Concealed Handgun Laws in Nevada

In the state of Nevada, adults can purchase and carry firearms without a permit. Although carrying visible weapons is legal without documentation, an adult cannot carry a concealed firearm unless they have a concealed handgun permit.

In order to obtain a concealed handgun permit, you must be at least 21 years old, successfully complete a firearms safety course, and not be disqualified by any of the following:

• You are currently on parole or probation
• You are prohibited from possessing a firearm according to state or federal law
• You were declared incompetent or insane by a doctor or a court
• You were convicted of certain violent crimes, like domestic violence or any other crime involving injury
• You were committed to a mental health facility within the past five years, whether voluntarily or involuntarily

Additionally, if you struggled with alcoholism or addiction in the past, or if you were convicted of crimes involving alcohol or controlled substances, your ability to obtain a concealed handgun permit could be impacted.

It is a category C felony to carry a concealed firearm in Nevada without a valid permit. Conviction for a category C felony is punishable by 1 to 5 years in state prison and fines up to $10,000. If you are charged with possession of a concealed handgun without a permit, discuss your defense options with an experienced lawyer before making any decisions about your case.

Learn about other firearm offenses in Nevada by visiting the Weapons Charges page on our website. 

A Brief Overview of Nevada’s Illegal Weapons Laws

Under NRS 202.350(1)(a), there are a number of different weapons that are illegal to possess or use in Nevada. According to state law, it is a gross misdemeanor offense to manufacture, import, possess, or attempt to sell any of the following weapons: 

• Switchblade knife
• Slungshot
• Billy
• Blackjack
• Sand-club
• Sandbag
• Metal knuckles

Additionally, a defendant can be charged with a gross misdemeanor if they possess or use a trefoil or nunchaku with the intent of harming another person. For any subsequent offense, a defendant will be charged with a category D felony.

An individual can also be charged with a gross misdemeanor or a category C felony if they conceal and carry any of the following weapons with the intent to injure another person:

• An explosive substance
• A pistol, revolver, firearm, or other type of deadly weapon
• A dagger, dirk, or machete
• Knife which is concealed as part of a belt buckle

The law also states that it is illegal to manufacture, import, possess, sell, or use a machine gun or silencer, which is a category C felony. 

What are the penalties?

The penalties for violating any of the aforementioned weapons laws are severe, and vary depending upon whether the defendant is charged with a gross misdemeanor or a category C felony.

• Conviction for a gross misdemeanor is punishable by incarceration in county jail for a maximum of 1 year, or a fine of up to $2,000, or by both incarceration and a fine.
• Conviction for a category C felony is punishable by incarceration in state prison for a minimum of 1 year and a maximum of 5 years, as well as a fine of up to $10,000.

If you are charged with any type of weapons offense, it is imperative that you hire an experienced lawyer to ensure that your rights are protected and you receive the best possible defense.

De Castroverde Law Group represents the people of Las Vegas in all types of criminal proceedings. Contact us to learn more about our firm and legal services.