National Carry AcademyWhen Do You Need To Let Others Know You’re Carrying a Concealed Handgun?
February 1, 2019
As a rule, it is no one’s business that you have a concealed carry weapon. After all, isn’t that what concealed is all about? However, there are some exceptions to this rule. Let’s explore them.
In no particular order, here are situations in which you must provide information about your conceal carry permit.
When Seeking Legal Counsel
If, for any reason, you have hired an attorney, you may find it wise to tell your lawyer that you have a permit and are carrying a concealed weapon. Certainly, you should admit to this if questioned about it. Your attorney may or may not need to know about your concealed handgun. If the subject comes up, be honest and straight-forward about it. It never pays to lie to your lawyer. He/she cannot provide the best legal counsel if you prevaricate.
At the Airport
Let’s say you are going through security at the airport and you suddenly remember that your concealed carry gun is in your carry-on case. Oops. What to do? If you are expecting TSA to think this is funny or forgive your forgetfulness, think again! Your best bet is to tell them immediately. Things can only get worse if you cross your finger, hold your breath, and hope they do not discover that weapon wrapped in your underwear. They will find it and your concealing (pun intended) that concealed carry weapon will neither amuse nor delight those TSA people.
Receiving Emergency Treatment
Here’s another scenario. You are injured in a car accident. An ambulance is called. The chances of EMTs not finding your concealed carry weapon are low if you are seriously injured. Tell them about your handgun before they start slitting the clothes off you. They will ask a member of the law enforcement present to take your weapon into custody. You can retrieve it after you are released from the hospital. Don’t even think about carrying a weapon into a hospital!
You’re in a vehicle that just got pulled over
Whether you’re the driver or a passenger, you need to reveal the fact that you are carrying a concealed weapon for which you have a permit. If you’re a passenger, it’s smart to tell the driver about your concealed weapon before law enforcement makes its approach. It may never come up if you’re a passenger. By law, in some states, you do not have to inform police of your concealed carry unless specifically asked. However, do not lie to the police if it comes up. And, don’t put the driver of the vehicle in a situation where he/she might inadvertently tell an untruth.
Some states require that you tell authorities about your concealed carry. Know whether that is the case.
Law enforcement asks if you have a gun.
Know your rights. Perhaps this is a good time to ask to speak to your attorney. Instead, you might inform the officer that you have a concealed carry handgun and a permit for it.
If you do not feel comfortable telling the police that you have a concealed weapon, in some states you have the right to refuse to answer. In some states, the officer has every right to ask this question. Know which state you’re in!
Social Occasions
Strictly speaking, it’s nobody’s business that you have a concealed carry pistol. However, you might way your right to carry against the repercussions of a date, your mother, your friend, your teacher, your in-laws, or your minister should discover you have a gun. People have widely differing views on guns. Sometimes it is wisest to divulge this information…..or leave your weapon safely locked up in your gun safe.
Conclusion
Those with a concealed carry permit often think that what others don’t know can’t hurt them. Their permit gives them both the right to carry a weapon and the privilege of not disclosing that they have this weapon on their person.
However, there are some instances when specific people need to know that you have the right to conceal carry. It is important that you know what these instances are and that you disclose this information.
When Do You Need To Let Others Know You’re Carrying a Concealed Handgun?
February 1, 2019
As a rule, it is no one’s business that you have a concealed carry weapon. After all, isn’t that what concealed is all about? However, there are some exceptions to this rule. Let’s explore them.
In no particular order, here are situations in which you must provide information about your conceal carry permit.
When Seeking Legal Counsel
If, for any reason, you have hired an attorney, you may find it wise to tell your lawyer that you have a permit and are carrying a concealed weapon. Certainly, you should admit to this if questioned about it. Your attorney may or may not need to know about your concealed handgun. If the subject comes up, be honest and straight-forward about it. It never pays to lie to your lawyer. He/she cannot provide the best legal counsel if you prevaricate.
At the Airport
Let’s say you are going through security at the airport and you suddenly remember that your concealed carry gun is in your carry-on case. Oops. What to do? If you are expecting TSA to think this is funny or forgive your forgetfulness, think again! Your best bet is to tell them immediately. Things can only get worse if you cross your finger, hold your breath, and hope they do not discover that weapon wrapped in your underwear. They will find it and your concealing (pun intended) that concealed carry weapon will neither amuse nor delight those TSA people.
Receiving Emergency Treatment
Here’s another scenario. You are injured in a car accident. An ambulance is called. The chances of EMTs not finding your concealed carry weapon are low if you are seriously injured. Tell them about your handgun before they start slitting the clothes off you. They will ask a member of the law enforcement present to take your weapon into custody. You can retrieve it after you are released from the hospital. Don’t even think about carrying a weapon into a hospital!
You’re in a vehicle that just got pulled over
Whether you’re the driver or a passenger, you need to reveal the fact that you are carrying a concealed weapon for which you have a permit. If you’re a passenger, it’s smart to tell the driver about your concealed weapon before law enforcement makes its approach. It may never come up if you’re a passenger. By law, in some states, you do not have to inform police of your concealed carry unless specifically asked. However, do not lie to the police if it comes up. And, don’t put the driver of the vehicle in a situation where he/she might inadvertently tell an untruth.
Some states require that you tell authorities about your concealed carry. Know whether that is the case.
Law enforcement asks if you have a gun.
Know your rights. Perhaps this is a good time to ask to speak to your attorney. Instead, you might inform the officer that you have a concealed carry handgun and a permit for it.
If you do not feel comfortable telling the police that you have a concealed weapon, in some states you have the right to refuse to answer. In some states, the officer has every right to ask this question. Know which state you’re in!
Social Occasions
Strictly speaking, it’s nobody’s business that you have a concealed carry pistol. However, you might way your right to carry against the repercussions of a date, your mother, your friend, your teacher, your in-laws, or your minister should discover you have a gun. People have widely differing views on guns. Sometimes it is wisest to divulge this information…..or leave your weapon safely locked up in your gun safe.
Conclusion
Those with a concealed carry permit often think that what others don’t know can’t hurt them. Their permit gives them both the right to carry a weapon and the privilege of not disclosing that they have this weapon on their person.
However, there are some instances when specific people need to know that you have the right to conceal carry. It is important that you know what these instances are and that you disclose this information.