Oklahoma’s new open carry law is set to take effect on November 1, at which point any Oklahoman with a permit to carry a concealed weapon will be allowed to carry their gun in full view. Although the training and background check currently required to carry a concealed weapon will remain the same, after November …
Oklahoma’s new open carry law is set to take effect on November 1, at which point any Oklahoman with a permit to carry a concealed weapon will be allowed to carry their gun in full view. Although the training and background check currently required to carry a concealed weapon will remain the same, after November 1, Oklahoma will join 43 other states in allowing Oklahomans to carry a weapon hidden under their clothes or in plain view. There are some exceptions to this rule, as businesses may continue to ban firearms on their premises, and the Senate bill prohibits carrying firearms on properties owned by the city, state or federal government, in schools or college campuses, at corrections facilities, and at sporting arenas. In addition, those convicted of felony offenses and certain misdemeanors in Oklahoma are not eligible for a handgun license under the new legislation.
OK Governor Supports Open Carry Bill
“As a strong supporter of the Second Amendment and a gun owner myself, I’m happy to sign this bill into law and grant law-abiding citizens the ability to openly carry firearms,” said Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin. “Senate Bill 1733 sends a strong message that Oklahoma values the rights of its citizens to defend themselves, their family and their property. It does so in a responsible way, by requiring those citizens who choose to open carry to undergo both firearms training and a background check.” In order to obtain a license under the Oklahoma Self-Defense Act, a person must must take a firearms safety and training course, and must also submit to a background check by the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation.
Concerns About the New Weapons Law
The new open carry legislation has met both approval and criticism by Oklahoma residents, but despite concerns on the part of the bill’s opponents, Oklahoma’s open carry law will take effect in less than a month. In the interim and after the law goes into effect, a group called the Oklahoma Open Carry Association hopes to educate police officers and Oklahoma citizens about how the new law works. More than 130,000 Oklahomans currently have a permit to carry a concealed weapon, and the new bill signed into law by Governor Fallin affects every one of them, allowing them to openly carry a weapon in the state.
Contact Our Criminal Defense Attorneys Today
Being convicted of a misdemeanor or felony offense in Oklahoma can result in a loss of many of your civil rights, including your ability to carry a weapon under Senate Bill 1733. If you are facing criminal charges in Oklahoma, contact our qualified criminal defense attorneys at Oklahoma Legal Center as soon as possible. Our Oklahoma City law firm employs skilled and reputable criminal defense lawyers, and our criminal defense team can help you build a strong defense in your criminal case. Too often, the rights of defendants are taken advantage of by aggressive prosecutors seeking a conviction; with our experienced criminal defense attorneys on your side, you can ensure that your legal rights are protected and significantly improve your chances of a favorable outcome in your case.