North Carolina Gun Laws 2024 Explained

Edwards Law, PLLC

If you own a gun, you know that the laws are constantly changing. As new legislation is made and takes the place of old rules, it is essential that you understand current state laws surrounding your firearm. Doing so helps to promote safety within your community.

North Carolina has updated some aspects of its gun laws in recent months, allowing more freedom for responsible, legal gun owners.

Senate Bill 41

In late March of 2024, the North Carolina senate voted to eliminate mandatory background checks before purchasing a firearm. In the past, these background checks have been conducted by the sheriff’s office but will no longer be a requirement to purchase a gun.

Senate Bill 41 also allows licensed gun owners to bring their guns to a religious service if the service is hosted in the same building as a school. Previously, this would not have been possible, as firearms are banned from all North Carolina school properties. With this new law, concealed carry holders may legally bring their firearm into a school building if that school is adjacent to a place of worship that the gun holder is attending.

Purchasing a Gun

Under the terms of the Senate bill, there is no longer a need for background checks before purchasing a gun, eliminating one step toward gun ownership. However, there are still other criteria that you must meet before you can purchase a gun.

To be eligible to buy a gun, the purchaser must:

  • Be 18 years old or older
  • Have a felony-free record

Individuals who do not fit these criteria cannot legally own a gun, and gun retailers can get into legal trouble for selling a firearm to someone who does not meet the above requirements.

Firearm Defense Law

Though many gun owners are responsible, courts prosecute gun law violations very strictly. A small infraction can have lasting effects on your ability to own a firearm and have other far-reaching consequences for your personal and professional lives.

Every gun law crime has unique circumstances, but there are some types of gun offenses that are relatively common. They include:

  • Concealing a weapon with a permit that is expired or with no permit
  • Owning or handling a gun with a felony record
  • Bringing a gun onto a school property
  • Bringing a gun into an establishment that serves or sells alcohol
  • Transferring gun ownership incorrectly

If you are arrested for a gun law violation, it is important to act quickly. Do not speak with law enforcement or admit fault of any kind. Instead, contact your attorney right away. Gun law violations can have severe circumstances, but with an attorney’s help, you may be able to defend against the charges.

Firearm Defense Legal Help

If you have been accused of or arrested for a gun law violation, it is important to understand that you have options. With the help of a firearm defense attorney, you can refute the state’s claims and clear your name. This may preserve your ability to own firearms in the future and may prevent you from being incarcerated as well.

Under United States law, every person accused of a crime has the right to an attorney, and the state will provide one if the defendant cannot afford it. However, state-appointed public defenders are overworked and lack the proper time to spend with each client. As a result, many people who work with public defenders lose their claims, face longer incarceration periods, and suffer from poor plea deal terms.

Do not entrust your future and your freedom to a public defender. Rather, rely on a qualified private attorney from Doug Edwards Law, PLLC.

FAQs About North Carolina Gun Law

What Is the New Gun Law for North Carolina?

As of March 2024, individuals do not need to go through a background check to gain a permit from the sheriff in order to purchase a gun. With these two major requirements no longer enforced, individuals only need to be above the age of 18 and free of a felony record to legally purchase a firearm.

The law also states that concealed carry is permitted in churches even if the church is in the same building as a school.

Can I Carry a Gun Without a Permit in North Carolina?

Yes. If you are 18 years old or older, and you do not have a felony record, you may legally purchase a firearm, and you may open carry that weapon as long as you legally purchased it. If you wish to concealed carry your gun, you must apply for and be approved for a concealed carry permit. However, unlike some states, concealed carry is not the only way to bring your gun into public places, and open carry is allowed.

Do You Need a Permit for an AR-15 Pistol in NC?

No. Rifles, handguns, and shotguns do not require a permit in North Carolina. The only limitation on the type of gun that you may have is whether or not it is capable of fully automatic fire. You may not own a weapon that is capable of fully automatic fire without a permit or license to have such a firearm.

What Is the NC Constitutional Carry Bill 2024?

The NC Constitutional Carry Bill of 2024 states that a person can purchase a gun as long as they are a legal adult and do not have any felonies. Permits to carry a gun are no longer necessary under this bill, relieving sheriff’s offices of their responsibility to conduct background checks. The bill also states that a concealed carry permit allows the holder to bring their weapon to church, even if it is in the same building as a school.

Contact Doug Edwards Law, PLLC

If you have been accused of violating gun laws, it is important to work as hard as possible to maintain your innocence. Our team at Doug Edwards Law, PLLC, has many years of experience in this field, and we are confident that we can represent your interests.

For more information, contact Doug Edwards Law, PLLC, today.