Maybe you keep a handgun in your vehicle because you work late.
Maybe you carry when driving between Knoxville and Anderson County.
Maybe you assume that because Tennessee allows permitless carry, you are covered.
But what happens if you walk into the wrong building?
What if an officer believes you were carrying in a restricted location?
What if a prior conviction, court order, or federal rule suddenly means you were not allowed to possess a firearm at all?
If you own or carry a firearm in Knoxville, Knox County, or the surrounding counties, you need to understand exactly where the legal lines are drawn.
No. Tennessee allows most legally eligible adults to carry a handgun without a permit.
Under Tennessee law, individuals who are not otherwise prohibited from possessing a firearm may carry a handgun, openly or concealed, without obtaining a handgun carry permit. This is commonly referred to as permitless carry.
This law applies only to handguns. It does not apply to rifles or shotguns carried in public.
However, permitless carry does not override all restrictions. You must still be legally eligible to possess a firearm under both Tennessee law and federal law.
Even though a permit is not required, Tennessee still issues handgun carry permits, and in many cases, having one matters. Tennessee issues two types of handgun carry permits through the Department of Safety.
Having a permit can reduce complications during law enforcement encounters and may provide legal coverage in situations where permitless carry does not apply.
Most individuals must be 21 years old to carry a handgun under Tennessee’s permitless carry law.
There are limited exceptions for individuals ages 18 to 20 who are active-duty military members or honorably discharged veterans. Tennessee law also allows individuals 18 and older to apply for a handgun carry permit.
Age-based violations can still result in criminal charges, even when no other wrongdoing is involved.
Even lawful gun owners cannot carry everywhere.
Under Tennessee law, firearms are prohibited in specific locations, including schools and school property, courtrooms and judicial buildings, and certain government buildings.
Private property owners may prohibit firearms by posting legally compliant signage. Carrying on posted property can result in criminal charges.
Federal law also applies. Firearms are prohibited in federal buildings such as post offices and federal courthouses, regardless of Tennessee law.
Some restrictions involving public parks and recreational areas have been challenged in court, but enforcement may still occur depending on the location and circumstances.
Yes. Many firearm charges involve people who believed they were following the law. Common issues include carrying in restricted locations, carrying while legally prohibited due to a prior conviction or court order, or misunderstandings about eligibility under state or federal law.
Federal law independently prohibits firearm possession by certain individuals, including those with qualifying felony convictions or active domestic violence protective orders. A person may be lawful under Tennessee law and still face federal consequences.
Gun charges can be misdemeanors or felonies, and a conviction can permanently affect your firearm rights.
Do not explain your situation to law enforcement without legal counsel.
Firearms cases often turn on technical details. Whether the stop was lawful. Whether the search was legal. Whether the statute was properly applied. Whether federal law was triggered.
At The Bell Law Firm, we review firearm cases the same way we handle DUI and felony cases, by breaking down the facts, the officer’s conduct, and the law being used against you.
At The Bell Law Firm, PLLC, we do not guess, and we do not waste time. We pull the statute. We review the report. We examine whether state or federal law was violated. Then we build the defense the law allows.
If you are facing a gun-related charge in Knoxville, Knox County, Anderson County, or anywhere in East Tennessee, speak with a criminal defense attorney before making another move.
Contact The Bell Law Firm, PLLC today to protect your rights and start defending your future.