[JellyJar]

In all the years that I have carried concealed twice I have accidentally carried a handgun into where I worked. However, in both cases I did not get caught. The first time I had my handgun in a fanny bag thing and forgot to remove it after going back to work after having gone out for lunch. The next time I had an airweight J frame in the pocket of a denim jacket that I carried instead of wore and because of the gun's light weight I did not notice it. I could have been in deep you know what had I been caught! :what::cuss::banghead:

Has anyone else had such "accidents"?:)

[Wahoo95]

Sure, all the time :)

[archigos]

I carry to work every day. The only thing I have to worry about is government buildings, which I visit infrequently enough that I'm pretty sure to remember to de-prepare.

[X-Rap]

Yes but I won't confess to specific violations here but it does happen.

[Aran]

Yes, I "accidentally" go to the post office and "accidentally" forget that I'm armed.

Accidentally.

[Texas Gun Person]

I make sure to not even have a firearm in my car at work. Big big big no no. I just really don't want to run the risk of them finding one (I realize they don't go around searching cars) but hey... I really like my job there, and don't want to lose it anytime soon. :)

Lockheed Martin has some new rules since 9/11

[mcdonl]

I do it a lot in the summer. When I was on my old motorcycle I had no safe place to keep my pistol so I would put it in my leather jacket, in my office and it would stay there all day. I own a GL1300 now so I have more storage then a ford focus :)

BUT.... as you see in the article below... if you do get caught, and happen to work at a school you will lose your job and face charges.

http://www.seacoastonline.com/articles/20091207-NEWS-912079975

PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — A Maine teacher's aide who brought an unloaded gun to a Portland school last month is facing criminal charges.

The Portland Press Herald says 49-year-old Beth Bergeron of Harrison is facing up to six months in jail if convicted of a misdemeanor charge of possessing a firearm on school property.

She is due in court Tuesday.

Police say Bergeron didn't know the handgun was in a swim bag she brought to school on Nov. 18 until the bag tipped over and a student saw the gun.

Bergeron took the bag to her car and reported the incident to school officials.

She was placed on paid leave after the incident.

School officials say she resigned on Friday.

[Eyesac]

No, I really don't. But I speed by mistake sometimes.

[slr777]

Dont ask dont tell

[harmon rabb]

can't say i haven't accidentally carried in the post office :o

carrying is encouraged at my office though, so no worries there :D

[cmfireman]

If I do, I'm fired. Even if I have a cartridge in my pocket I'm sure to be in trouble.

I'll definitely be caught, because the X-ray machines and metal detectors are good at their jobs. I always do a pat down of myself before going through the bomb detectors.

[EddieNFL]

Bergeron took the bag to her car and reported the incident to school officials.

Never volunteer information.

[RoostRider]

I was involved in a nasty eviction process in which my landlord was vehemently trying to violate my lease (she was from a foreign country and did not understand her obligation to the leases on the property she had purchased). She (and her cohorts) had threatened a LOT of things, not the least of which was just coming in my apartment and moving me out whether I like it or not, without the courts (because they were not helping her).

Because her attempt to evict via the courts had failed miserably (her only claim being "it's my property I can do what I want with it") she decided to try to have a restraining order put on me in order to have me evicted (probably advice from someone stupid).... well, the courts didn't buy into the "I need a restraining order because I want him evicted" plea either... so her next step was to start another restraining order on the the pretense that I threatened her life....

with such confusion about the issue (3 seperate cases over the exact same thing) the referee ordered a trial with a very experienced judge.... the judge was NOT happy about hearing such trivial cases and it showed (he even stated such on record)... he ordered the trial to start at 7am (before regular court) every day he was available and go till 8am (his regular start time) every day until it was over, probably expecting it to end very quickly.... it did not

During the ensuing 3 months we went to court more than a dozen times.

During the main trial I accidentally carried my gun into the courthouse in my computer bag. I didn't realize it until the trial had begun. I went to grab some paperwork from my bag and felt my gun in there.... (can you say *whoops*?) I took my attorney outside the courtroom at the next break and explained what had happened.... he about flipped out... told me to shut up, go back and sit down like normal.... I did...

It all worked out fine *whew*.... I won the case and she was forced to pay my legal fees (very rare, but the judge was livid when it all came to light what was going on)

I always do a pat down of myself before going through the bomb detectors.

Me too.... ever since that time...

[Claude Clay]

i neither admit to mistakes nor do i deny.......
however
i have never 'found' a gun in an item of clothing or
someplace unexpectedly

but i have only been carrying for 35 years
so i guess it could still happen.....

[M2 Carbine]

Carry where not allowed by accident?
Yes, years ago right after I got my Texas CHL.

