What is the penalty for unlawfully carrying a weapon if the individual has a protection order?

The penalty for unlawfully carrying a weapon while under a protection order is classified as a Second Degree Felony (2DF). This classification reflects the serious nature of the offense, as it involves not only the unlawful carrying of a weapon but also the significant legal implication of violating a protection order, which is designed to ensure the safety of individuals in potentially dangerous situations.

When a protection order is in place, it indicates that there has been a credible threat or history of violence, which adds severity to the unlawful possession of a weapon. The law recognizes that carrying a weapon in such a context poses a heightened risk to the individual protected by the order and to others, warranting a more significant penalty than lesser offenses.

In contrast, other classifications such as Class A or Class C misdemeanors typically pertain to less severe implications. A Third Degree Felony (3DF) represents serious offenses but is less severe than a Second Degree Felony. Thus, the Second Degree Felony designation is appropriate for this specific circumstance, reflecting both the seriousness of the crime and the context in which it occurs.