Many of the weapons charges we see here in Georgia stem from very normal situations that somehow spiraled out of control. Sometimes these incidents begin with an argument that escalates very quickly, or it is as simple as an honest mistake made by carrying a weapon somewhere it is not allowed. Regardless of such circumstances, police and prosecutors take weapons charges very seriously because they relate to public safety.

Three people were arrested in separate incidents in Atlanta at the Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport Monday. They were all found with weapons on them and have since been arrested and charged with carrying a weapon in an unauthorized location.

So far this year, 87 guns have been confiscated at the airport. These numbers suggest that travelers may have confusion about the weapons laws in effect at airports, which is the defense of at least one of the people who was arrested Monday.

The woman was arrested after Transportation Security Administration agents found a .380-caliber handgun in her carry on bag. Her attorney has since stated that she is a saleswoman who carries a gun when she is out in the field, and that is was a mistake to have it on her in her bag at the airport.

Under federal law, travelers may transport firearms but they must be in locked, hard containers and checked, according to the TSA website.

The other two arrests also involved travelers who had handguns in their carry-on luggage. At least one of the travelers said he had forgotten to take the gun out of his bag.

Weapons charges, even when they stem from a mistake, can result in long-lasting consequences and they should not be taken lightly.

Source: Atlanta Journal Constitution, "Gun packing Atlanta air travelers land in jail," Christopher Seward, Dec. 5, 2012

  • Our Atlanta, Georgia, criminal defense law firm defends weapons charges as well as other types of criminal offenses. More information is available on our Violent Crimes page.