Walk It Through: Errands with a Pistol
A holstered pistol on a Saturday, a school pickup, drinks at dinner, and a visiting niece that night.
An adult with no criminal record keeps a pistol in a holster and has errands to run across town.
Two things a person in this spot might do. Picking one shows what the law says about it.
One adult with no record carrying a pistol on errands. Federal property, a business that posts a sign, and carrying in another state are not worked through here.
A practice walkthrough, not a prediction of how any real one will go. Legal information, not legal advice.
Words this turns on
Terms with a legal meaning that is narrower than the everyday one. Each links to the definition and the authority behind it.
- Class D felonyThe lowest class of felony, with up to five years and a fine of $1,025 to $10,245; a felony declared without a class is a class D felony.
- Going armedCarrying a dangerous weapon on or about the person, which is an aggravated misdemeanor when the weapon is used in the commission of a crime.
- Serious misdemeanorThe middle level of misdemeanor, with a fine of $430 to $2,560 and up to one year in jail.
- Aggravated misdemeanorThe highest level of misdemeanor, with up to two years and a fine of $855 to $8,540 where no specific penalty is given.
- Dangerous weaponAny firearm, a knife with a blade over five inches, a stun device, and anything used in a way showing intent to kill or seriously injure.
- Operating while intoxicatedDriving while under the influence of alcohol or another drug, with an alcohol concentration of .08 or more, or with any amount of a controlled substance in the blood or urine.
- Reasonable forceThe force a reasonable person would judge necessary to prevent an injury or loss, which can include deadly force when that is reasonably believed necessary to avoid injury or risk to life or safety.