One afternoon a lady friend was going to take me to town as she was picking up her kids at school.
When we got to the small church school the lady asked me if I'd like to see the school.
I said sure, and went in and was introduced to the teachers and looked around.

As we were about half way to town I shifted in the seat and felt the 45 Kimber Ultra in the Don Hume JIT holster.
I thought, Darn I just broke the, "No guns in school buildings" rule.

That evening when I told the husband (and my shooting friend) about carrying the gun around in his kid's school he said something that put the gun rules in proper prospective.


He said,
"At the time you were in that school with your gun, those were the safest school children in all of Texas".

[wishin]

It's probably happened to most everyone who CC's all the time at least once!

[Sav .250]

Here`s a thought. If and when you do get caught, try one of you tried and true excuses.................:)

[RoostRider]

i have never 'found' a gun in an item of clothing or
someplace unexpectedly

but i have only been carrying for 35 years
so i guess it could still happen.....

I didn't so much forget about the gun there as much as just didn't put it all together.... meaning, if someone would have come up to me before court and said "hey, where's your gun", I would have said "right here in my bag" followed by "and I better take it out before we go into the courthouse"....

I know that doesn't excuse the action, but I too have been carrying for many years (about 15), and this only happened to me once.... It sounds like a lot of responsible (?) people who carry daily have run into such problems (they also probably didn't forget where the gun was so much as forget that where they were didn't allow it)... so yeah, it could happen to you too.... especially now that we're old codgers with lapsing memories looming ahead.... :)

Here`s a thought. If and when you do get caught, try one of you tried and true excuses.................

YOU ARE SO RIGHT!!! If I had been caught I might still be typing this from prison.... I was in court over a restraining order and I brought a gun!!!.... wow.... seriously.... think about that people.... if you're going to carry, it can be a VERY serious issue if you 'forget' to remove your gun in the wrong place.... excuses might not count for much at all...

Every time I need to enter the post office or a court, school or federal building that mistake blares out in my mind now....

[CoRoMo]

IIRC, carrying a pocket knife, with a blade longer than 3", into a post office is a felony. I'd sure hate to be stripped of my 2A rights just because, come to find out that my folder had an extra quarter inch on it.:banghead:

[SaxonPig]

Be aware that some time back I posted about realizing that I had landed in NYC with my auto knife in my pants pocket folded in my suitcase. Legal in my home state such a knife is a felony in NYC so I mailed it home. The post was deleted and I figured they delete all admissions of law-breaking.

[Dimis]

Pizza Delivery guy here and we had a call to a high school for a pizza party... walked right in and forgot i had it luckily they didnt have metal detectors and i was REALLY nervous once i realized what had happened but in the end everything came out OK but now when they call i make it a habit to dissarm before entering the building

[RoostRider]

IIRC, carrying a pocket knife, with a blade longer than 3", into a post office is a felony. I'd sure hate to be stripped of my 2A rights just because, come to find out that my folder had an extra quarter inch on it

CoRoMo brings up a good point.... it would seem that a large portion of the daily carry guys have made a similar mistake... some of them must get caught (but you wouldn't hear from them here then would you?)....

How should this be handled from a legal perspective?

Frankly, my thoughts are that they shouldn't disarm anyone unless they can reliably disarm everyone (clearly, in these cases they couldn't).... I have intentionally brought my gun past security many times (in MN that is legal so long as they don't ask you to leave and you refuse), simply because it was apparent to me that anyone who tried could get a gun past their security (bars, sport events, concerts and whatnot)... so I wasn't going to be the only guy disarmed...

[Echo9]

Might wanna be careful about being caught for the next couple weeks.

http://digg.com/d31EvJT

[Madcap_Magician]

#1 lesson here?

If you realize you accidentally brought your gun someplace you weren't supposed to... FOR GOD'S SAKE DON'T TELL ANYONE!!!

[Mike J]

I had a oops here a couple of years ago. It happened right after I started carrying. I carried in a mexican restaurant. At the time it was illegal to carry anywhere alcohol was served. The law has changed since regarding restaurants. The bad part was some how or other wrangling kids (I was with my wife & then 2 year old & 7 month old girls) my cover garment got pulled up over the butt of my pistol. When I stood up I realized it & covered quickly. The waiters eyes bulged out just a little but he didn't say a word as I payed our bill & left.

[SharpsDressedMan]

I have never liked a job so much that I would fear getting caught with one of my guns in violation of some employer's policy. If they don't respect my right to self protection, then I have no respect for the rules. I guess that makes me a hostile employee, but then, I've been called worse.:evil:

[NMGonzo]

I carry at work.

My boss is not armed; we are so he does not have to!

