Who Can Own and Possess Firearms and CCW Licenses in Wisconsin?

 Posted on March 07, 2020 in Criminal Law

Since the United States was founded, citizens have always had the right to own and possess firearms. Although this right is guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution, there are certain restrictions that can limit some people from having a firearm or carrying a concealed weapon. Both the state of Wisconsin and the federal government have laws pertaining to eligibility for owning or possessing a firearm or legally carrying a concealed weapon. Citizens of Wisconsin are not only subject to Wisconsin laws involving firearms, but also federal laws. Violating these requirements can result in serious charges that can carry harsh penalties.

Eligibility For a CCW License

Wisconsin is one of the states that does not mandate its residents to have any type of permit or license to own or possess a firearm. While you can own a firearm without any additional state requirements, there are obligations that you must meet if you want to get a concealed carry weapon (CCW) license, which is necessary to legally carry a concealed weapon in the state of Wisconsin. To be eligible for a CCW license, you must:

• Be at least 21 years old

• Be a resident of Wisconsin, unless you reside in the state of Wisconsin as an active-duty military member

• Be legally permitted to own a firearm

• Have proof of firearms training

Eligibility Requirements to Possess a Firearm

Both state and federal laws apply when it comes to firearms. Specifically, there are stipulations you must meet to be able to legally own and carry a firearm in the state of Wisconsin. According to Wisconsin law, you cannot own or possess a firearm if:

• You have been convicted of a felony crime in Wisconsin.

• You have been convicted of a crime in another state that is a felony in Wisconsin.

• You have been adjudicated delinquent for a crime that would be a felony if it was committed by an adult.

• You were charged with a felony crime but were found not guilty because of mental illness, disease, or defect.

• You were charged with a crime in another state that would be considered a felony in Wisconsin but were found not guilty because of mental illness, disease, or defect.

• You have been involuntarily committed to a mental institution for treatment and were consequently ordered not to possess a firearm.

• You were the subject of an injunction for domestic abuse or child abuse.

Contact a Waukesha County Criminal Defense Attorney

If you are facing weapons charges for illegal ownership or possession of a firearm or illegally carrying a concealed firearm, you should discuss your case with a skilled New Berlin weapons charges lawyer right away. At Bucher, Wolff & Sonderhouse, LLP, we can help you form a solid defense against any weapons charges you may be facing. Attorney Peter Wolff was a former Brookfield police detective and has extensive knowledge of how the Wisconsin criminal process works. To schedule a free consultation, call our office today at 262-232-6699.

Source:

https://www.doj.state.wi.us/sites/default/files/dles/ccw/ccw-faq%201-2018.pdf