MCOLES State Licensing Practice Exam

If a person is carrying a concealed weapon without a permit, what is the primary offense?

1. Possession of illegal contraband

2. Transport of a firearm

3. Carrying a concealed weapon (CCW)

4. Assault with a deadly weapon

The correct answer is: Carrying a concealed weapon (CCW)

Carrying a concealed weapon (CCW) without a permit is considered a specific offense under firearms laws, as it directly pertains to an individual's actions regarding the concealment of a weapon. In jurisdictions where permits are required to carry a concealed firearm, doing so without the necessary permit violates statutes that are designed to regulate the carrying of firearms for safety reasons. The act of concealing a weapon itself, without having the legal authorization (permit), establishes the primary offense, which is uniquely defined and recognized in law. Other choices, while related to firearms or weapons, do not directly address the specific nature of the offense in question. For example, possession of illegal contraband typically refers to the possession of unauthorized items or drugs, and while a concealed weapon may be deemed illegal if carried without a permit, the essence of the question focuses on the action of carrying it concealed. The transport of a firearm generally applies to the transportation of a firearm, which may not necessarily involve its concealment and could be lawful under different circumstances. Lastly, assault with a deadly weapon pertains to the use of a weapon to cause harm to another person, which is a different legal concern altogether. Thus, the focus on the illegal act of carrying a concealed weapon without a permit makes it