Let me say, first of all, thanks a lot--really and truly--to everyone here.
Thanks for all the support AND critique. We're all pro-RKBA here, so any critique only serves to help me understand my position better, and to make all of us smarter in the process.
I wouldn't have gotten those permits without reading post after post here on TFL.
So be PROUD OF YOURSELVES.
The only reason this thread was my first post is because I didn't have anything to contribute yet.
With that said, here's my position on the concerns expressed so far -
The bottom line is, there is NO LAW for them to hold charges on. The Attorney General can't find one, MY attorney can't find one, the Sheriff can't produce a document for one, and I can't find one myself anywhere in the general statutes, and believe me, I've looked. If anyone else finds one, let me know.
Like I posted originally...
§ 14‑415.24. Reciprocity; out‑of‑state handgun permits.
(a) A valid concealed handgun permit or license issued by another state is valid in North Carolina if that state grants the same right to residents of North Carolina who have valid concealed handgun permits issued pursuant to this Article in their possession while carrying concealed weapons in that state.
* There is NO LAW in NC that says you must be 21 to possess or carry a handgun legally, the law only says you must be two to be issued a NORTH CAROLINA permit.
* EVERY government agency and official I've gotten an opinion from has been informed that I'm under 21, and a resident of NC.
NC Permit Issuing Authority in my county: "I don't see what the problem is, we have reciprocity with New Hampshire; I think your chances of actually being cited for this are slim to none."
Highway Patrol (NC's equivalent of the State Police): "If you have a permit from New Hampshire, North Carolina will honor it, just like the [attorney general's] website says."
Firearms Specialist in the NC Attorney General's Office: "Your permit is valid."
The DA's Office in my county: "If that's what the attorney general's office said, I would assume they told you the right law. I highly doubt we would even consider prosecuting a charge that conflicted with their opinion."
My own attorney: "The permit is valid, and even if you were cited with it, it can be thrown out before going to trial. Only a really overzealous DA would try to prosecute a charge like that anyway, and even if they did, you'd beat it in court."
Here's another reason I think an officer might be hesitant to charge me:
I carry the same legal reference book in my car that the police carry in theirs (it's called North Carolina Crimes, by the way, a reference book for the criminal law statutes, if you live in NC, get one). It sits in plain view on my front seat, just to let them know I have at least the same knowledge of the law that they do.
Something else I should mention, is that I'm a member of the press. I'm not just a journalism student...I've been published and I'm currently under contract. I have a press pass on my car, right under the inspection sticker. I park at crime scenes. You wouldn't believe how nice the officers at drunk stops become when they see that sticker.
I try to make it as clear as possible that not only do I have at least their knowledge of the law...I have no problem recording everything they say and having it published. Legally, all I have to do is push a button and say "This is on the record, by the way."
I know you hear about journalists getting busted all the time, but it's ALWAYS for things that are indisputable, like drug possession or drunk driving.
I'm sure a cop won't hesitate to charge someone when he knows for sure that the law is on his side, but when he's not so sure, and he's at least got some reasonable doubt (I have printed copies of the general statute, the reciprocity list, the email from the highway patrol, etc. in my car), and if he's wrong, his name will be in the newspaper...I think these factors make it less likely that I'd be charged.
If this becomes a challenge to the system, then so be it.
I know I'm messing with the system. I'm being a huge pain in the ass to the government, and I love doing it, because the government has way too much power and not enough people are willing to give them a hard time.
Everyone on this forum works hard, and every year pays more taxes for less freedom, more national debt, less valuable currency, and shi%!ier candidates every election cycle who offer amnesty to illegal immigrants while making it harder for the ones working their ASSES off to get here legally, and give more money to people living on welfare than those serving in the military.
I LIKE making the government work for me for a change. After all, that's what I pay them taxes for.
