Maine mishap is over...

Annie Oakley · #1 (**permalink**) 10-30-2008, 06:49 AM

Long story short, I have my pistol back. They tried to get me for concealed weapon. But here's the funny...Initial stop; inform the officer I have a gun and to retrieve it, it's on the floor of the drivers side...UNLOADED, charged me with concealed weapon....Picked it up yesterday...They put it in a bag, gun, mag, and bullets...Sent me on my merry way....Now that's concealed

BruceBruce1959 · #2 (**permalink**) 10-30-2008, 07:54 AM

Well were you charged? what's the conclusion of the charges?

buckfever · #3 (**permalink**) 10-30-2008, 08:30 AM

Buckshot or another Tennessean can help me out on this but I think.. If we carry a firearm it has to be in a place where we cant reach it to load and fire. For example. I would put mine in the trunk or back area of vehicle and put the ammo in the glove box.

I am wondering the same thing as Bruce. Any fines?

Annie Oakley · #4 (**permalink**) 10-30-2008, 10:05 AM

All dismissed except waiting on court date for speeding, which is all this would have been if the state of Vt. hadn't had me suspended on there computer on a Paid fine for expired inspection sticker. That was a fun day....cuffed and stuffed. I applied for my license to C&C, but was told by Washington County, and the Town Clerks, and the gun club, it wasn't necessary, as you can carry, as long as it's not loaded, concealed. As far as I am concerned, I still did the right thing. Once I realized I was gonna be arrested, and they were going to tow my vehicle, I informed the officer to retrieve my gun....He just thought he had a BINGO. Now for my hearing with Vt. over there mistake, that cost me....

BruceBruce1959 · #5 (**permalink**) 10-30-2008, 12:44 PM

You're very lucky because Maine requires permits for residents and non-residents to carry concealed weapons.
So if you weren't permitted you should be thankful they didn't press the issue and the reason they didn't press the issue is because
the weapon was in the vehicle and not on you.
trust me when I tell you, they did you a favor.

Annie Oakley · #6 (**permalink**) 10-30-2008, 12:59 PM

I'll tell you what, the day of the incident, I was told, had I been wearing it, there would have been no problem. Which normally for this particular piece, I usually do, but it's a long ride, and had taken it off it had it on the floor. When I questioned the judge, officer, and the guy who sets bail, not one gave the same answer, and said it was a matter of interpertation. Yet town clerk, sherriff, and gun club, all stated, it was unnecessary to apply to C&C, as long as it's not concealed, or loaded, while transporting firearms.

Gator · #7 (**permalink**) 10-30-2008, 01:09 PM

I respect most law enforcement they put their life on the line everyday,but their are a few in every department that need to take a common sense test.Annie you said the gun was empty,so how can it be considered a firearm if their is no fire

You clearly volunteered the info about the gun so when your car was towed the gun wouldnt fall into the wrong hands.It sounds to me like its a case of an officer who needs to be retrained. Im glad to live in the buckeye, our state is far from perfect but we have some great gun laws(FOR NOW)

BruceBruce1959 · #8 (**permalink**) 10-30-2008, 01:17 PM

If you're not going to load it and carry it, why bring it along?
the following Maine Statue is very clear on it's wording regarding "threatening weapons" and Concealed weapons.

If you're going to carry a handgun into Maine just apply for the non-resident Concealed Carry Permit,
the following Maine Statue explains how to apply.
Title 25, Chapter 252: PERMITS TO CARRY CONCEALED FIREARMS

Id0ntlikeyou · #9 (**permalink**) 10-30-2008, 01:23 PM

That is a rediculous situation. Thats why I just went and got my CHL, so I dont have to worry about it. I just have to inform any officer that I have it (or them) on me when they ask for ID. Texas doesnt even require a CHL to carry in you car anymore.

And I agree with what bruce asked about why bring it along if its unloaded. My CHL instructor told us in the class that if we came in with our weapon for whatever reason and it wasnt loaded he was going to slap us. He said you might as well be carrying a rock.

Gator · #10 (**permalink**) 10-30-2008, 01:50 PM

Theres alot of times I carry a pistol with no ammo just happened this weekend I went to a gun show bought a pistol brought it home empty.When I go to the range I transport many mt weapons so I dont see how you can say why carry if its not loaded.