Alabama is now a permitless carry state, meaning most adults who can legally own a firearm may carry it concealed in public without first obtaining a permit. While many gun owners welcomed the change, the law also created new opportunities to get charged — because being allowed to carry a firearm and carrying it legally are not the same thing.
Here's a clear breakdown of Alabama's current gun laws and the criminal charges that can result from getting them wrong.
Who Can Carry Without a Permit
Under the permitless carry law, you generally may carry a concealed handgun if you are at least 19 years old and not legally prohibited from possessing a firearm. People who remain prohibited include those with felony convictions, certain domestic violence convictions, individuals subject to protective orders, and people committed for mental health treatment.
Permits are still available — and still useful. A valid concealed carry permit provides reciprocity in many other states and can simplify firearm purchases.
Where Guns Are Still Prohibited
Permitless carry did not eliminate restrictions on where firearms can be carried. You generally cannot bring a firearm into:
- Courthouses and law enforcement facilities
- K-12 schools and many school-sponsored events
- Detention and correctional facilities
- Private property where the owner has prohibited firearms
- Athletic facilities and certain professional sporting events
Carrying in a prohibited location can result in misdemeanor or felony charges, depending on the location and circumstances.
Common Firearm-Related Charges
Even with permitless carry, Alabama residents are still being charged with offenses such as:
- Certain persons forbidden to possess a firearm (a serious felony)
- Discharging a firearm into an occupied vehicle or building
- Carrying a firearm while under the influence
- Possession of a firearm during the commission of a separate crime
These charges carry significant prison exposure and, in many cases, mandatory minimum sentences.
Protect Your Rights Before You Carry
Knowing the law before you carry is the best protection — but if you are already facing a weapons charge, what you do next matters enormously. Statements made to police, consent searches, and waived rights can quickly turn a defensible case into a conviction.
If you have been arrested or charged with a firearm-related offense in Alabama, contact Elizabeth Hunter Law for an honest assessment of your case and a plan to protect your freedom and your Second Amendment rights.
Disclaimer: This blog post is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Alabama laws change frequently, and how a law applies depends on the specific facts of your case. If you are facing criminal charges or have questions about how a recent law affects you, contact Elizabeth Hunter Law for a confidential consultation.