BUYING A GUN WITH A CRIMINAL RECORD IN PA

BUYING A GUN WITH A CRIMINAL RECORD

About 15 years ago, one of my clients pleaded guilty to a simple drug charge levied in another state. It was the only conviction on my client’s record. Recently, the client submitted a gun application form that included several screening questions. Fifteen years is a long time and the client answered one of the screening questions incorrectly. Now, my client has been charged with a felony for making a material misstatement about the prior drug-related conviction.

As a federal law, the Gun Control Act of 1968 prohibits felons from owning or buying a firearm. The landmark gun control law also bans anyone who has spent more than two years in prison on a misdemeanor charge from owning or purchasing a firearm. According to the Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence, Pennsylvania ranks in the top 10 states for enacting the toughest gun control statutes

How Gun Laws Work in PA

PA gun control laws permit the open carrying of a firearm without having a license, which includes placing a gun in a holster that is attached to a belt. However, you must apply for a License to Carry Firearms (LTCF) to carry a concealed weapon in the Keystone State. If you have been convicted of a violent crime that resulted in a felony or a misdemeanor, you are not allowed to purchase a firearm in Pennsylvania.

Here are the other restrictions on the ownership of a gun in PA:

  • You are under 18 years old
  • Officially labeled a drunkard and/or a drug addict
  • Declared mentally ill by a court
  • Undocumented immigrant
  • Fugitive from justice
  • Convicted of three different DUI charges within a five year period
  • Subject to a restraining order

Making False Statements on Firearm Applications

Pennsylvania requires residents to submit a Federal Firearms Transaction Record Form (4473) to purchase a firearm. The form includes some questions that confuse applicants, which not only lead to the rejection of the form, but also land you in trouble with state and local law enforcement agencies. You do not have to make a material misstatement on purpose. State law does not care whether you intentionally presented misleading information or if the wording of a question produced confusion that led to you making a false written statement.

Here are the three most common mistakes made on Pennsylvania gun applications:

  • Forgetting about a conviction for a misdemeanor that led to a possible sentence of more than two years in jail
  • Believing an Active Protection from Abuse (PFA) order has expired
  • Not receiving a notice about a misdemeanor conviction for domestic abuse

Much of the confusion stems from the timing of the misdemeanor sentences and how recent the PFA was issued.

I strongly urge PA residents to speak with licensed attorney before submitting the following gun ownership forms:

  • Federal Firearms Transaction Record Form
  • Pennsylvania State Police Application/Record of Sale Form
  • Application for Pennsylvania License to Carry Firearms

How to Restore Your Gun Rights in Pennsylvania

You have the right to apply for the restoration of your gun rights in the State of Pennsylvania. However, remember that federal firearm laws take precedent over state firearm laws. If you have a felony conviction and you want to restore your gun rights in PA, contact our law office today to ensure you receive the full legal protections granted to the residents of Pennsylvania, as well as to the citizens of the United States.

Categories: Gun Laws