Violating the Concealed Carry Law in Charlotte Is a Criminal Offense With Serious Penalties

Who Is Ineligible for a Concealed Carry Permit in North Carolina

Some people will not qualify to receive a concealed weapon permit in North Carolina. They include:

• Individuals under 21 years old
• Individuals who have been convicted of DWI within three years of the date of the application
• Fugitives of the law
• Individuals who are unlawful users or addicted to drugs or alcohol
• Individuals who have been adjudicated as having a physical or mental disability that prevents them from handling a weapon
• Individuals charged with or convicted of a felony, violent crimes, and other disqualifying criminal offenses
• Individuals who are discharged from the U.S. Armed Forces with less than an honorable discharge

Penalties for Violating North Carolina’s Concealed Weapons Laws

You could be charged with a misdemeanor or felony for carrying a concealed weapon without a permit. Keep in mind that there are other separate offenses that you may be charged with for violations of other laws, such as carrying a firearm onto school grounds or in a courtroom.

North Carolina follows a complicated sentencing structure, with the length of punishment and severity being based on certain factors that include a person’s prior criminal record. You could face these punishments if convicted of violating the concealed firearms permit statute:

• First offense. A first-time conviction would be a Class 2 misdemeanor. The sentence range is between 1 and 60 days, which can include a jail sentence and fine. If you have no prior conviction, the sentence may be up to 30 days and would most likely be a form of community punishment.
• Second or subsequent offense. If you are convicted for a second or subsequent violation of this law, you would face Class H felony charges. The possible sentence range is between 4 and 25 months and can include a prison sentence.