Louisiana gun control laws are among the least-restrictive in the United States. While machine guns, submachine guns and weapons with serial or ID numbers removed are illegal, Louisiana does not have a waiting period for gun purchases.
The Louisiana Constitution states:
“The right of each citizen to keep and bear arms shall not be abridged, but this provision shall not prevent the passage of laws to prohibit the carrying of weapons concealed on the person.â€
Learn more about Louisiana gun control laws in the table below. Additional background on the subject can be found below. See Details on State Gun Control Laws for more general information.
| Code Section | 14:95.1; 40:1751, et seq. |
| Illegal Arms | Machine and submachine guns; those with serial or ID # removed or altered |
| Waiting Period | None |
| Who May Not Own | Convicted of certain felonies (murder, manslaughter, aggravated battery, violating uniform controlled substances law, etc.); convicted of crime of violence (felony burglary, felony illegal use of weapons) or crime defined as sex offense, or an attempt to commit these crimes. |
| Law Prohibiting Firearms On or Near School Grounds | Misdemeanor or Felony. 14:95.6; 114:95.2 |
Second Amendment Basics
The Second Amendment of the United States Constitution controls all gun regulation in the United States. The Amendment reads: "A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed". If a state law violates the "right to bear arms" the law is unconstitutional and invalid.
People in favor of a broad interpretation of the Second Amendment, and looser gun regulations, argue that the Second Amendment guarantees all people the right to own firearms for personal protection, and protection against a tyrannical government. A common belief is that any form of firearm registration gives the government knowledge of the location of firearms, knowledge that an oppressive government can use to confiscate firearms. Another argument is that restricting the purchase of firearms restricts the individual right to self defense.
Who May Not Own Firearms
There are certain people who have lost their right to own and possess firearms. Those include convicted felons and those confined to a penal institution. Be sure to check Louisiana law carefully to determine who exactly is prohibited from owning a firearm.
Do I Need an Attorney's Help?
If you would like to know more about Louisiana firearm laws, there are many attorneys throughout the state with criminal defense experience who may be able to help. In addition to helping you with criminal charges, an attorney that is especially knowledgeable about Louisiana firearm regulations may be able to help you reclaim unlawfully confiscated firearms and restore an improperly revoked concealed carry license.