Seriously ... I am trying to take him shooting a couple weeks from now.

Nam Vet; photog.

[BCC]

I really try not to do anything accidentally with my gun.

[Mr.Davis]

Here`s a thought. If and when you do get caught, try one of you tried and true excuses.................
LEO: "I don't see what a tragic boating accident has to do with this."

[BlkHawk73]

Nope! IMO, accepting the responsibility to carry equates to having the responsibilty to not have "accidents" occur. Purposely having "accidents" IMO, is showing a complete lack of responsibilty, exactly what the other side wants.
Can be darn sure it'll get blown out of proportion and be a big red mark for the pro-side when it is discovered.

[CoRoMo]

If it is on purpose, then it isn't an accident.

And if you've ever made the mistake, there's a chance you'll never know that you did.

Walking across a portion of property while armed, not knowing that the property is federally owned, would be that type of accident. If you've ever done something like that in the past, there's no way to know it. Unless of course, you know the property ownership status of every inch of ground that you've ever set foot on while you've been carrying.

[shotgunjoel]

IIRC, carrying a pocket knife, with a blade longer than 3", into a post office is a felony. I'd sure hate to be stripped of my 2A rights just because, come to find out that my folder had an extra quarter inch on it.
Yep, I've done that. Many times. No CCW here, but I've carried my knife into the Post Office and schools several times. I just unclip it from my pocket and drop it into the bottom of my pocket. I usually don't worry about it beyond that.

[bdickens]

#1 Why publicize it? Can't see how it could do you any good.

#2 You need to find a way to better pay attention to what you're doing. Unlawfully carrying because you "forgot" is a whole lot different than, say, forgetting to get the milk at the grocery store.

[harmonic]

I was coming back from Cabo and while waiting in line to check my luggage remembered I had my Buck folder w/3" blade in my pocket. I freaked. But the check in official turned her back and I was able to stick it in my bag (which was already on the table). Heck, it might even be the case that carrying a pocket knife in Mexico is illegal. I've bought switchblades in Panama and was looking for the same in Mexico. None to be found, so maybe pocket knives are illegal, since I didn't see any for sale in Cabo.

I also went on vacation in a state where CCW isn't allowed in a church. I went to church and didn't find out till later it was against the law.

[boatme99]

forgot. yeah, that's the ticket..:rolleyes:

[pancakeofdoom]

i work at a hotel and i'm not allowed to have one, even in my car.

that said, i'm lookin over at my car which i parked up at the front of the drive with my xd in the center console as i type this.

if this hotel doesn't want me to carry in some form or another, maybe they should stop attracting maniacs with guns once every 6 months.

unless you have a high security job i don't see the point. i understand on person, but c'mon, what is the big deal with cars that these companies are dreaming of?

[M2 Carbine]

#1 Why publicize it? Can't see how it could do you any good.
A smart person learns by other's mistakes because you aren't going to live long enough to make them all yourself.


I was a flight instructor at the Army helicopter school in the 1960's. Fatal crashes were common, 65 pilots were killed.
We instructors put our Ego aside and when we had a close call, whether it was our fault or not, we told the other instructors in hopes that they wouldn't do the same thing.
This saved my life and my student when shortly after being told by a instructor how to recover out of a almost always fatal mistake, I got into the same situation.

I don't claim to be perfect, so I have no problem telling when I make a mistake or do something stupid.
Maybe it will help the next guy avoid doing the same thing.

[Zach S]

And if you've ever made the mistake, there's a chance you'll never know that you did.
Yep.

I've almost carried into the courthouse a few times. Probably wouldn't have thought anything about it if I didnt see the metal detectors. So, I'm sure I've forgot a time or two at other locations.

[SSN Vet]

Wherever there are humans.... there's the potential for human error....

I try to minimize my potential for making a mistake I could regret the rest of my life, by keeping things as simple as possible.

Of course, the simplest way to avoid this kind of mistake is to keep everything locked up in the vault. But to me these decisions usually come down to risk management, and (imho) in this sin sick world we live in, choosing not to carry is far from the "safest" option.

So here's a couple of my KISS principles...

1. Concealed is as concealed does: Keep your business to yourself! (This is really hard for some people to do.) If you walk into the P.O. to ship your package and forget that you're armed, just keep you cool and go about your business.

