Home, Workplace, Motor Vehicle Property Protection
by Karen Fisher
I teach a lot of North Carolina Concealed Carry classes, and the more classes I teach the more people I meet people who are new to our great state. It just so happens that many, if not the majority, of my new students come from states that are not so gun-friendly. I thought I would share some of North Carolina’s personal protection laws that always seem to surprise students.
Disclaimer: It is illegal for anyone in the state of North Carolina to conceal a handgun without a proper state-issued permit. The state of North Carolina honors other States’ concealed carry permits, but it is important to understand our State’s laws prior to concealing a handgun. You may refer to www.ncdoj.gov to determine which states have reciprocity with North Carolina.
Home, workplace, and motor vehicle protection (NC § 14-51.2). This statute allows for the State’s presumption that an occupant of a home, motor vehicle, or workplace holds a reasonable fear of death or great bodily harm if any person(s) is unlawfully and forcefully entering or has unlawfully and forcibly entered your home, motor vehicle, or workplace. A citizen of the state of North Carolina does not have the duty to retreat prior to using deadly force against a deadly threat.
What is home? Your residence, someone else’s residence, a motor home, an apartment, a hotel, a tent, a tree house, a cardboard box. Home is where you hang your hat. Also – a note about home defense; it doesn’t always mean only inside the home. Curtilage could possibly be taken into consideration when defending yourself at home. This means porches, patios, decks, garages, etc. If those areas are where you spend time living or working, you may still protect yourself against a deadly threat.
Motor vehicle? Think car jackings. You are not required to submit to a car jacker. Of special note – placement of your firearm is important in situations like these. (The safest place for your firearm is on your person). Be careful to consider and plan when it comes to protecting yourself against someone intruding on you within in your vehicle.
Workplace violence is increasing. In North Carolina, the law allows you to protect yourself and others against a deadly threat at your workplace just as it does at your home. (Be sure to check your employee manual for policies about concealing a handgun at your workplace).
You are not required to hold a concealed carry permit to protect yourself in North Carolina, but it would be smart to search out an instructor in your area that can help you understand the laws that provide you with the right to protect yourself and your family.
Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.
~ Nelson Mandela
Karen Fisher – Writes about guns and gun safety
www.carolinaselfprotection.com ~ 704-237-4487
In 2012 Karen opened the doors to Carolina Self Protection, LLC and began an incredibly rewarding career in firearms and personal safety education. In 2016 Karen expanded her training to become an NRA Certified Training Counselor and NRA CHIEF Range Safety Officer, which allows her to train and certify prospective NRA Instructors and Range Safety Officers. Karen offers many classes at her classroom in Mooresville, NC.