While Georgia is considered one of the more gun-friendly states in the country, it is still possible to get into a great deal of legal trouble if you are arrested for a gun-related crime. You should understand how the Georgia gun laws can affect you, especially in regard to the penalties you could face if convicted. The help of a Georgia gun crime attorney during this ordeal cannot be overstated, and there may be a lot they can do for your defense. The more you know, the better.
The most important thing you can do for yourself after being arrested for a gun crime is hire a gun crime lawyer to represent your interests and provide you with consistent and reliable advice throughout. A gun crime case may be taken very seriously by the courts, depending on the details. You could be looking at severe gun crime penalties if you’re not careful with your defense. Our firm can help you determine the right course of action for your case.
Georgia Gun Laws
Georgia’s gun laws are not that harsh when compared to other states in the country, but that doesn’t mean they don’t exist. According to recent data from the United States Sentencing Commission, there were over 230 criminal sentences given across the state in 2024 for firearms offenses alone. When applicable, the state takes gun crimes very seriously. Here are some of the major Georgia gun laws that may apply to you and your situation:
- Constitutional carry. One of the most significant gun laws in Georgia is the right for state residents 21 years old or older to carry a firearm, openly or concealed, without a license. As of 2022, state-issued permits are not required to carry a weapon. If you’re in the military, the age minimum is 18, not 21.
- WCL requirements. While permitless carry is generally allowed in the state, weapons carry licenses (WCLs) are still issued. Applicants for a WCL must be at least 21 years old, be United States citizens, and pass a criminal background check. If you are a convicted felon or have certain types of drug convictions on your record, you won’t be able to get a WCL or legally purchase a gun in the state.
- Prohibited locations. There are certain areas in Georgia where guns are absolutely prohibited, and bringing one on the premises can result in serious legal consequences. These prohibited locations include schools, courtrooms, prisons, nuclear power plants, and government buildings. The violent crime rate in Georgia in 2024 was 326 per 100,000 people, which was lower than the national average.
- Illegal possession. Federal gun laws prohibit any convicted felon from purchasing or possessing a firearm. These laws also apply to Georgia. If you have a felony record and you are caught with a firearm, you may end up serving a mandatory minimum sentence in prison. The amount of time you could serve depends on whether the previous felony you were convicted of was forcible or not.
Restoration of Gun Rights in Georgia
If you are a convicted felon, there may be a way to have your gun rights restored through the Georgia Board of Pardons and Paroles. If you are a convicted sex offender, the process will be slightly different. If you abide by the following requirements, you may qualify for a renewal of your gun rights:
- You have to wait a minimum of five years after completing your sentence before applying.
- During those five years, you must live a totally law-abiding life. That means no criminal convictions of any kind.
- You cannot have any pending criminal charges at the time of your application.
- All court-ordered fines and restitution payments must be paid in full.
- You must submit an application after fulfilling these requirements. Even then, there are no guarantees.
FAQs
What Are the Gun Laws in Georgia?
The gun laws in Georgia prioritize the Second Amendment right to bear arms and allow for constitutional carry. Georgia citizens over the age of 21 who aren’t convicted felons can carry a firearm without a license. Guns are still not permitted in certain locations. Georgia recognizes concealed carry permits from other states through reciprocal agreements. If you are charged with a firearm offense, you should contact a lawyer immediately.
Do You Need a Permit to Carry a Gun in a Car in Georgia?
No, you do not need a permit to carry a gun in a car in Georgia. Georgia’s constitutional carry law allows any legal adult without a felony conviction to carry a gun, concealed or openly. This includes keeping a gun in your car. A firearm in your car can be in a compartment, on the console, or simply on your person.
Where Are Guns Not Allowed in Georgia?
There are many different locations where you cannot carry a gun in Georgia. These sensitive locations include any government building, courthouses, jails and prisons, nuclear power facilities, secured airport areas, and polling locations during an election. Some schools have also become gun-free zones. Additionally, you can’t carry a gun on anyone’s private property if they have explicitly forbidden firearms. If you’re arrested for violating these laws, call a lawyer.
Should I Hire a Gun Crime Lawyer?
Yes, you should hire a gun crime lawyer. Anytime you are dealing with a legal issue, especially a criminal one, you should call a lawyer for help. Criminal defense cases can easily become unpredictable, and the stakes may be high for you. Having a quality lawyer on your side can change things for the better and give you a much better chance of having the charges against you dropped or at least reduced.
Why Hire a Gun Crime Lawyer?
There are countless reasons why you should hire a gun crime lawyer when you are facing gun charges. Above all, having a quality lawyer like Adam M. Cain on your side can give you peace of mind that your case is being handled by someone who knows what they’re doing and cares about the outcome just as much as you do. Adam M. Cain has decades of experience handling state and federal defense cases. Contact us for help with your situation.
