What to Know About Carrying a Gun in Wisconsin

 Posted on March 29, 2018 in Gun Violations

If you own a gun, you should have a thorough understanding of the gun laws in Wisconsin. By failing to follow the laws, you can face criminal charges such as heavy fines, jail time, and a permanent criminal record that can negatively impact your career, relationships, and future. Let’s take a closer look at the details of Wisconsin gun laws.

Wisconsin Gun Law Basics

Since Wisconsin is an open carry state, you may carry a loaded gun in public. You do not need a license or permit to carry a gun in a public setting. When anyone can see a gun that you are carrying, you are considered an open gun carrier.

If you would like to open carry, you must be at least 18 years of age. While permits are not necessary to carry a gun openly, you must obtain a license to carry a concealed weapon. It’s important to note that Wisconsin cities do not have the right to create gun possession laws that go against the state’s open carry laws. 

Where Is Open Carrying Prohibited?

Although Wisconsin does allow you to open loaded guns in public, there are some places where it is illegal to carry a loaded gun openly, even if you have earned a concealed weapons license. You do not have the right to openly carry a gun in these locations:

• A police station
• A courthouse
• A correctional facility
• Airport areas that are behind security checkpoints
• Secured areas of mental health institutions
• In addition, you are not allowed to carry a gun that is open or concealed in school settings because of federal laws. 

Open Carry and Disorderly Conduct

Before 2011, open carry was not defined in Wisconsin laws. Therefore, several jurisdictions prosecuted individuals who were openly carrying guns under the disorderly conduct provision. This is because there was a theory that seeing someone carrying a gun was disruptive. In 2011, however, the disorderly conduct statute was revised to allow open carry unless there are other facts and circumstances that signify a criminal or malicious intent. 

Reach Out to Our Waukesha County Gun Violation Attorneys Today

If you have any questions about carrying a gun in Wisconsin or have been charged for a gun violation, we encourage you to contact us today to speak to our experienced Waukesha County gun violation attorneys.

Source:

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