Concealing In Your Home

[Librarian]

I would also like to know why a business that is open to the public is different than your front porch? Is there a specific exemption for businesses or something?

Yes. At least, the inside of one. A business owner without LTC may, by law, carry inside his business, loaded, either openly or concealed - but can't remain armed to go outside to help a customer or empty the trash.

As applied, the rule seems to be approximately 'it is ok to carry inside an area I can lock off and deny the public access'. So, your front door, a gated yard, the door to your business would be the kind of boundary.

Enforcement of that seems to be different in different places; on that we have only anecdotes.

[Meplat]

Yes. At least, the inside of one. A business owner without LTC may, by law, carry inside his business, loaded, either openly or concealed - but can't remain armed to go outside to help a customer or empty the trash.

As applied, the rule seems to be approximately 'it is ok to carry inside an area I can lock off and deny the public access'. So, your front door, a gated yard, the door to your business would be the kind of boundary.

Enforcement of that seems to be different in different places; on that we have only anecdotes.

[nporst]

Concealing in the home

When I started this thread with my question, I had no idea how far the discussion would go. Thanks for all who posted. It's just a shame that here in California we can't get more black and white answers to our gun issues.

[Dutch3]

So, it seems that whether or not your gate is locked is a whimsical sometimes thing, depending on what the judge, DA, officer, feel like at the moment? Most of the knowledgeable folks here would, I think, agree that your back yard is a go. But most back yards have a gate also, and many, including mine are usually unlocked (good luck with my dogs). This would seem to be a real iffy area. Would a big fat beware of dog sign on your back gate be of any significance if it were unlocked? How about the same on the front? Many folks leave there back gates unlocked for meter readers.

I have always tended to consider a gate, even if unlocked, as presenting a "challenge" to anyone entering. If I have to open a gate to access an area, I know I am "entering" a place that is not normally freely accessible simply by walking in.

Then again, IANAL and agree it would probably be better to be cautious in more populated areas.

[Bonedoc]

Excellent tread.
I think folks should carry concealed whenever they are at home or on their private property. Private property is 'never' open to the public nor is it considered 'legally' accessible to the public.
"In other words, hold your firearm in your hand hanging down by your side and slightly behind you, so the visitor can't see it." Exactly the way to open a door, out of sight but readily available... once verified, I slip it into a holster or pocket and no one is the wiser that they were 'that close.'
LE knocking on the door? Uniformed... verified... I wouldn't have the gun visible and I would, simply for the sake of 'good relations' have it nicely concealed. Love 'em or not cops have a (generally) tough job and no need to scare 'em by being overly legalistic.
I carry from the home to the garage but there is a 15' section that is not private, I carry 'very' concealed even though it is probably a moot point during those two seconds but some could be overzealous.
Learned a lot in this thread, thanks.