2. Loose lips sink ships: Don't advertise that you carry, as you're just going to make problems for yourself. People have a unpredictable habit of saying stupid things ("hey buddy, are you packing?") and often do so in front of the wrong people. People also have a nasty habit of being two faced and talking about others behind their back. You don't want your 'concealed' carry choices to be the topic of gossip at the coffee mess. I work at a company that, despite the owners being hunters and mostly conservative thinkers, bans firearms in the work place. Yet, for reasons that are my own, I've both intentionally and 'accidentally' carried at work. Once I was called into an impromptu meeting with all the dept. heads and the owners while doing so. Because I stay off the 'radar screen' of others, this has never been a problem. And as far as bragging and showing off go... aren't these the fruit of insecurities we're supposed to outgrow?

3. It's all about procedures: Develop a personal manual of arms that is deliberately un-complicated, then deploy it consistently. Sound, well established habits, can save your butt. And the more complicated "if then" your procedures are, the more likely you are to forget what you did five minutes ago. Did I chamber a round? Did I clear the chamber? Is the trigger lock on? Is my car locked? Not for me! I know the answer to these questions all day every day, because I do it the same way all day every day. And if some odd circumstance requires me to change my routine.... it's going to seem unnatural enough to keep my mind alert.

4. Ignorance is NOT bliss: Know the law in your state and town were you live. Know the law in the state and town where you work. Don't get your legal advise from Internet bulletin boards. Know how your firearms function. Know the four rules cold. Know the written policies at your place of employment. Know Federal laws concerning firearms. Know UPS, FedEx and USPS rules for shipping firearms and ammo (which are often based on Federal laws).

If you can do all of this on a consistent basis, you'll keep Murphy's Raiders at bay, and improve the odds that you never have an 'incident'. At least, not one that 'goes public'.

[gym]

What is this, True Confessions?
If you forgot you forgot, remembering it now and posting it on the internet may not be the best idea.

[PearlJam]

I work on a US military facility. If I go to the range on the weekend I make doubly sure that anything related to firearms is removed from my car before Monday morning.

[ATAShooter]

Yep I've done it. here in Va, you cant carry conceiled in a place that serves alcohol. Wife and I was out Xmas shopping and stopped in Applebees for some lunch. I forgot they sell booze. Oh well, I ate & left.

[harmonic]

If you forgot you forgot, remembering it now and posting it on the internet may not be the best idea

Yeah, cause there are federal agents who read this, then get a warrant for your ISP records and address, then arrest you for carrying a weapon into a bar.

Wait, that's not federal.

Ok, the sheriff monitors this site, gets a warrant, etc.

Yeah, right.

[rondog]

Can't believe nobody's said it yet, but "concealed is concealed".

[jad0110]

More than once, when riding as a passenger with my wife driving, she has driven through school or federal property.

I've attempted to explain the limitations of my permit to her, but it usually goes in one ear and out the other, though she seems to have picked up on the dos and dont's over time as that has not happened in a couple of years.

As a side note, this is why we must continue the long, hard fight to eliminate all "gun free zones". This isn't an easy task, but it is worth putting in the effort. Criminalizing an otherwise upright, hard working citizen because they are standing in one place instead of another is intellectually and morally bankrupt. Why am I to be trusted at Wal-Mart, but when I go to the post office to buy stamps I suddenly become a threat that must be preemptively treated as a criminal, with zero evidence to back it up? Apparently, preemption is a four letter word in foreign policy, but it is perfectly acceptable when using it against American citizens. :fire:

Sorry for the rant.

[Rezin]

I was quite nervous one time, as an accident caused a road closure. The ONLY detour (Police were directing us on where to go) caused us to cross the bridge into New Jersey.

...as we all know, if you have a handgun in New jersey, the spy satellite will kill you with a death beam, or something similar.

I crossed back into PA as soon as possible, very relived.

[crasen]

If you have a CCW permit in your state and there is not a state law against it then you can drive through a school zone while carrying. The Federal Law does not apply if you have a CCW permit from your state.

[brandnew]

IIRC, carrying a pocket knife, with a blade longer than 3", into a post office is a felony. I'd sure hate to be stripped of my 2A rights just because, come to find out that my folder had an extra quarter inch on it.
Yep, I've done that. Many times. No CCW here, but I've carried my knife into the Post Office and schools several times. I just unclip it from my pocket and drop it into the bottom of my pocket. I usually don't worry about it beyond that.

Can I get a link to the law?

[scythefwd]

I had a coworker accidentally carry a gun to where he wasn't allowed. I knew he had it, but I wasn't thinking about it when we went to DC for job fair. I was thinking he has a carry permit, should be fine... till it dawned on me that DC was not Virginia, and that carrying concealed was a major no no there. I didn't mention it till we were back in VA. He looked a little pale.

[Bugflipper]

Work on a US army base myself. There is no forgetting. Not worth a Federal charge. The funny thing is I have a duty weapon locked up on base and carry open,,,,,,,,,,,,just not allowed to bring one in. Funny world.