Precautions to Take When Exercising Open Carry Rights in Wisconsin

 Posted on August 12, 2020 in Gun Violations

The topic of gun control in the United States is often debated between those people who want stricter legislation and those citizens who want to protect their constitutional rights. In Wisconsin, legal gun owners are allowed to openly carry a loaded firearm in most public places without a special license. However, anyone exercising their Second Amendment right to bear arms should be aware that there are certain public areas in which Wisconsin does not permit the open carry of guns. It is important to be aware of the laws in order to avoid weapons violations that may lead to criminal charges.

Exceptions to Wisconsin’s Open Carry Law

In the interest of public safety, Wisconsin law specifies some public locations in which the open carry of a firearm is not permitted. These places include:

• Government-owned properties: Except for peace officers, on-duty military personnel, and a few other special cases, open carry is not allowed in a police station, jail, prison, courthouse, or any federal property.

• Establishments that sell alcohol: Open carry is not permitted for most Wisconsin citizens in bars, liquor stores, or restaurants that serve alcoholic beverages, although there are exceptions for gun and sportsmen’s clubs.

• School zones: The open carry of a firearm is not allowed on or within 1,000 feet of the property of any school providing education for students in grades 1 through 12.

The potential consequences for an open carry violation in one of these areas vary depending on the type of location. For example, carrying a firearm in a state-owned building or a business that serves or sells alcohol may result in Class A misdemeanor charges with a fine up to $10,000 and imprisonment up to nine months. Openly carrying in a school zone can result in Class I felony charges with imprisonment up to three years and six months, and firing a gun in a school zone can result in more serious Class G felony charges with fines up to $25,000 and up to 10 years in prison.

If you have been arrested for any type of firearm violation, a skilled criminal defense attorney can help you understand your rights and determine a defense strategy with the goal of proving your innocence or lowering your charges.

Contact a Racine County Criminal Defense Attorney

At Bucher Law Group, LLC, we want to help responsible gun owners protect their rights to possess and carry firearms, and we believe that anyone facing charges for a weapons violation is entitled to a qualified defense team. We can fight on your behalf to obtain a fair outcome, whether that means an innocent verdict or a plea deal that allows you to avoid severe penalties. Contact us today at 262-303-4916 to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Waukesha County criminal defense lawyer.

Sources:

https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/66/IV/0409/6

https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/941/III/23

https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/948/605

https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/939/IV/51