Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb has signed a law that eliminates the need for handgun licenses in Indiana. The new rule is set to take effect on July 1, 2022. So what exactly does this mean?
It means if you’re legally allowed to own a handgun, you’ll soon be able to carry it on you without needing to jump through the hoops of getting licensed. You won’t have to go to the police station and get fingerprinted, and you won’t have to pay a fee to obtain a physical license. If you’re allowed to own, you’ll be allowed to carry.
What if you’re currently charged with carrying a handgun without a license? In that case, it won’t matter that in a few months’ time, your charges will no longer constitute a crime. The new law will not be applied retroactively, but it’s possible it could have an effect on how the judge rules or the sentence they impose.
The new law does nothing to change how you can obtain a gun or who can legally purchase a gun. If you’re a convicted felon, you’re still prohibited from owning a firearm. The only thing that’s changing is the handgun license will no longer be required.
This does not mean Indiana is going to stop issuing licenses. Handgun licenses will still be available to anyone who qualifies, and it’s probably a good idea to have one—if for no other reason than interstate travel.
If you’re stopped in Ohio, and the police want to see the license for the handgun you’re carrying, it’s probably not going to do you a lot of good to tell them, Indiana says it’s okay. If the State you’re in recognizes Indiana licensure, you’re still going to need some way to prove it. You’re going to need the license itself.
Again, this does not change anything about who’s permitted to purchase or possess a firearm. Convicted felons are still not allowed to have guns, and when they do, they’re setting themselves up for a federal prosecution.
The Marc Lopez Law Firm is anticipating that in response to this law, there will be a crackdown on felons in possession of firearms. If you or anyone you know has questions about the new law or its potential effects, give us a call at 317-632-3642 and remember—always plead the 5th!
