To a certain extent, each state in this country operates under its own authority, according to the will of the people who live there. That creates some unique differences among the states, especially in controversial areas of the law -- like gun rights.

Colorado has, historically speaking, always been “firearm positive,” with most residents preferring their Second Amendment rights unabridged. However, what happens in other states can affect gun laws across the nation -- especially if a legal dispute reaches the U.S. Supreme Court.

Now the Supreme Court seems ready to broaden the Second Amendment right to bear arms around the nation -- at least where concealed carry permits are concerned.

What’s going on with concealed carry rights?

Essentially, the state of New York passed a law that heavily restricts the right of someone to carry a concealed firearm in self-defense. Under that law, anybody who wants a concealed carry permit has to be able to articulate “a proper cause” for the request. Merely wanting the gun for one’s own protection and defense isn’t enough.

That law has been challenged as unconstitutional, and the Supreme Court agreed to hear the case. That has huge implications for the Second Amendment rights across the nation. If the state of New York’s case is defeated (and every indication from the questions raised by the majority of judges says that it will be), the ruling could curtail every state’s ability to regulate where and when people are permitted to bear arms.

Even though Colorado is as an open-carry state, it’s important to remember that you can still get into trouble over legal firearms if you take them to the wrong place or handle them the wrong way. If you’re facing charges over a mistake, don’t let it ruin your life. Fight back with experienced legal guidance.