Caught with a Gun at Nashville International Airport

You say “I simply forgot it was in there”.  You went through TSA precheck with a gun in your purse or briefcase.  You forgot. Now you are facing criminal charges and the potential of a criminal record when you have NEVER been arrested before.

If someone is caught with a gun at Nashville International Airport (or any airport), it could lead to serious criminal charges. This is because carrying a firearm in certain places, especially airports, is heavily regulated due to safety concerns. Even if the person has a permit to carry a gun in other places, airports have specific laws and rules about firearms. Therefore, it is imperative that you call a Nashville Criminal Defense attorney David Ridings immediately.  Do not try to handle this in court without a lawyer.  That’s a mistake that could lead to a permanent conviction on your record.

Here’s why hiring a criminal attorney is important in such a situation:

1. Federal and State Laws: Airports are regulated by federal law, and bringing a firearm into an airport or through security can result in severe consequences. The laws are strict, and the penalties can include fines, jail time, and permanent loss of gun rights.
2. Understanding Legal Process: A criminal attorney will know how to navigate the complexities of the legal system, including whether the person has any valid defenses, such as not knowing the gun was in their bag or if they had the proper permits.
3. Minimizing Consequences: An experienced criminal attorney can help reduce the severity of the charges or work toward a favorable outcome, possibly through plea deals or arguing for reduced sentences.
4. Court Representation: If the case goes to trial, a lawyer can navigate that process and help you avoid a conviction.  David Ridings can represent you and help avoid a trial.  Negotiating this off of your record is usually the way to go.  Get the right kind of legal advice with experience you simply cannot get from a book. 

HOW TO LEGALLY CARRY A GUN IN THE AIRPORT

Tennessee Firearm Laws Regarding Airports

1. Carrying a Firearm in a Secure Area: It’s illegal to carry a firearm in a secure area of an airport (like past TSA security). Tennessee law prohibits carrying a firearm into a restricted or prohibited area of an airport, whether you’re carrying it openly or concealed.
2. Proper Storage of Firearms: If you’re traveling with a firearm, it must be in checked luggage, unloaded, and placed in a locked case. Firearms are not allowed in carry-on bags under federal law (and Tennessee law aligns with federal regulations).
3. Penalties: Violating firearm laws at an airport can result in misdemeanor or felony charges, fines, and possible jail time. The seriousness of the charges depends on the specific circumstances, such as whether the firearm was loaded, the presence of any criminal intent, or if you have a previous criminal history.

Having legal representation is crucial to avoid severe penalties and ensure that the individual’s rights are protected during the legal process. Nashville Criminal Defense Attorney David Ridings is skilled at handling these cases.  He has represented literally thousands of people on criminal defense charges over the past, nearly, forty years.