Gun Possession at the Airport

At the Nashville International Airport and many other Tennessee airports, it is illegal for most people to bring a gun on the plane or through airport security. Even accidentally or forgetfully having a firearm with you at a security checkpoint may result in a criminal charge and a hefty fine. If you have been charged with gun possession at the airport, seeking assistance from a criminal defense lawyer may help mitigate the consequences. Nashville gun crime lawyer Bernie McEvoy provides guidance and representation to people facing repercussions for a firearm or other weapons violation in Davidson or Williamson County. He can fight to have the charges thrown out or negotiate a satisfactory plea agreement to avoid excessive penalties.

Tennessee international airports are subject to state laws as well as federal aviation security laws and regulations. In Tennessee, it is a criminal offense to knowingly trespass into or unlawfully enter an aircraft, air carrier, air operations area, or security inspection area of a public airport in violation of federal security regulations. A person with a gun in a Tennessee airport may be charged with a violation of airport security offense because, under federal regulations, firearms, explosives, and other dangerous weapons are prohibited in airports under most circumstances. These laws prohibit individuals from possessing firearms, handguns, and ammunition on their person or in carry-on luggage in most areas of the airport, even with a valid Tennessee permit. Exceptions are allowed only for some authorized law enforcement officers, who have an operational need to have a firearm accessible while onboard the aircraft.

A violation of airport security may be committed even when the defendant did not mean to bring a gun on their flight and simply forgot that it was with them. The only intent required on the part of the defendant is their intent to enter the airport security area or aircraft. A violation of airport and aircraft security, without the intent to commit a felony, is a Class A misdemeanor in Tennessee. The penalties imposed for a conviction may include a maximum jail sentence of 11 months and 29 days. The defendant may be charged with related weapons offenses arising out of the security violation, such as carrying a handgun without a permit or possessing a prohibited weapon. In addition, the defendant may be subject to a large fine or penalty under federal laws and regulations.

Gun possession at the airport may constitute a Tennessee felony offense in some situations. For example, a person with a gun at an airport who has lost their right to possess a firearm or handgun may be charged with a felony for unlawfully possessing a weapon. A violation of airport and aircraft security may also be charged as a felony in some circumstances. In Tennessee, it is a Class E felony if a person violates airport security, with the intent to commit a federal or state felony crime in an aircraft, air carrier, foreign air carrier, air operations area, airport security inspection area, or other sterile area, and the person is convicted of the felony. If they are convicted of a violation of airport security with the intent to commit a felony, the defendant may receive a prison sentence lasting between one and six years, probation, or a fine. The defendant will also be subject to criminal penalties from the underlying felony conviction.

If you need legal advice after an airport security violation or criminal charge due to firearm possession, Nashville attorney Bernie McEvoy can assist you. He can represent defendants in criminal weapons cases throughout Davidson and Williamson Counties. Request a free consultation with an experienced defense attorney by contacting the Law Office of Bernie McEvoy. We are available by phone at (615) 255-9595 during business hours and (615) 804-8779 during evenings and weekends, or through our online contact form.