Arizona Gun Laws
Firearms are a popular choice among Arizonans for self-defense, hunting, and recreational use. Although Arizona has some of the most permissive gun laws in the country, it’s important to understand and follow the regulations. Violating these laws can result in serious criminal charges, including potential jail time.
If you’re facing charges related to a firearm offense, it’s crucial to consult with an experienced Arizona gun charges lawyer as soon as possible to protect your rights and build a strong defense.
Legal Guns in Arizona
While many firearms are legal to own in Arizona, not all are permitted under state or federal law. Arizona law allows residents to own a wide range of guns, including semi-automatic firearms. These weapons discharge one round per trigger pull, as opposed to automatic firearms, which continue to fire while the trigger is held.
Legal Guns
Common legal semi-automatic firearms include:
- Handguns
- Rifles
- Shotguns
- Certain assault-style weapons
While these firearms are generally legal to own in Arizona, it’s important to ensure compliance with all state and federal regulations before purchasing or carrying any weapon.
Illegal Guns
Some firearms and accessories are illegal to possess in Arizona, including:
- Fully automatic weapons
- Sawed-off shotguns
- Short-barreled rifles
- Gun silencers (suppressors)
Possessing an illegal firearm can lead to felony charges, which carry severe consequences such as heavy fines, imprisonment, and a permanent criminal record.
Who Can Possess a Gun in Arizona?
Generally, anyone over the age of 18 can possess a gun in Arizona. The main exception is that minors can possess a gun under the supervision of their parent or guardian, or while engaging in a recreational activity, like hunting.
It’s often easier to discuss who cannot possess a gun in Arizona.
This includes:
- Convicted felons, unless their gun rights have been restored
- People on parole or probation for a domestic violence felony
- People who are considered a danger to themselves or others
- People found to have an acute or persistent disability
- People found incompetent or “guilty except insane”
- Incarcerated people
- Some undocumented people and non-citizens
Additionally, you don’t need a license to buy or own a firearm.
Gun Sales in Arizona
In many states, there is a waiting period after buying a gun, but there is no waiting period to buy a gun in Arizona. That means there is no delay between when you buy the gun and when you get to take it home.
There are also no universal background check laws. A background check only happens if you purchase a firearm through a licensed dealer. If you buy a gun from friends or family, or if you sell your gun, there is no requirement that you conduct a background investigation.
Open and Concealed Carry Laws
Anyone who is legally permitted to possess a gun can open carry in Arizona. Furthermore, anyone over 21 who can legally possess a gun can also concealed carry it. They don’t need a permit in Arizona, unlike other states. However, some may choose to get an optional permit.
There are some places in Arizona where you cannot concealed carry. In these places, there are heightened safety and security concerns.
The most common places where you cannot concealed carry a gun are:
- Polling places
- Nuclear power plants
- Indian reservations
- Federal buildings
- Courthouses
- Airports
- Businesses that serve alcohol and expressly prohibit it
You also cannot carry a gun on school grounds, regardless of whether it is open carry or concealed carry.
Know Your Rights, Understand the Risks
Arizona offers broad freedoms when it comes to firearm ownership and carry laws, but those freedoms come with serious responsibilities. Knowing which guns are legal, who can possess them, and where they can be carried is essential to staying on the right side of the law.
Ignorance of Arizona’s gun laws is not a defense and can lead to significant legal consequences. If you’re facing a firearm-related charge—or simply want to better understand your rights—contact Katsarelis Law Criminal Defense Attorneys for a free consultation.
Katsarelis Law Criminal Defense Attorneys
177 N Church Ave # 900, Tucson, AZ 85701
(520) 510-0439