Site last updated: Friday, March 29, 2024

Log In

Reset Password
MENU
Butler County's great daily newspaper

County residents learn laws of concealed carry

BUTLER TWP — More than 100 people attended a concealed carry seminar hosted by State Representative Brian Ellis on Thursday night, providing information to the public about the state's concealed carry laws and legislation known as the Castle Doctrine.

The event included brief presentations from district attorney Richard Goldinger and Butler County Sheriff Michael Slupe, followed by a question and answer session.

In Pennsylvania, residents do not need a permit to buy or open carry firearms, according to Slupe.

But it also is up to any business to ask an individual who is open carrying to leave, Goldinger said. If the person carrying refuses, that then becomes trespassing, he said.

“As a business-owner, they're allowed to do that,” Goldinger said.

To carry a concealed firearm, a person must be licensed in the state, Slupe said. This includes carrying a firearm in a vehicle as well.

However, no license is needed to keep a firearm in your home or at your “fixed” place of business, according to Goldinger.

Goldinger also stressed that there are certain people who are ineligible to receive licenses to carry, including convicted felons, certain drug offenders, those who are the subject of a Protection from Abuse order and individuals who have had three charges of driving under the influence in five years.

To apply for a license, an individual must go to the sheriff's office in the Butler County Government Center or fill out and return the application found on the county's website, http://www.co.butler.pa.us.

Applications include a background check of the individual's juvenile records, criminal records, mental health records and Protection From Abuse order, according to Slupe.

“Our process is very easy,” he said.

More in Digital Media Exclusive

Subscribe to our Daily Newsletter

* indicates required
TODAY'S PHOTOS