In Nebraska, as well as most states in the Midwest, owning guns is a way of life. Like many citizens, you might want a handgun or rifle for hunting and home defense. Nebraska gun laws are relatively friendly for gun owners, but you need to understand that in many areas you will need a handgun permit, as well as special permits for carrying a firearm in the open. At McGoughLaw P.C., L.L.O., we feel it is essential to warn well-meaning gun owners that they may be committing an offense by not understanding local gun laws.
For example, if you live in Omaha, you will need to register all handguns you purchase with the Douglas County Sheriff's Office, according to the Omaha Police Department. The following points illustrate three ways you might get on the wrong side of the law when you buy a handgun:
- You bring a handgun that is loaded or not in a secure container to the police department for registration. When registering a gun, it must be unloaded and placed inside a preferably locked container.
- You are buying a concealable firearm and have previously been convicted of a felony, have prior convictions for illegally carrying concealed firearms or have an active protection order against you.
- You have a prior conviction of assault or a drug crime during the past five years.
You may wish to own a weapon for a reasonable use, but you will need to understand how to legally purchase and register a handgun, as well as restrictions that may prevent you from currently owning one, to avoid criminal charges. You may learn more about defending your rights on our criminal defense page.