The following is a video transcript.
As we enter into the fall and the holidays approach, there’s a lot to look forward to. However, with the holidays can also come some mischief–pumpkin smashing, destruction of decorations. What are your rights as a citizen to protect your property?
Now, in Missouri, the law does not authorize the use of deadly force to protect property. Only reasonable force can be used to protect property. If someone is smashing your pumpkins and you shoot that person, you will very likely be going to prison. I recommend calling the police if you’re the victim of holiday mischief.
What are your rights if you are out, say, with your children trick-or-treating? If you’re going from house to house, can you have your firearm with you? The answer to that question depends on whether or not you have a concealed carry permit. If you have a concealed carry permit in the state of Missouri, you can carry your firearm anywhere without penalty of crime. Let’s say your neighbors do not want you to carry a firearm with you. If you carry a firearm onto their private property, and you’re a concealed carry permit holder, you won’t be charged with a crime. On a first offense, if you refuse to leave, you can be cited for trespassing with a maximum fine of $100.00.
Now, if you’re carrying under Missouri’s permitless carry law, and you carry onto private property you could be charged with a crime. So, again, the advantage to having a concealed carry permit, is you cannot be charged with a crime for carrying onto private property, such as when you’re going trick-or-treating.
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