Introduction :- Is it Legal to Carry HandGuns in West Virginia at 18?
Is it Legal to Carry HandGuns in West Virginia at 18?:- It is debatable whether it is safe to carry weapons for protection and both sides have their points of view. Some claim that owning a gun gives you the ability to defend yourself from danger and criminals. Some contend that the presence of firearms increases the likelihood of accidents and greater violence. West Virginia is a state where permits are not required for carry.
For US citizens who are at least 21 years old and who are lawfully permitted to own a handgun under both state and federal law, concealed carry is permitted in West Virginia without a permit.
The sheriff’s office issues concealed carry permits at the county level. In accordance with federal and state legislation, the right to carry weapons has restrictions, guidelines, and limits. Each state has its own gun laws that specify how, when, and reasons why a person may own a certain sort of weapon.
If you want to carry a gun in West Virginia, you must be well-versed with the state’s existing regulations. An anyone who violates a gun law may face serious penalties, including fines and jail time. An extremely significant personal injury might result from breaking a weapons law.
Constitutional Provisions Regarding Gun Carrying in West Virginia
A person has the right to keep and bear weapons for the protection of oneself, one’s family, one’s home, and one’s state, as well as for legitimate hunting and recreational usage, according to a West Virginia constitutional clause. There is no waiting time necessary in West Virginia for the purchase of a weapon. Additionally, no license is necessary to acquire a handgun.
West Virginia allows open carry without a permit. If a person is 18 years old and can lawfully own a handgun under both state and federal law, open carry is acceptable. Open carry is permitted without a license or permission.
A person must be at least 21 years old, a citizen of the United States, or a resident of the country with legal permission to own a handgun under state and federal law in order to carry a concealed weapon without a license.
An 18 to 20-year-old must have a Provisional Concealed Handgun License (CHL) in order to carry a concealed weapon. Residents and service members stationed permanently in West Virginia are given West Virginia CHLs. Residents of other states are also granted permission by West Virginia. However, only revolvers and pistols are eligible for concealed weapon permits.
The state’s primary firearm regulations are found in West Virginia Code Chapter 61, Article 7. Comparatively speaking, West Virginia has less restrictive gun restrictions than other states and bearing of guns is constitutionally permitted.
If the person is at least 18 years old and does not qualify for one of the exceptions to the law, they are allowed to carry a handgun. Licenses are not required for qualified people to buy or openly carry weapons.
West Virginia’s Legal Minimum Age to Possess Hand Guns
Anyone under the age of eighteen who is not married or otherwise emancipated is prohibited from owning a dangerous weapon. However, there are several instances in which a person under the age of 18 is allowed to carry a lethal weapon, even a concealable handgun.
When a person is traveling between locations where they are allowed to lawfully possess a firearm, they may do so while on private property if they have the consent of their parent or legal guardian as well as the property owner.
To carry a concealed weapon without a license, one must be at least 21 years old, a citizen of the United States, or a resident of the nation with legal authorization to own a firearm under state and federal law.
In order to carry a concealed handgun, a person must be between the ages of 18 and 20 and obtain a Provisional Concealed Handgun License (CHL). West Virginia CHLs are awarded to locals and service members who are stationed there continuously.
West Virginia also gives permission to citizens of other states. However, concealed weapon licenses are only available for revolvers and pistols.
As long as they are not barred from doing so by state or federal law, everyone who is 18 years of age or older and resides in West Virginia is allowed to own a firearm. In order to carry a concealed firearm in West Virginia, a person must be at least 21 years old and possess a current permission granted by the state. To carry a concealed firearm in public, there are a few limitations and criteria.
Restrictions on Possessing a Firearm in West Virginia
Even though there is no legal requirement of license or official approval to carry guns if you’re eligible by age, however few restrictions are there on possession of firearms in West Virginia.
- People who have been found guilty in any court of a crime that carries a sentence of imprisonment longer than one year
- Those who regularly abuse alcohol.
- Those who regularly use illegally obtained controlled substances or who are addicted to them.
- people who are foreign nationals in the country illegally or ill-advisedly.
- individuals who have been deemed mentally unable or who have been forcibly admitted to a mental hospital.
- Those who are covered by a protection order against domestic abuse.
- people who are foreign nationals in the country illegally or ill-advisedly.
- People who have been found guilty of domestic violence or assault, a minor charge.
- Those who received a dishonorable discharge from the military.
- Those who are covered by a protection order against domestic abuse.
- People who have been found guilty of domestic violence or assault, a minor charge.
Additionally, unless a person has completely followed with all applicable federal laws, rules, and regulations, carrying, transporting, or possessing any machine gun, submachine gun, or other fully automatic weapon is prohibited in West Virginia.
Conclusion
There are several variables to take into account when determining whether it is acceptable to carry a handgun in West Virginia at the age of 18. Although owning a pistol at this age is lawful, there are certain guidelines and regulations for doing so in public. Being at least 21 years old and holding a current, state-issued concealed carry permit are two of these criteria.
It is essential to remember that state-by-state variations in gun regulations may occur. As a result, it’s critical to keep up with any modifications or additions to West Virginia’s laws governing gun ownership and carry.
The proper handling, storage, and use of the handgun are only a few of the considerable duties that come with gun ownership. Anyone thinking about getting a gun should take the time to learn about these obligations and make sure they are ready to handle them responsibly.