"Castle Doctrine" in New Mexico; Good Next Step for "Shall Issue" State

Albuquerque Firearms Examiner ^ | 16 November, 2012 | Winston Dorian

[marktwain]

It's no secret that there are a lot of concealed carry permit (CCW) holders in New Mexico. As of the last count there are 22,000 licensees in the state according to: Legally Armed.

Thanks to Governor Bill Richardson the law was passed and even our state's current governor, Susanna Martinez packs heat and has her CCW license.

See the New Mexico Concealed Carry Act HERE.

After all this is the Wild, Wild West and known acclaimed outlaws like "Billy the Kid" have been known to frequent these parts.

Let's face it Guns and the Frontier way are a part of our DNA here in the West!

Let's review the laws here in New Mexico:

1. State permit to purchase? NO

2. Firearm Registration? NO

3. Assault Weapon Law? NO

4. Owner License Required? NO

5. Carry Permits? YES for handguns

6. Castle Doctrine Law? NO

7. Opt Out Statues? YES

Of the above listed items all which are a real positive for 2nd Amendment and Gun Right Advocates in New Mexico #6 is an important and necessary topic to look at closer and investigate.

[marktwain]

A summation from New Mexico. The New Mexico law is a rather restrictive shall issue law.

[JRandomFreeper]

Last I understood, open carry didn't require a permit. Just concealed.

/johnny

[Kartographer]

Right Johnny! New Mexico is an Open Carry State.

[JRandomFreeper]

I was wondering why my State Trooper buddy didn't point that out last time I visited. Because I was. ;)

/johnny

[Kartographer]

New Mexico PING!!

[DesertRhino]

Also no need for a permit to carry concealed in your car, its an extension of your home. And there is not a castle doctrine per se. But your right to self defense attaches to YOU, wherever you may be.
You do not have a legal duty to retreat from anywhere you lawfully are.
You may not shoot in NM over property theft etc.

But if anyone thinks there is no castle doctrine in NM, go break into a house in daylight. It would be utterly unthinkable that the homeowner would be charged for shooting you. Self defense would be plain as day, simply because the bandit was inside your house.

The only time people get in trouble is when they go outside and somehoe shoot car thieves, etc, or when they chase the bad guy for a few blocks and wind up shooting them.

Also, in NM, unloaded guns can be concealed with no permit. Having a loaded magazine is fine. Also open carry is fine.

[Peet]

I haven’t had enough coffee maybe, but what is

7. Opt Out Statues? YES

[OneWingedShark]

You may not shoot in NM over property theft etc.

You can make a constitutional argument for it though.

Art II, Sec. 4. [Inherent rights.]
All persons are born equally free, and have certain natural, inherent and inalienable rights, among which are the rights of enjoying and defending life and liberty, of acquiring, possessing and protecting property, and of seeking and obtaining safety and happiness.

[PapaBear3625]

Opt Out Statute lets businesses to post that firearms are not allowed on their premises.

[Peet]

QUOTE: Opt Out Statute lets businesses to post that firearms are not allowed on their premises.

Thank you.