Open Carry Laws in Wisconsin: What You Should Know

The state of Wisconsin has had a long relationship with firearms. Since Wisconsin was admitted to the United States and the Constitution of Wisconsin was adopted in 1848, citizens have been given the right to “keep and bear arms for security, defense, hunting, recreation or any other lawful purpose.” In Wisconsin, both open carry and concealed carry are legal, although they both have different requirements. Concealed carry requires a person to have a permit, while open carry does not. Not knowing open carry laws can result in weapons charges, which is why it is important to know the laws before you carry.

Wisconsin Gun Laws

The state of Wisconsin is an open carry state, meaning you are legally permitted to carry a loaded weapon in public. Open carry does not require a permit or license to legally do so. A person is considered to be openly carrying a gun if the gun is in plain view while you are in public. If the gun is hidden from ordinary view, then it is considered to be concealed and you must have a permit to legally carry the firearm. You must also be at least 18 years old to openly carry a gun in Wisconsin.

Limitations to Open Carry

There are restrictions on where you can openly carry a firearm in Wisconsin. Certain locations prohibit carrying guns, even if you have a concealed carry license. These locations include:

Police stations or sheriff's offices;

Prisons, jails, or correctional facilities;

Mental health facilities;

County, state, or federal courthouses;

Municipal courtrooms, if the court is in session; and

Any place beyond a security checkpoint in an airport.

According to federal law, you are also unable to carry a firearm (whether openly or concealed) on school grounds at any time.

A Delafield Weapons Charges Defense Lawyer Can Help

While you have the constitutional right to own, possess, and carry firearms, there are both federal and state laws you must abide by. If you are caught breaking any firearm laws, you can face severe consequences. At the Bucher Law Group, LLC, we can help you fight any weapons violation. Our skilled Waukesha, WI gun charges defense attorneys have nearly two decades of experience representing clients in firearm-related cases. Call our office today at 262-303-4916 to schedule a free consultation.

Sources:

https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/175/60

http://legis.wisconsin.gov/lc/publications/im/IM2011_10.pdf