meaning of this statute. Op.Atty.Gen. No. 93-0865.
What is Mississippi’s parking lot statute?
Mississippi’s parking lot statute is Miss. Code Ann. Section 45-9-55. It provides that a public or private employer may not enforce a rule that prohibits a person from transporting or storing a firearm in a locked vehicle in a parking lot, parking garage or other designated area. Exceptions include situations where an employer has a secured parking area, company vehicles, and when the possession is prohibited by state or federal law.
Contact an Experienced Firearms Defense Lawyer
If you have been arrested and charged with a firearm or weapon violation, it is important to hire the right lawyers. Failure to do so can lead to the loss of your freedom, heavy fines and loss of your gun rights.
To discuss how our law firm can help you, or to set up a confidential consultation, contact us online or call our office locally at 601-957-3101.
[photo by Hustvedt via GNU Free Documentation License]