Do you ask cops about firearms law?

tommy610 · Post by **tommy610** » Tue, 21 May 2013 14:10:03

See the poll.

Post by **OakRidgeStars** » Tue, 21 May 2013 18:11:32

Only if I'm looking for a wrong answer.

jdonovan · Post by **jdonovan** » Wed, 22 May 2013 08:08:06

I ask lawyers about the laws, I ask cops about where to go for lunch.

ShortMan · Post by **ShortMan** » Tue, 24 Sep 2013 09:31:50

For general questions I investigate online. However we have to remember that police enforce the law as they see it, so asking them what they think can possibly keep you out of trouble on a daily basis.

For example, I asked the chief of campus police about keeping a gun in my car and he told me. Now its possible (though unlikely) he doesn't know the rules as well as he should, but I need to know how he perceives them so I can avoid unneeded confrontations at my college.

jdonovan · Post by **jdonovan** » Tue, 24 Sep 2013 09:36:31

ShortMan wrote:For example, I asked the chief of campus police about keeping a gun in my car and he told me. Now its possible (though unlikely) he doesn't know the rules as well as he should, but I need to know how he perceives them so I can avoid unneeded confrontations at my college.

and if he told you something that was completely contrary to the law... do you follow his illegal advice, or do you obey the law?

GeneFrenkle · Post by **GeneFrenkle** » Tue, 24 Sep 2013 11:22:52

ShortMan wrote:For general questions I investigate online. However we have to remember that police enforce the law as they see it, so asking them what they think can possibly keep you out of trouble on a daily basis.

For example, I asked the chief of campus police about keeping a gun in my car and he told me. Now its possible (though unlikely) he doesn't know the rules as well as he should, but I need to know how he perceives them so I can avoid unneeded confrontations at my college.

The Police (or local LEO) are under no obligation to tell you the truth, to protect you or your interests. Discounting things like general public safety (e.g. directing traffic), their job is to search/find lawbreakers then arrest, ticket, or fine individuals for the infractions.

Chasbo00 · Post by **Chasbo00** » Tue, 24 Sep 2013 11:52:42

I read statute law myself. I sometimes ask legal professionals about case law in addition to doing my own research.

MarcSpaz · Post by **MarcSpaz** » Tue, 24 Sep 2013 14:49:49

I used too, but I doubt I will any more. Here is a good example of why its a bad idea.

I have a CHP and carry everywhere. I needed to go on a military base, so I called the watch captain and asked what I needed to do to legally transport the weapon on base. He told me that I have to have the weapon unloaded, store separate from the ammo and in a compartment making it inaccessible to the passengers in the vehicle.

Sounds good, right? The problem is, as a friend recently pointed out, the LEO I spoke too left out the part about what persons are allowed to transport and when. Getting only part of the answer could have gotten me locked up. Can't blame the MP though. I never asked that question.

Another good reason... I think we have all seen enough video footage and read articles about LEO's who are obviously not knowledgeable about the law.

I found out, for instance, in some counties in VA, police officers don't have to have a degree in criminal justice or any degree whatsoever. They get a few weeks of training and they are issued a hard copy of the state, county and/or city code for reference.

ProShooter · Post by **ProShooter** » Tue, 24 Sep 2013 22:33:55

If anyone has a question about Virginia law, they can pm me and I'll be happy to help....

Otherwise, you can take our Intro to Concealed Carry in Virginia class to learn about the laws.

smltooner · Post by **smltooner** » Wed, 25 Sep 2013 04:58:01

jdonovan wrote:I ask lawyers about the laws, I ask cops about where to go for lunch.

+1

dorminWS · Post by **dorminWS** » Wed, 25 Sep 2013 17:39:42

jdonovan wrote:I ask lawyers about the laws, I ask cops about where to go for lunch.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

I'll bet you eat a lot of crappy (but cheap) lunches.

