July 6, 2015 In today’s world, many people see society as being extremely dangerous. Random shootings have become the norm in movie theaters, schools, and shopping malls, leading to needless tragedies on an almost daily basis. Due to violence such as this, many people are choosing to obtain concealed carry licenses that allow them to carry handguns with them wherever they go. However, occasionally people forget to have their licenses with them when out in public, and the result can be an arrest for carrying a concealed weapon. For those charged with this offense, the legal ramifications can be severe. Punishments Depending on the state where the offense took place and the circumstances surrounding the arrest, the crime can be considered either a felony or misdemeanor. If convicted, the sentence can include a combination of fines, jail time, and probation. Fines for this can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars, with judges having much leeway to decide these. Jail time, which can range from several days for a misdemeanor to possibly several years in prison for a felony charge, can also be part of the equation. But in many cases where the main problem was simply not having the license with them at the time, persons convicted of this may be put on probation for up to one year. This is often viewed as a reasonable compromise to jail time, and helps eliminate potential jail sentences. Proving Concealment To be convicted of carrying a concealed weapon, prosecutors must prove that the weapon was actually concealed. Again, the definition of concealed can vary from state to state. Some states require a weapon to be entirely visible to anyone, while some define concealment as having any part of the weapon hidden from view. Because these cases often come down to the circumstances surrounding the incident, the definition of concealment can be the key in determining guilt or innocence. Legal Recourse Generally, cases such as these can be difficult to prove. For persons who have no prior criminal record and do have a valid concealed carry license, punishments are generally limited to fines. However, because laws do vary, it’s best to speak with a criminal defense attorney who has worked cases such as these in the past. By retaining legal counsel that understands the concealed carry laws in your state, chances are good that a simple misunderstanding won’t result in significant punishment.