Is it legal to carry a gun in Arizona?

What the law says

Arizona lists when carrying is a crime. Section 13-3102(A) of the Arizona Revised Statutes defines misconduct involving weapons as a list of 16 acts. Outside that list, the section does not make it an offense for an adult to carry a gun, openly or concealed.

What a deadly weapon is. Section 13-3101 of the Arizona Revised Statutes says:

““Deadly weapon” means anything that is designed for lethal use.”

The term includes a firearm, under section 13-3101 of the Arizona Revised Statutes. Several of the carry rules in section 13-3102 make an exception for a pocket knife.

Telling an officer. Under section 13-3102(A)(1) of the Arizona Revised Statutes, it is an offense to carry a concealed deadly weapon during a lawful stop and fail to answer truthfully when the officer asks:

“When contacted by a law enforcement officer and failing to accurately answer the officer if the officer asks whether the person is carrying a concealed deadly weapon; or”

That is a class 1 misdemeanor under section 13-3102(M) of the Arizona Revised Statutes. Under sections 13-707 and 13-802 of the Arizona Revised Statutes, that carries up to 6 months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500. Under section 13-3102(L), the officer may also hold the gun for the length of the stop.

What changes the answer

Under 21. Under section 13-3102(A)(2) of the Arizona Revised Statutes, a person younger than 21 may not carry a concealed deadly weapon. It is a class 3 misdemeanor under section 13-3102(M). Under sections 13-707 and 13-802 of the Arizona Revised Statutes, that means up to 30 days in jail and a fine of up to $500.

What is not concealed. Under section 13-3102(B) of the Arizona Revised Statutes, the under-21 rule does not apply at home, at work or on land the person or their parent, grandparent or guardian owns or leases. It also does not apply to a gun in a visible holster or case, in luggage, or in a case, glove box or trunk in a vehicle.

Prohibited possessors. Under section 13-3102(A)(4) of the Arizona Revised Statutes, a prohibited possessor may not have a gun at all. Under section 13-3101 of the Arizona Revised Statutes, that includes a person with a felony conviction whose gun rights have not been restored, and a person on probation for a domestic violence offense or a felony. It is a class 4 felony.

Schools. Under section 13-3102(A)(12) of the Arizona Revised Statutes, having a deadly weapon on school grounds is a class 1 misdemeanor. Under section 13-3102(I), an unloaded gun in a vehicle under an adult’s control is allowed, if it is out of sight and the vehicle is locked when the adult leaves.

Polling places and public events. Under section 13-3102(A)(10) and (11) of the Arizona Revised Statutes, carrying into a polling place on election day is an offense. So is staying armed in a government building or a public event after a reasonable request to store the gun. Both are class 1 misdemeanors.

The permit. Under section 13-3112(E) of the Arizona Revised Statutes, the Department of Public Safety issues a concealed weapon permit to a resident or a United States citizen aged 21 or older, or 19 with military service. The applicant must not be under felony indictment or have a felony conviction that was not set aside or followed by restored rights, and must show firearms training or competence.

How long a permit lasts. Under section 13-3112(H) and (I) of the Arizona Revised Statutes, the department completes its checks within 60 days of the application, and a permit is valid for 5 years.