Public Gatherings...

W

Whitefalls

New member
I spoke with a Police Officer on Saturday and asked him what is considered a "public gathering" (because you are not allowed to carry at a public gathering, according to GA state law). He said "anywhere that there are 2 or more people such as a church".... ok, that's a bit vague.. that's basically EVERYWHERE. So, I asked if a shopping mall is a public gathering. He said "Yes. Uh... well..." and then studdered for a while and said "Yeah thats where you get into techincalities" and I never really got an answer out of him.

So, for you people who aren't allowed to carry at "public gatherings", what IS a public gathering? And is a shopping mall considered a public gathering... if it is a public gathering, why aren't retail stores public gatherings as well?
 
A little bit of advice, since you wouldn't ask a lawyer to catch a bank robber, you shouldn't ask a policeman for legal advice. :D
 
Many police officers and other LEs know less about the law than some citizens. I spent 33 years as a State and Federal LEO and I've rarely found officers or young prosecutors who have an extremely good insight into Search and Seizure.

Jungle Work
 
If you will go to packing.org and go to the Georgia page, you will find some links that will explain the situation. There is a link to an opinion from the Georgia Attorney General. In it he states that a mall is not considered a public gathering.
 
Unfortunately it's the police that would be arresting me, so I figured I'd ask him.

And thanks for someone finally answering the question instead of avoiding it like a police officer ;) jk.
 
I can't believe no one has made mention of the GFODL bill that the Georgia Firearms Owners Defense League is trying to introduce. Yes, ladies and gents there is a grassroots organization in the great state of GA that is fighting for your second amendment rights. While HB193 is a good bill, it is NOT enough. You think "public gatherings" are the only places off limits to citizens with a firearms license? Try WMA's, State Parks, Stone Mountain Park, Airport property, MARTA, or any other bus or rail vehicle, interstate rest stops, even having your gun in your car not on your person in one of these places is still a violation of law. Even having your pistol in a parking area in your car or on your person in any one of these places, public gatherings, or even if a few people are congregating (i.e. tailgate party, rally) in the parking lot of a public place - you are still in violation of the law. This is just not speculation, it is FACT. There are caselaws where the convictions were upheld by the court of appeals of people arrested and charged in the situations described above.

Georgia has some of the most restrictive and vague firearm laws in the nation. And what is worst of all, not all of these laws are contained title 16 chapter 11 of the GA criminal code. They are sporadic at best. Laws restricting the carrying of firearms can also be found in titles 12, 27, and 42 of the GA code.

The GFODL bill was composed by LEO's, Attorneys, and ardent defenders of the RKBA. It covers every single aspect of firearm possession and carrying addressed in the GA code and truely gives firearm license holders the "right to carry". Anyone who is serious about CCW reform in GA should go over the GFODL and print out the copy of the propsed bill and email/fax immediately to their representative DEMANDING their support. We can make this happen, but only if we have everyone pitching in and helping. It all or nothing.

Georgia Firearm Owners Defense League
 
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