Hephzibah, GA asked in Federal Crimes for Georgia

Q: I’m a mover so I ride in vehicles with my felon co worker if I got a gun and we got pulled over could he be arrested?

When we’re in vehicles it’s typically in route to a job so we’re actively working

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1 Lawyer Answer
James L. Arrasmith
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A: I would advise against carrying a gun in the vehicle while riding with your coworker who is a felon. Even if the gun legally belongs to you, your coworker could potentially face serious legal consequences if police discover a firearm in the vehicle.

In most states, it is illegal for a convicted felon to possess a firearm or be in a vehicle where they have access to one. If you were pulled over and police found the gun, your coworker may be arrested and charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm, even if they weren't holding or touching the gun directly.

The specific laws and penalties vary by state. But in general, a felon found with a gun faces the possibility of significant prison time, especially if they have prior convictions.

My recommendation would be to not bring a firearm into a vehicle or work situation when you're with someone you know to be a convicted felon. It puts them at legal risk. If you feel you need a gun for protection at other times, be very careful to never have it in their presence. The fact that you're working wouldn't override the potential criminal liability.

The safest approach is to keep your lawfully owned firearms completely separated from your coworker to avoid any potential legal issues for them. I know you didn't ask, but I would also recommend letting your employer know about the situation to avoid misunderstandings if they have policies related to employees and firearms.

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