ShortMan · Post by **ShortMan** » Wed, 25 Sep 2013 18:59:29

jdonovan wrote:
ShortMan wrote:For example, I asked the chief of campus police about keeping a gun in my car and he told me. Now its possible (though unlikely) he doesn't know the rules as well as he should, but I need to know how he perceives them so I can avoid unneeded confrontations at my college.
and if he told you something that was completely contrary to the law... do you follow his illegal advice, or do you obey the law?

I got it in an email with his name, from his official campus account. That MIGHT protect me.

BUT, if I got advice contrary to what I thought, it tells me I need to investigate more thoroughly, print it out, and keep it in the car at all times.

This isnt just for guns either, knives seem to have a lot of different interpretations. The way I read Virginia law, I can carry an automatic knife openly, the only problem is when I try to conceal it. For that matter, I still havent seen anything in writing that says all automatic knives qualify as switchblades.

But like I said before, I need to know how cops perceive the law (right or wrong) so I can avoid unneeded confrontations with them. I'm not looking for trouble, but I'm also not keen on having my rights trampled.

ShortMan · Post by **ShortMan** » Wed, 25 Sep 2013 19:14:27

http://knife-expert.com/va.txt

Also, according to that if its under three inches it doesn't matter. I have a Microtech out-the-front knife thats 2.75 inches. In theory I could not only carry it, but conceal it too.

Chasbo00 · Post by **Chasbo00** » Wed, 25 Sep 2013 19:29:35

ShortMan wrote:http://knife-expert.com/va.txt

Also, according to that if its under three inches it doesn't matter. I have a Microtech out-the-front knife thats 2.75 inches. In theory I could not only carry it, but conceal it too.

How about this statute?

§ 18.2-311. Prohibiting the selling or having in possession blackjacks, etc.

If any person sells or barters, or exhibits for sale or for barter, or gives or furnishes, or causes to be sold, bartered, given or furnished, or has in his possession, or under his control, with the intent of selling, bartering, giving or furnishing, any blackjack, brass or metal knucks, any disc of whatever configuration having at least two points or pointed blades which is designed to be thrown or propelled and which may be known as a throwing star or oriental dart, switchblade knife, ballistic knife as defined in § 18.2-307.1, or like weapons, such person is guilty of a Class 4 misdemeanor. The having in one's possession of any such weapon shall be prima facie evidence, except in the case of a conservator of the peace, of his intent to sell, barter, give or furnish the same.

(Code 1950, § 18.1-271; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15; 1985, c. 394; 1988, c. 359; 2013, c. 746.)

ShortMan · Post by **ShortMan** » Wed, 25 Sep 2013 19:37:53

See and thats messed up too cuz that means you can NEVER carry anything unless you are a licensed dealer on your way to a show.

So basically everyone is breaking the law. Why do they even have all the other laws if you can never carry it anyway?

gunderwood · Post by **gunderwood** » Sat, 28 Sep 2013 12:27:46

jdonovan wrote:I ask lawyers about the laws, I ask cops about where to go for lunch.

+1

If I ask them anything at all.

chriscw81 · Post by **chriscw81** » Sat, 28 Sep 2013 15:07:41

No, I feel like there is a fair chance that I might here closer to what they'd like the law to be.....rather than what it is. That's if they even know in the first place. To be fair, they are human and not lawyers.

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

MarcSpaz · Post by **MarcSpaz** » Sat, 28 Sep 2013 20:05:16

Wait.... are you saying lawyers aren't human?

chriscw81 · Post by **chriscw81** » Sat, 28 Sep 2013 20:49:30

MarcSpaz wrote:Wait.... are you saying lawyers aren't human?

I thought someone might respond similarly haha. I also just realized my phone screwed me again and misspelled hear.....

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

cwfunrider · Post by **cwfunrider** » Wed, 09 Oct 2013 19:49:05

I frequently ask cops what they carry, side arm and ammo. I'll talk to them when standing next to them at an event or the like.

I don't mind cops anymore. When I was a younger man I was a bit of a rebellion and coppers were the enemy.

But for legal advice. No. I'll look it up myself or ask a lawyer.

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