My employer has proper 30.06 signs at the parking lot entrances.
If I want to go to the shooting range after work or otherwise have my gun available, do you think I can lock my gun in the trunk and then legally go on the company property? Is there any way to legally have a firearm in the car while parked in the lot?
Here are some thoughts for discussion:
Code states that a “license holder� commits an offense if he
1. carries a handgun on property AND
2. enters ( or remains on) the property with a concealed handgun
From the Texas Concealed Handgun Laws Q&A Section:
Q: If I drive to a shopping mall that does not permit handguns, will I be allowed to park in the parking lot and leave my gun in the car?
A: If the parking lot is not posted with the sign described above, handguns may be left in the cars. However, if it is posted in the parking lot, then you may not.
Q: If my handgun is on the seat beside me, am I still considered to be “carrying?�
A: Yes. The statute refers to carrying a gun “on or about� your person. Texas courts generally have considered this to include any gun within your reach, including one stored in your glove compartment or even in a passenger’s purse, if you can reach it without materially changing position.
Argument 1:
If the offense for 30.06 is specifically “carrying� where not allowed then the second Q&A seems to partially contradict the first. If I lock my handgun in my trunk before I get on the property then it does not look like I would be considered carrying as it is not within reach.
Argument 2:
The offense specifies “license holder� and the sign specifically addresses “trespass by holder of license to carry a concealed handgun�. If I did not have a Concealed Carry permit, then does this offense apply to me?
Argument 3:
Do any of the vague "traveling" laws help with this?
Do you think any of these arguments would hold up? I really want to stay legal.
(It would really be ironic if Argument 2 is valid
)Any help or advice is appreciated.
TexasGunShooter
