**This page is posted for historical reference only. Utah’s concealed carry laws have changed since this article was originally published. Please contact us directly if you have legal questions.**
Criminal Charges for Carrying a Concealed Weapon
Carrying a concealed weapon without a permit in Utah can result in criminal charges, jail or prison time, and thousands of dollars in fines. Based in Salt
Lake City, criminal defense attorney Stephen Howard has successfully represented thousands of clients facing serious criminal charges, with a track record of results that includes not guilty verdicts and dismissals on charges including aggravated robbery, aggravated assault, domestic violence, weapons charges, and more. If you are facing charges of carrying a concealed dangerous weapon, contact us now to learn what an experienced Utah criminal defense lawyer can do for you.
The best criminal defense attorneys insist on fair courtroom procedures that respect clients’ rights.
Elements of Carrying a Concealed Weapon in Utah
Unless you have a concealed carry permit, Utah criminal law prohibits the carrying of a concealed dangerous weapon either on your person or in a place that is “readily accessible for immediate use which is not securely encased.” Exceptions are made under the criminal code for people who are carrying the weapon in their own residence or property, in their vehicle, or in a business “under the person’s control.” (The addition of vehicles as an exception is a relatively new change in the concealed dangerous weapons law. Former versions of the concealed dangerous weapon criminal law made it illegal to carry a concealed dangerous weapon in your own vehicle.)
Most cases involving violations of Utah’s criminal code for carrying a concealed weapon are charged as class B misdemeanors. If the weapon involved is a loaded firearm, the charge is increased to a class A misdemeanor. If the weapon is a sawed-off shotgun or sawed-off rifle, the crime becomes a second degree felony.
Regardless of the nature of the concealed weapon, if the weapon is used in the
commission of a violent felony, a prosecutor can file a second degree felony charge for simply possessing or carrying the weapon as a second charge in
addition to the other violent felony that was committed.
The best attorneys understand that the effects of a criminal charge extend beyond the courtroom.
Consequences of a Concealed Weapon Conviction
A criminal charge for carrying a concealed dangerous weapon in Utah can involve serious consequences. Depending on the circumstances and the nature of the weapon involved, maximum penalties can range from six months in jail for a class B misdemeanor to a potential 15-year prison term for a second degree felony. Even if you are convicted for carrying a concealed weapon, a judge may suspend the jail or prison sentence an place a defendant on probation.
Finding the Right Criminal Attorney
If you are facing criminal prosecution for carrying a concealed dangerous weapon, you should have an experienced Utah criminal defense attorney on your side. Whether you are innocent and intend to fight the case at trial, or you are hoping to negotiate a resolution to your case, an experienced criminal defense attorney can make all the difference.
Contact us now to schedule an initial consultation and see what the right defense team can do for your case.
A successful defense strategy starts with an understanding of your goals and needs.
