Nashville Gun Lawyer | Tennessee Firearm Carry Laws and Criminal Charges
Nashville Criminal Defense Lawyer & Former Prosecutor Kevin Kennedy. 615-205-7311. Call or text for a free consultation.
Tennessee Allows Permitless Handgun Carry, But That Does Not Mean You Can Carry Everywhere
Tennessee law allows many adults who may lawfully possess a handgun to carry it without first obtaining a handgun carry permit. But permitless carry is not a blanket right to carry a gun in every Nashville location or under every circumstance.
Schools, judicial proceedings, properly posted property, certain public spaces, alcohol-related situations, and other restrictions can create criminal exposure. A person can also be prohibited from possessing a firearm because of a prior conviction, court order, or other legal disability.
Who Can Generally Carry Without a Permit?
Tennessee's permitless-carry law applies only when the person satisfies the statutory requirements and is not prohibited from possessing a firearm under state or federal law.
People with certain felony convictions, qualifying domestic-violence restrictions, protection orders, or other firearm disabilities should not assume that permitless carry restores a right to possess a gun.
Can You Carry a Gun in a Nashville Bar or Restaurant?
Tennessee law does not make the answer depend solely on whether a business serves alcohol. But carrying while under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance is a separate criminal offense.
A restaurant, bar, or other private business may also prohibit firearms through legally sufficient posted notice. Downtown visitors should look for signage and should never assume that permitless carry overrides a property's lawful restrictions.
Can You Drink While Carrying a Gun?
Tennessee prohibits carrying a firearm while under the influence of alcohol as defined by the DUI statute or while under the influence of a controlled substance or substance analogue.
This is especially important on Broadway and in Nashville's nightlife districts. A person who can lawfully possess and carry a handgun while sober can still face a criminal charge based on carrying while intoxicated.
What About Guns at Courthouses and Judicial Proceedings?
Tennessee law restricts weapons during judicial proceedings. Davidson County defendants, witnesses, and visitors should not bring a firearm into a courthouse or courtroom simply because they otherwise qualify for permitless carry.
Courthouse security rules and criminal statutes should be taken seriously even if the firearm is ordinarily carried lawfully elsewhere.
What About Schools and Universities?
Tennessee has specific restrictions on carrying weapons on school property and at school functions. The rules include limited exceptions, but permitless carry does not create a general right to carry a firearm on school grounds.
College students and visitors should be particularly careful because a firearm issue can create both criminal and university consequences.
What If a Business Has a No-Guns Sign?
Tennessee law recognizes firearm prohibitions through posted notice that meets statutory requirements. The details of the sign and the circumstances matter when a criminal charge is based on carrying into posted property.
If you are charged after entering a posted Nashville business, preserve photographs of the entrances and signage as soon as possible.
Can I Carry a Gun at a Titans Game, Predators Game or Concert?
Large venues can have their own security policies and may fall within statutory restrictions or properly posted private-property rules. A ticket to an event does not override Tennessee firearm law or the venue's lawful restrictions.
Security screening can also lead to police involvement if a firearm is discovered at an entrance.
What If I Am Visiting Nashville From Another State?
Tennessee recognizes facially valid handgun permits from other states according to their terms, but visitors remain subject to Tennessee restrictions on where and how firearms may be carried.
Do not assume that the law in your home state follows you onto Broadway, into an arena, or onto other Nashville property.
What Should I Do If I Am Charged With a Gun Offense in Nashville?
- Do not make additional statements about ownership or why the gun was present
- Preserve photographs of any posted signage
- Save receipts, tickets, and location information
- Identify witnesses
- Preserve police and security paperwork
- Have counsel review whether you were legally prohibited from possessing the firearm
- Have counsel review the exact location and statutory exception or restriction at issue
Gun cases can turn on the defendant's legal status, the location, possession evidence, signage, intoxication evidence, and the precise statute charged.
Talk With a Nashville Gun Lawyer
Kevin Kennedy is a former Davidson County prosecutor who now represents people charged with firearm and other criminal offenses in Nashville and throughout Middle Tennessee. Kevin Kennedy Law Firm offers a free consultation.
Call Kevin Kennedy Law Firm at (615) 205-7311 for a free consultation.