Be Careful Around These Guests During the Holidays | North Carolina

The following is a video transcript.

Today, I would like to address an issue that may affect you or a loved one that concerns having a firearm in a residence where a convicted felon, a person under indictment, or a mentally unstable person lives. What are your responsibilities as a responsible gunowner in this situation?

First of all, there is no law that says you must take steps to secure your firearm in any of the above situations.* But, for the sake of your family member who is a convicted felon, it is best for them if the firearm is in a place where they would not have access to it. Otherwise, there is a danger that they could be charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and those charges could be brought by the state or by the federal government.

If you are living with a person who is subject to a protective or restraining order, there may be a condition that they surrender any guns they own. This does not affect your ability to possess a firearm. But, as in the situation of a convicted felon, it is best if the person under the protective order not have access to your weapon.

What happens if you have a firearm in your car and a person who should not access the weapon finds it when they borrow your car? Again, they would be the only person in jeopardy of being charged criminally. However, if any of these situations arise and a convicted felon, a person under indictment, or a person with mental instability accesses your firearm and uses it to injure someone, you may face civil liability and become subject to being sued by the injured party.

So, be safe and smart with your firearms. Protect your family, friends, and yourself from civil liability. Lock ’em up.

*While there is no law that says you must take steps to secure your firearm from felons, you must still secure your firearms to protect minors.

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