Nevada stands out with its distinctive gun laws, allowing open carry under specific circumstances. However, just because it's legal doesn’t mean it’s without limits. Strict regulations dictate where firearms can be carried and how they must be handled. Violating these rules can lead to severe consequences, including hefty fines or even imprisonment.
At Miley Law in Las Vegas, we’ve spent over 20 years defending the rights of firearm owners. We’ll work tirelessly to protect your freedoms, challenge the charges against you, and guide you through the complexities of Nevada’s firearm laws.
Understanding your rights is vital in avoiding legal trouble. If you find yourself in need of expert legal representation, trust Miley Law to stand in your corner and fight for your future.
What Does Nevada Law Say About Open Carry?
As an “open carry” state, Nevada permits residents to hold their guns on them in a visible location nearly anywhere. While there are still places where firearms are prohibited and concealing your weapon without a permit is a crime, you are legally allowed to holster your visible weapon on your person.
Permitted Locations for Open Carry
While you can openly carry your weapon on your person through most parts of Nevada, you need to be at least 18 years old, cannot be under the influence of alcohol with a BAC of 0.08%, and cannot have any felony convictions or protective orders filed against you. Due to the threat that guns pose when they are in the wrong hands, the penalties can be serious if the rules that govern them are violated.
In Nevada, you can open carry in these locations:
- In your car, with certain restrictions for long weapons
- Casinos, resorts and hotels
- Restaurants and bars without exceeding the BAC of 0.08%
- Shopping centers
- Public streets, sidewalks and parks
If your right to open carry is challenged in Nevada, having an experienced legal team by your side is essential to protecting your freedoms and ensuring a fair legal process. A skilled attorney can analyze your specific case, identify potential violations of your rights, and develop a strong legal strategy to defend you. Open carry laws can be complex, and navigating them without experienced legal guidance may lead to severe consequences, including fines, criminal charges, and even losing your firearm rights.
Prohibited Locations
To open carry your weapon in Nevada you need to be aware of the unique restrictions when it comes to where you are and are not allowed to bring your weapon.
Nevada open carry laws prohibit guns either openly or concealed carries in the following locations:
- Legislative buildings
- Schools or educational buildings
- Child care facilities
- Secure airport areas
- VA facilities
- Post offices
- Federal government buildings
It’s also important to note that as long as the state or federal law does not prohibit openly carrying in that location, you can carry your weapon. If a facility has placed a “no weapons” sign, it does not automatically declare it a gun-free zone. A property owner may have you trespassed for violating the request, but it does not make it illegal to carry your weapon openly.
When Open Carry Can Lead to Criminal Charges
Gun owners have a responsibility to open carry with care and to follow all the laws and restrictions applied. Failing to follow the law can result in serious criminal charges that can impact your freedoms for the rest of your life.
Some examples of when open carry can lead to criminal charges:
- Carrying a firearm in a prohibited location: Your responsibility as a gun owner is to understand where you can and cannot carry your weapon. If you carry your weapon into a prohibited building, such as a federal building or school, you can face a misdemeanor punishable by up to 6 months in jail and fines up to $1,000
- Being under the influence while carrying a firearm: Being over the BAC of 0.08% is considered a misdemeanor with up to a year of jail time and fines up to $1,000
- Brandishing a weapon in a threatening manner: This can lead to misdemeanor charges with penalties of up to one year of jail time and $1,000 fines
- Those who have a medical marijuana card: medical marijuana card holders can be considered prohibited persons and can face felony charges with up to four years in prison and fines up to $5,000
- Using the firearm in the commission of a crime: This faces felony charges with penalties of 10 years in prison and $10,000 in fines
Violations of open carry laws can jeopardize your firearm rights and leave you suffering from far-reaching consequences. It’s crucial to stay up to date with the gun laws of Nevada to ensure that you avoid these pitfalls.
Contact Miley Law for a Free Consultation
Navigating gun charges in a complex open-carry state like Nevada, can feel overwhelming, especially with the intricate web of laws and regulations surrounding firearm possession. Without a thorough understanding of the legal landscape, you could unknowingly risk severe penalties, jail time, and suspension of your right to carry. At Miley Law, we can ensure that your voice is heard, your rights are upheld, and no procedural errors compromise your case or your rights. Contact us today. With so much at stake, from your freedom to your reputation, having dedicated legal representation by Miley Law is a necessity.
