While the Obama administration calls for more stringent restrictions on access to guns, Oklahoma lawmakers are introducing dozens of bills that would make it easier for people to carry firearms in the state, even into state parks, public schools and government meetings. Understanding gun laws in Oklahoma is important, as being convicted on weapons charges, …
While the Obama administration calls for more stringent restrictions on access to guns, Oklahoma lawmakers are introducing dozens of bills that would make it easier for people to carry firearms in the state, even into state parks, public schools and government meetings. Understanding gun laws in Oklahoma is important, as being convicted on weapons charges, like unlawful possession of a firearm, can have serious consequences in Oklahoma, including time in jail, hefty fines and more. If you are facing charges for a weapons-related crime in the state of Oklahoma, don’t hesitate to protect your legal rights. Contact our criminal defense attorneys at Oklahoma Legal Center to discuss your defense options and work to possibly have your charges reduced or even dismissed altogether.
Strong Push to Approve Gun Laws in Oklahoma
More than two dozen bills designed to expand gun rights were filed in the Senate before the bill filing deadline on January 17, and nearly that many were prepared in the House. “Clearly in Oklahoma we are strong supporters of gun rights and gun ownership rights, and I think you’re going to see a lot of legislation protecting that, whether it’s my bill or other bills that are out there,” said Sen. Patrick Anderson, R-Enid. Anderson has proposed a bill that would protect guns and ammunition made in Oklahoma from federal regulations. Freshman Sen. Nathan Dahm takes that notion one step further, arguing that the federal government has no right to regulate firearms in Oklahoma at all, that any attempt to do so “shall be considered null and void and of no effect in this state,” and that violators would face up to five years in prison.
Our Criminal Defense Attorneys Can Help
Dahm also wants any law-abiding resident of Oklahoma to be authorized to carry a gun, and believes that Oklahomans over the age of 21 should be able to carry a gun in their vehicle without a permit. A successful proposal backed by Rep. Steve Martin, R-Bartlesville, and instituted on November 1, 2012, allows Oklahomans with a gun license to openly carry a firearm. As chairman of the House Public Safety Committee, Martin can have a say in whether any of the 2013 gun bills will be addressed this year, although he voiced concerns about expanding the open carry law just yet. If you have been charged with a weapons offense in Oklahoma City, or elsewhere in Oklahoma, your first course of action should be to contact our knowledgeable criminal defense lawyers at Oklahoma Legal Center. With the help of our experienced attorneys, you can ensure that your legal rights are protected and you can build a strong defense in your case.