Ignorance of the Law is no Excuse

Within the past year, several states have either made their state a constitutional carry state (like Texas) or removed the requirement to possess a concealed carry license (like Tennessee). One of the benefits of attending a conceal carry class is that you are at least made aware of some of the laws that will get you into serious trouble. One particular sticky point has gotten at least one of my friends in trouble.

A good list of for the Tennessee gun laws is available at https://tennesseefirearms.com/laws/tennessee-laws-and-statutes/ but this is a private site and may not be always current. To access to laws of Tennessee, you need to go to the Lexis Link available for free.

Where I have seen people get into trouble is when they have been drinking. In at least two states, the law does not define what being impaired is when associated with a gun. What this means to you is if you even have a drop of blood in you, the officer or the state has the ability to prosecute you to a higher standard. In at at last one case I know of what would have been a misdemeanor became a felony charge.

So learn you laws, and know can get you in trouble. Also if you are planning on drinking, leave the gun at home or at least lock it in a gun same in your car.