If you FORGET your handgun inside your carry bag at the airport - What happens?

Published on November 9, 2023
Duration: 7:31

This video explains the consequences of accidentally leaving a handgun in carry-on baggage at the Atlanta airport, differentiating between individuals with and without a weapons carry license. It details the legal processes, potential arrests, jail time, court appearances, and financial penalties involved, emphasizing the importance of understanding local and federal regulations.

Quick Summary

If TSA finds a handgun in your carry-on at Atlanta Airport without a weapons carry license, you'll likely be arrested by Atlanta Police and face charges in Clayton County. With a license, the FBI handles it, usually resulting in a federal citation and a civil penalty of about $125 via administrative forfeiture, avoiding a criminal record.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Intro: Guns at Atlanta Airport
  2. 00:13Consequences Without a Weapons Carry License
  3. 00:41TSA Procedure & Arrest (No License)
  4. 00:54Atlanta Police & Clayton County Jail
  5. 01:35Pretrial Diversion & Case Dismissal
  6. 01:49Missing Flights & Losing Firearm
  7. 01:55Consequences With a Weapons Carry License
  8. 02:05FBI Involvement & Federal Citation
  9. 02:32Administrative Forfeiture ($125)
  10. 03:01Attempting to Board Aircraft Charge
  11. 03:21Paying the Forfeiture Online
  12. 03:48No Federal Criminal Record
  13. 03:57Lawyer Recommendation (Federal Case)
  14. 04:14Conclusion & Final Advice

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if TSA finds a gun in my carry-on at Atlanta Airport without a weapons carry license?

If you don't have a weapons carry license, TSA will turn you over to the Atlanta Police Department. You will likely be arrested, taken to the Clayton County jail, and may spend the night before appearing in court for bond. Charges could include carrying a weapon in an unauthorized location.

What are the consequences for having a handgun in carry-on baggage at Atlanta Airport if I have a weapons carry license?

With a weapons carry license, TSA refers you to the FBI. They typically issue a federal citation or notice, rather than arresting you. You may not even have your firearm seized, and the resolution often involves paying an administrative forfeiture fee, around $125, which avoids a federal criminal record.

Is it possible to avoid a criminal conviction for bringing a gun to the airport in Atlanta?

Yes, for first-time offenses, especially if you have a weapons carry license, it's often possible to avoid a criminal conviction. Without a license, pretrial diversion in Clayton County can lead to dismissal. With a license, the federal administrative forfeiture process resolves the issue civilly.

How much does it typically cost to resolve a firearm violation at Atlanta Airport with a weapons carry license?

For individuals with a weapons carry license, the U.S. Attorney's office in Atlanta often offers an administrative forfeiture. This civil penalty, plus court costs, is currently around $125. Paying this amount resolves the case without a criminal conviction.

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