What is the penalty for carrying a gun in Tennessee without a permit?

If you’re on your own property, home, or vehicle, you can carry a handgun without a permit. If you want to go out in public, you need to get a carry permit.

A first violation for illegally carrying a firearm without a permit is a Class C misdemeanor; the penalty is a fine of up to $500 and/or up to 30 days in jail. A second or subsequent violation is a Class B misdemeanor, with a fine of up to $500 and/or up to six months in jail. A violation in a place open to the public with at least one other person present is a Class A misdemeanor, which incurs a fine of up to $2,500 and/or up to 11 months and 29 days in jail. Carrying a firearm in public recreational areas is also a Class A misdemeanor.

The following violations are all Class E felonies, carrying penalties of up to $3,000 and/or up to six years in prison:

• illegally carrying a weapon on school property or in a room where judicial proceedings are taking place

• possessing a handgun if you’ve been convicted of a felony, and

• possessing any dangerous weapon with the intent to use it in a crime.

(Tenn. Code §§ 39-17-1306, 39-17-1307, 39-17-1309, 39-17-1311, 40-35-111.)