Carrying guns is not a hot topic in our country. Whether Americans have the right to carry, is debated daily in the media and along the campaigns. Even some have decided to debate the 2nd amendment and are relating it to the right to carry. From some legal authorities, the 2nd Amendment does not provide the individual the right to carry a firearm on their person. It does protect their right to own a firearm, but carrying a firearm is up to the states.
Here in South Carolina, we have laws that allow for individuals to carry concealed firearms. Under certain circumstances and in certain places we as trained and competent individuals are allowed under the laws of South Carolina to carry concealed weapons to protect ourselves, property or the general public.
If you have taken your class on carrying concealed you have had the training and have been taught the laws of carrying concealed in this state. But for those who are contemplating or who just do not know. And as a matter of a refresher of where and how we can carry concealed here are some of the highlights from the laws of South Carolina.
What is a concealed weapon?
“’Concealable weapon’ means a firearm having a length of less than twelve inches measured along its greatest dimension that must be carried in a manner that is hidden from public view in normal wear of clothing except when needed for self-defense, defense of others, and the protection of real or personal property.”
Who may Carry Concealed?
A permit holder must have his permit identification card in his possession whenever he carries a concealable weapon. When carrying a concealable weapon pursuant to Article 4, Chapter 31, Title 23, a permit holder must inform a law enforcement officer of the fact that he is a permit holder and present the permit identification card when an officer:
(1) identifies himself as a law enforcement officer; and
(2) requests identification or a driver’s license from a permit holder.
Where can we carry, and where can we NOT carry?
A permit issued pursuant to this section does not authorize a permit holder to carry a concealable weapon into a:
(1) law enforcement, correctional, or detention facility;
(2) courthouse or courtroom;
(3) polling place on election days;
(4) office of or the business meeting of the governing body of a county, public school district, municipality, or special purpose district;
(5) school or college athletic event not related to firearms;
(6) daycare facility or preschool facility;
(7) place where the carrying of firearms is prohibited by federal law;
(8) church or other established religious sanctuary unless express permission is given by the appropriate church official or governing body;
(9) hospital, medical clinic, doctor’s office, or any other facility where medical services or procedures are performed unless expressly authorized by the employer; or
(10) place clearly marked with a sign prohibiting the carrying of a concealable weapon on the premises pursuant to Sections 23-31-220 and 23-31-235. Except that a property owner or an agent acting on his behalf, by express written consent, may allow individuals of his choosing to enter onto property regardless of any posted sign to the contrary. A person who violates a provision of this item, whether the violation is wilful or not, only may be charged with a violation of Section 16-11-620 and must not be charged with or penalized for a violation of this subsection.
Can I carry into the home of family and friends?
No person who holds a permit issued pursuant to Article 4, Chapter 31, Title 23 may carry a concealable weapon into the residence or dwelling place of another person without the express permission of the owner or person in legal control or possession, as appropriate. A person who violates this provision is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not less than one thousand dollars or imprisoned for not more than one year, or both, at the discretion of the court and have his permit revoked for five years.
What other states can I carry with my South Carolina Permit?
Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Idaho (Enhanced Only), Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Missouri, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota (Enhanced Only), Texas, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wyoming. (Hyperlinked to gain information for that state’s laws)
Residents of reciprocal states who hold permits issued by their states of residence may carry concealed firearms in South Carolina, but must abide by the restrictions in the South Carolina CWP law. For that reason, out of state residents of reciprocal states should familiarize themselves with restricted carry locations and other provisions of South Carolina law posted on this website. South Carolina permittees who carry firearms in reciprocal states are likewise responsible for familiarizing themselves with the applicable laws and regulations of the reciprocal state. Web sites of those states may be accessed by selecting the desired state name listed above.
Concealed carry reciprocity between South Carolina and Virginia has been extended until June 30, 2016. This website will be updated accordingly at that time.
These are just some of the basic laws and information that you will need when you get your concealed carry permit or are a basic reminder of some of the laws and responsibility when carrying. Please remember that carrying a concealed weapon does not give you the right to use it. It only allows you to have a weapon in case you feel the need to use it. It is a great responsibility to carry a weapon in public, treat the responsibility as such. The use of a gun in public is something all of us should hope we never have to do. But it is of some comfort to know, that should I need to use a gun to protect myself, my family or the general public, I can do so legally.
