How Do Gun Laws Vary by State?
Although federal laws apply to every state in the country, other laws are up to the individual states themselves. One example of an area that states regulate on their own is gun control. Gun control laws may differ from state to state or region to region, but it’s your responsibility to know the laws in your area. Keep reading to see how gun laws vary by state.
North
Guns are regulated in many ways, but some states have much tighter and more specific regulations than others. The states in the Northeast tend to have the most regulations when it comes to gun control. Rhode Island, New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Washington, D.C. all require missing firearms to be reported. Most states in the Northeast also require locking devices, and some require permits for long guns, rifles, and handguns.
South
There is minimal gun regulation in the southern states. In states like Arizona, Utah, and Oklahoma, there are very few rules governing the carrying of any kind of gun, whether it is concealed or not. California and Florida are the only two states in the South that prohibit people from openly carrying handguns, but people can obtain permits to carry concealed weapons in both states.
Midwest
As is the case in the South, the Midwest doesn’t claim much control over the right to bear arms. Michigan and Ohio require that missing firearms be reported stolen, and they also require locking devices. However, Kansas, Wisconsin, Montana, and the Dakotas have no rules governing these facets of gun control. Illinois is also the only state that prohibits open and concealed carrying in the Midwest.
You’ll need a good lawyer if you’re arrested for a gun crime, which is why you should contact Janet Altschuler, Attorney at Law. It is Ms. Altschuler’s mission to protect your rights and reduce your punishment, whether you’re involved in a gun crime or caught possessing drugs. Give her office a call at (520) 247-1789 to learn more today.