Madison Criminal Defense Attorney explains Wisconsin’s concealed carry laws

Wisconsin, like many states, allows concealed carry. This gives you the right, if you follow the legal requirements, to carry a concealed weapon in the state. This right comes with limits that you need to understand. If you carry when or where it is not allowed, you can be arrested despite Wisconsin’s concealed carry law.

What Does “Concealed Weapon” Include?

A concealed weapon may be a gun, but it includes other weapons as well. A knife, a stun gun, and many other weapons fall within the meaning of the law. Further, “concealed” under the statute does not limit applicability to a completely hidden weapon. If you have a weapon sticking out of your pocket, tucked into your pants, or partially covered under your shirt, it qualifies as a concealed weapon.

Who Can Carry a Concealed Weapon?

You don’t have an automatic right to carry a concealed weapon in Wisconsin. Before you can do so, you have to fill out an application and submit it to the Wisconsin Department of Justice. After you fill it out, you wait for the DOJ to process and evaluate your application. If you are approved, you will receive a concealed carry permit in the mail. To obtain approval to carry a firearm, you have to be at least 21 and show that you completed required gun safety training. Further, some criminal convictions or federal disqualifications can keep you from being approved.

Not an Absolute Right

Once you receive your permit, there are still limitations. You cannot carry a concealed weapon inside schools, bars, or government buildings. In addition, any business can post a sign that it does not allow concealed weapons, and you have to abide by that direction. Finally, you can be arrested for carrying a firearm if you are intoxicated.

If you need help working through the requirements for concealed carry in Wisconsin, or get in trouble for a concealed carry violation, legal help is available. Contact Eisenberg Law Offices online or at (608)256-8356 to learn more.