In the United States, a concealed carry permit allows a person to legally carry a weapon, usually a handgun, concealed on their person or within their immediate vicinity, for self defense. In areas where a concealed carry permit is required, being caught with a handgun on your person without a permit often leads to fines and possible jail time. There are a few states that allow anyone of age to carry a concealed weapon as a basic right, without a permit.
Although most states will issue a concealed carry permit, the method to obtain one often differs greatly from state to state. Some states, such as Pennsylvania, require a person to apply for a concealed carry permit directly through their local law enforcement office. If the person is decidedly of "good character," and without a previous felony conviction, the permit will be provided for a small fee.
Other states may be more restrictive. In Maryland, for private citizens to obtain a concealed carry permit, they must provide evidence that they have been the victim of recent threats or robberies. In Hawaii, though it is legal to issue a concealed carry permit, officials often choose not to under any circumstance. Washington, D.C., Wisconsin, and Illinois do not issue any form of concealed weapon permit.
The license to carry a concealed weapon does not allow people to use one however they please. Using the weapon to threaten another without provocation is prohibited, as is carrying a concealed weapon while intoxicated. Many states require that a concealed weapon be used only as a last resort in situations where life is threatened. On the other side, some states allow the licensee to use the concealed weapon to protect their personal property or the life of another. In short, the use of a concealed weapon is usually legal only if the person is licensed, there is no opportunity to escape, and life is threatened.
Many areas are designated as "gun free zones," such as churches, schools, shopping malls, and hospitals. In these areas, no one outside of law enforcement is allowed to carry a concealed weapon. Some research indicates that these areas actually draw the attention of criminals, since there are no private citizens with concealed weapons.