Las Vegas, Nevada, Gun Laws

August 16, 2022

Las Vegas, Nevada, gun laws outline the ability to openly carry a firearm, who can conceal carry, exceptions to these rules, and restrictions on some types of ammunition. You can learn about these laws in detail in this entry in our criminal defense blog. In addition, we discuss how violating one of these gun laws when committing another crime can make a bad situation worse.

A Las Vegas criminal defense attorney from De Castroverde Criminal & Immigration Lawyers may be able to help you if you face accusations of a firearms law violation. We can discuss your options, the consequences you could face if convicted, and how we may be able to prevent this. Contact us today to get started.

Gun Laws in Las Vegas, Nevada

Las Vegas, Nevada, Gun Laws Nevada has several laws that outline who can carry firearms, how, and when.

Open Carry in Nevada

Nevada allows open carry for anyone who is 18 and up and can legally possess a gun. You do not need a permit, and Nevada does not require gun owners to register firearms. You only have to carry the handgun, rifle, or shotgun unconcealed by clothing or other material. Most people who open carry do so with holstered handguns.

There are some limits on where you can open carry, including state university campuses, private or public schools, child care facilities, and anywhere that prohibits firearms.

Concealed Carry in Las Vegas

Under Nevada’s concealed firearms laws, you must have a permit to concealed carry a handgun. However, the state has a “shall issue” policy. Under NRS 202.3653, anyone who meets the criteria for a permit should receive one. In Las Vegas, this means you do not have any of the disqualifications outlined by the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department.

With a concealed carry permit, you can carry a gun under your clothing anywhere in Las Vegas that allows firearms.

Private Property Owners Can Ask Guests Not to Carry

Under NRS 202.350, concealed carry is legal in most locations unless there is a specific state law against it, such as at school or the owner of the private property asking you not to do so. Guests can carry their concealed handguns into many casinos, hotels, restaurants, and other locations on the Las Vegas strip and other nearby attractions.

If the staff asks you to leave the premises of a private property, you should respect their request. Owners can legally restrict firearms on their property.

Rules for Carrying a Gun in Your Vehicle in Las Vegas

When it comes to carrying firearms in your car, you can travel with a gun in your vehicle without a CCW permit as long as you can legally possess the firearm. The stipulation is that you can put the gun anywhere in the vehicle as long as you do not conceal it on your body. If you have a concealed carry permit, you can wear it in your holster or in any other location in the vehicle.

Outlawed Ammunition

Nevada only outlaws one type of ammunition. Under NRS 202.273, you cannot make, buy, or sell metal-penetrating bullets, also known as armor-piercing ammunition. This is also true—with a few exceptions—under federal law.

Illegal Gun Use

In addition to laws that outline when and how to carry a gun, you could face charges related to how you use a gun. They could include:

Illegal possession of a weapon
Illegal discharge of a firearm
Illegal sale of a gun
Having a weapon while committing another crime

Facing Weapons Charges in Las Vegas, Nevada

Depending on the circumstances, a weapons charge conviction could lead to harsh penalties, including jail or prison time, significant fines, parole and probation, and more. Working with our Las Vegas criminal defense lawyer from the day you learn about the allegations against you can help you build a strong argument and possibly avoid the harshest consequences.

A Nevada criminal defense lawyer from our team may be able to build a case based on one of several defenses to the weapons charge you face, depending on the circumstances. This could include:

You were not aware of the firearm,
The gun is not yours, and you did not have any access to it.
You could legally possess and/or carry the gun.
There was no link between the firearm and the crime.
You did not commit the crime you stand accused of.

When you hire our team, our weapons charges defense attorney can assess the facts of your case and develop a defense that could clear your name or reduce the consequences you face.

Illegal Possession or Use Will Increase the Penalties You Could Face

When it comes to Las Vegas, Nevada, gun laws, the worst time to violate them is while committing another crime. In general, there are two ways to violate firearms laws:

Illegal possession, when you have a firearm when you should not
Illegal use, when you use a gun in an illegal way, such as to threaten or assault

Illegal possession may occur when you are a felon in possession of a firearm or illegally concealing a weapon. Otherwise, many crimes occur because of illegal use. This could dramatically increase the penalties you face if convicted. Examples include:

Brandishing a firearm to threaten or scare someone else
Aggravated assault with a deadly weapon
Domestic violence with a firearm
Using a gun during a robbery or burglary
Possessing a firearm while trafficking drugs
Other use of a deadly weapon during the commission of a crime

Contact Our Team for Help With Your Las Vegas Gun Law Violation Case

You can learn more about your options and rights during a consultation with the De Castroverde Criminal & Immigration Lawyers team today. We can review your case with you and help you fight the accusations and charges you face. We may be able to help you get a better outcome in your case.