Someone sees you lawfully carrying a concealed handgun and panics. What do you do?
Imagine the following scenario: You are at a grocery store going about your business when you reach up to grab a box of cereal from the top shelf. The person next to you seems startled and afraid, and you realize that your legally concealed carry handgun is showing because your shirt came up above your waistband.
What do you do now? have you broken the law?
Carrying a concealed handgun in Virginia is legal as long as you possess a concealed handgun permit (or “CHP”), along with proper identification when you concealed carry a handgun; provided you are not carrying a firearm in a prohibited location. You cannot control how other people in the community may respond to your concealed carrying of a handgun.
In the event your handgun accidentally becomes visible, it is best to stay calm. Do not reach for the gun, and politely say that you have a Concealed Handgun Permit to carry a handgun. Concealed carrying and open carrying may be different on private property because private property owners can regulate and/or ban firearms on their property. If a private property owner or persons responsible for that property asks an individual carrying a firearm to leave, then that individual must leave or he or she may be prosecuted for trespassing.
Call U.S. LawShield and ask to speak to your Independent Program Attorney if you have questions about open or concealed carrying of a handgun or any other firearm questions.
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