Weapons charges in North Carolina range from a misdemeanor for carrying concealed without a permit to serious felonies for possession by a felon or using a firearm in another offense. Many begin with a traffic stop and a search, and many turn on whether that search was lawful.
Weapons charges in North Carolina
Carrying a concealed handgun without a permit is a Class 2 misdemeanor for a first offense in North Carolina and a Class H felony for a second. Possession of a firearm by a felon is a Class G felony that carries active prison time for most defendants under structured sentencing, regardless of how old the prior felony is. Carrying a weapon on school property is a Class I felony for firearms and a Class 1 misdemeanor for other weapons.
Other common charges include going armed to the terror of the public, discharging a firearm into occupied property (Class E felony, or Class D if someone is inside the vehicle or building), possession of a weapon of mass death and destruction (which includes short-barreled shotguns and certain modified firearms), and possession of a firearm while subject to a domestic violence protective order (Class H felony). Any felony committed with a firearm can add 72 months under the firearm enhancement.
Defenses
Whether you 'possessed' the weapon at all, whether a search of the car or home was lawful, whether the weapon meets the statutory definition, and whether you fall within an exemption are all live questions. We also look hard at how the state proves knowledge: a gun under a seat in a borrowed car is not automatically yours.
Collateral consequences
A felony weapons conviction ends your right to possess firearms. Even a misdemeanor concealed-carry conviction can affect permits and employment. Where the facts allow, we push for dismissal or a reduction to an offense that doesn't carry those consequences.
Charged? We're here now. Phones are answered 24/7. Don't give a statement, don't post about it, and call us before your first court date.
Call (704) 842-3411Request a free case reviewCommon questions
I have a concealed carry permit from another state. Does North Carolina honor it?
North Carolina recognizes valid concealed handgun permits issued by any other state, as long as the permit holder follows North Carolina's rules on where carrying is prohibited and on notifying officers during a stop. Problems typically arise around prohibited locations, alcohol, and vehicles. Check the current statute, since the legislature has changed carry rules in recent sessions.
Can I get my gun rights back after a felony?
North Carolina allows a person with a single nonviolent felony conviction to petition for restoration of firearm rights 20 years after their civil rights were restored, under G.S. 14-415.4. Expungement of a nonviolent felony under 15A-145.5 may also restore state rights. Federal law has its own rules. We review your record and tell you which path, if any, applies.
What if the gun was legally owned but I was charged anyway?
Lawful ownership doesn't resolve a carrying, location or status charge, but it matters to intent and to how a prosecutor views the case. Bring us the purchase record and permit paperwork on the first call.
This page provides general information about North Carolina law. It is not legal advice, and reading it or contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship. Every case is different and no outcome is guaranteed.