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(318) 992-2151
1050 Courthouse Street
Jena, Louisiana 71342
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Mailling Address:
P.O. Box 70
Jena, Louisiana 71342
(318) 495-5128
3719 Highway 165 N
Olla, Louisiana 71465
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LOUISIANA OPEN CARRY STATUTES
"The right of each citizen to keep and bear arms is fundamental and shall not be infringed. Any restriction on this right shall be subject to strict scrutiny."
"In State v. Chandler, 5 La. Ann. 489, 490 (1850), the Louisiana Supreme Court held that citizens had the right to carry arms openly: "This is the right guaranteed by the Constitution of the United States, and which is calculated to incite men to a manly and noble defense of themselves, if necessary, and of their country, without any tendency to secret advantages and unmanly assassinations."
In 1975 State Supreme Court Case regarding the determination of concealment of a firearm in Louisiana.
"As the officer acknowledged, the public possession of an openly displayed handgun is not a crime in Louisiana and does not alone provide probable cause for an arrest."
"The acts of defendant patrolling his property at night with a shotgun in a secluded area certainly did not constitute criminal activity." Cited in State v. Ferrand.
AG says, "There is no Louisiana law which in general prohibits carrying a handgun if that handgun is not concealed. However, please note that the definition of "concealed" may be construed narrowly by many of the courts. Further, there may be certain restrictions as to places where a person in general may not be allowed to carry a handgun such as a school or educational facility."
The AG replies to a Ms. Irene W. Pressley of the Westlake, LA Police Department, answering her questions of "1. Are there any laws prescribing when it is legal to carry a gun?" The AG answers, "It is the conclusion of this office that it is legal to carry a gun when it is exposed on one's person, The LOUISIANA Supreme Court has affirmed this conclusion. State v. Fluker, 311 So. 2d 863 (1975). However, the legality of carrying even an exposed gun is subject to certain limitations of law." and "Therefore, it is the opinion of this office that a gun may be carried legally if it is in open view;..." (Source: http://www.ag.state.la.us/Shared/ViewDoc.aspx?Type=4&Doc=4694)
The AG replies to two questions: "1. Is it legal to carry an exposed handgun?" and "2. Do Parishes and/or Municipalities have the power to regulate the carrying of exposed handguns?" The AG responds, "the carrying of an exposed handgun is not illegal, except as provided in LSA R.S. 14:95.1." And citing City of Shreveport v. Curry and City of Shreveport v. Bukhett, 357 S.2d 1078, (LA. 1978) the AG answers "It is the opinion of this office that the state statutes aforementioned have the purpose of establishing a general scheme to control weapons (handguns) and that a fair reading of those statutes show this would constitute an area in which the state has preempted the legislative control and has implicitly authorized the carrying of unconcealed weapons. Therefore, an ordinance enacted by a Parish and/or Municipality regulating the carrying of exposed hanguns would be without effect as being in conflict with State Law." (Source: http://www.ag.state.la.us/Shared/ViewDoc.aspx?Type=4&Doc=3165)
The AG states, "It is pertinent to observe that any citizen may bear arms that are not concealed." and, citing State vs. Fluker, says "that a weapon is not concealed, even if not in full, open view, if it is sufficiently exposed to reveal its identity." (Source: http://www.ag.stated.la.us/Shared/ViewDoc.aspx?Type=4&Doc=3531)
"The carrying of an unconcealed weapon is not a special privilege or advantage is not a special privilege or advantage enjoyed by a police officer. Each citizen is guaranteed the right to keep and bear arms not concealed on his person."
GUN RELATED STATUTES YOU SHOULD BE FAMILIAR WITH
NOTE: This has been amended by Regular Session, 2014, ACT No. 147, HOUSE BILL NO. 72 which amends and reenacts RS 14:95.5(C) - "(2) The provisions of this Section shall not apply to a person possessing a firearm in accordance with a concealed handgun permit issued pursuant to RS 40:1379.1 or 1379.3 on the premises of an alcoholic beverage outlet which has been issued a Class A Restaurant permit, as defined in Part II of Chapter 1 or Part II of Chapter 2 of Title 26 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950."
Cite: https://www.legis.la.gov/legis/ViewDocument.aspx?d=908133
RESOURCES
Louisiana Legislature Website
Look up Revised Statutes and other laws
http://www.legis.state.la.us/
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Office of the Louisiana Attorney General
Look up Attorney General opinions here
http://www.ag.state.la.us
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Municode
Database of local municipal codes
http://www.municode.com
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DISCLAIMER: RESEARCH EVERYTHING FOR YOURSELF OR CONSULT AN ATTORNEY.
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Nothing posted here should be considered, nor is it intended to be considered legal advice.
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