- Feb 17, 2011
- 14,024
public sidewalks are usually on easements but its your property to the curb. even the grass to the curb from the sidewalk is probably an easement.
I don't really know what you would do with a gun during a yard sale. You will go to jail if you shoot someone for stealing your property in this state. If you pull it out in hopes of intimidating someone you are going to jail for at least assault. An assault conviction, misdemeanor or not, will cause you to lose your ability to own a gun.
If you're that worried I'd set up a security camera. Call the cops if someone steals something and give them their mugshot.
I don't really know what you would do with a gun during a yard sale. You will go to jail if you shoot someone for stealing your property in this state. If you pull it out in hopes of intimidating someone you are going to jail for at least assault. An assault conviction, misdemeanor or not, will cause you to lose your ability to own a gun.
If you're that worried I'd set up a security camera. Call the cops if someone steals something and give them their mugshot.
God forbid you were to have an accidental discharge while handling your weapon at this yard sale..
Great first post.I called Howard County police department to find out if I could legally open-carry on my own residential property while doing yard work or while cleaning my firearms on my deck. I explained that someone had reported being shot in our neighborhood and that I wanted to be able to shoot back if someone took a shot at me. I was expecting a simple yes or no. But instead I was told that I should consult a lawyer for answers. Any lawyers out there?
Considering the opinions I got regarding open carry of a rifle I think I'll leave that to someone with more money and time than I have. And seeing as I live on a major road 1/2 mile from a station it wouldn't take long before I'd be having a chat with the local leo's. I've seen 5-8 squad cars show up for just a traffic accident so I can't even imagine what they'd do for a "man with a gun" call.
Now if people wanted to come over and have a gun cleaning get together in my front yard that might be interesting.........
"15 guys with guns", they'd probably shut down the city.
Or be pre-emptive. Call the local Leos, tell them you are having a yard sale and intend to do so on your property armed. If you're lucky they will announce it at morning roll call and educate the young officers with less experience. You might even get a few more customers. Anything to assist in reducing nuisance calls to the station is a good thing as far as I can tell.
Or be pre-emptive. Call the local Leos, tell them you are having a yard sale and intend to do so on your property armed. If you're lucky they will announce it at morning roll call and educate the young officers with less experience. You might even get a few more customers. Anything to assist in reducing nuisance calls to the station is a good thing as far as I can tell.
No offense, but why on earth would you call the police to inform them that you are about to do something that is completely legal and, if done right, out of the public view?
free advertising ?
seriously though, you're correct, if done properly there would be no nuisance calls. Maybe a good idea if you decided on OC ?
Regardless of whether you inform them or not, they are going to repond to "dangeous man with gun" call. Every time.
Plus, local law enforcement are not uniformly versed in gun laws. Just exercise your right to remain silent.
I think its a hugely bad idea. Calling them only males them think you dont think its legal (people do not call in advance about legal activity). They might decide you are selling major valuables (otherwise why carry) and park in front of your house to watch the show.
Would you call the police if you were planning on reading the Koran on your front yard? How about before you read a newspaper or go to church?
Carry how and if you wish and let it be nobody's business but your own. I'm betting that your yard sale will be a success and you will have no issues, but in case someone goes postal you will have an insurance policy available to you.
I wish you well.
public sidewalks are usually on easements but its your property to the curb. even the grass to the curb from the sidewalk is probably an easement.
On your own property yes, just don't step a foot off your property with it, even to a neighbor who is fine with your carrying a handgun on their property.
Also reminder, in Maryland you can't shoot someone to defend your property, only your life or someone else's life. So you could draw on someone stealing your stuff, but the best you can do is look really scary with a loaded gun unless they were obviously about to attack you or pulled some kind of weapon on you.
Considering the opinions I got regarding open carry of a rifle I think I'll leave that to someone with more money and time than I have. And seeing as I live on a major road 1/2 mile from a station it wouldn't take long before I'd be having a chat with the local leo's. I've seen 5-8 squad cars show up for just a traffic accident so I can't even imagine what they'd do for a "man with a gun" call.
Now if people wanted to come over and have a gun cleaning get together in my front yard that might be interesting.........
"15 guys with guns", they'd probably shut down the city.
Never had a problem with LEO's stopping at my yard sales and wouldn't have a problem with a cruiser parked in front of my house.
Unfortunately you don't have to have anything of great value to get robbed/shot. I was robbed by two guys with a sawed off shotgun and semi handgun when I worked at a High's store in my teens. They only got +/- $100 and the detectives were concerned about them coming back because "they got so much money". The stories you hear about people getting shot because you have so little and the robber gets pissed is what scares me the most.