GunRelated
Well-Known Member
Very. I knew the odds were slim when i started the process and forked over the $ to my attorney. At that time he had only signed like 60 out of almost 400.
The right of each citizen to keep and bear arms is fundamental and shall not be infringed. Any restriction on this right shall be subject to strict scrutiny.
They are basically stating that Caron v. United States gives them the precedent to deny anyone in a state where any type of restriction is placed on people with expunged or pardoned convictions.
In Alaska, one particular person has a Governor's Pardon, and another has a Presidential Pardon. Still, because the Alaska CHP restriction excludes anyone, even with a Pardon, they are still denied: http://www.anchoragepress.com/news/...cle_fb2e8d5f-cf56-5a02-a71f-b49935d4573c.html
This is inconsistent with the state's intentions. In Louisiana, people plead under 893 to avoid a potentially expensive trial with an unknown outcome. The prosecutors get quick closure and bill it as a way for people to move on, with all rights restored. That's not the case. All rights are not being restored since 2A is still removed. It's plainly spelled out. If you plead under 893 and successfully complete what's asked of you, all rights are restored; "the dismissal of prosecution shall have the same effect as an acquittal."
I believe Louisiana Revised Statute 40:1379.3(C) (10) (CHP) is unconstitutional in light of this. Especially when you consider the recent amendment to the Louisiana Constitution.
To make matters even worse, this isn't clear cut and is a very difficult conclusion to arrive at from reading the laws. Unless someone is flagged by NICS on a purchase, which seems to be a matter of chance, they are still prohibited and could face federal charges. They would have no idea that they are prohibited. Reading the laws, even the GCA, doesn't lead one to believe that they would be prohibited. The GCA falls back on the state to determine if someone's RTBA has been restored. Louisiana claims they have in these circumstances.
As the list of prohibited persons increases, this will present even more of an issue. How long before misdemeanor DWI's are added to the list under the guise of substance abuse?
On the state level, I have a feeling that they will just point the finger at the Feds who will just point back. The end result has not changed for the individual: prohibited.
This just happened to a buddy of mine in Maryland. Never had a felony, but he purchased a colt 6920 6 months ago. He got delayed and then picked the rifle up 5 days later.
Fast forward 6 months, he just found out that he was denied and he must return the firearm to the dealer. HE ALREADY FORM 1'd it and it's a registered sbr!
Um, wow. How did this end?
He just found out last week. I haven't got an update yet. Seems like NICS dropped the ball and didn't inform the gun shop of the denied 4473 until 6 months later.
FWIW...the laws in Maryland and Alaska are very different than Louisiana. In those states...after a conviction one can own a rifle but not a handgun. That's the "Unless clause"
I am quite confident that when and if someone takes this CHP restriction to the US Supreme Court the Court would rule in their favor.
CHP is a privilege...
The parties, reflecting a similar division among various Courts of Appeals, disagree over the interpretation of the unless clause in the following circumstance. What if the State restoring the offender’s rights forbids possession of some firearms, say pistols, but not others, say rifles? In one sense, he *may not … possess … firearms* under the unless clause because the ban on specified weapons is a ban on *firearms.* In another sense, he can possess firearms under the unless clause because the state ban is not absolute...
But...the Court was pretty clear when they discussed pardons and right. The theme I was left with from the court is 2 things. First...Does the state allow one type of firearm and not another. And second...is the person a violent ex felon or a threat. The Court kind of says....If the person can be deemed to be a threat to society..then We the Feds should be able to restrict them.
To me the big question is what do we do from here? We can all talk on a forum about what is what but what can be done? What direction is everyone going to go in this? Is it that the CHP is a privilege not a right? That would say the arguement is with the feds. Or do we go the opposite and say it is a right and argue the state that CHP should be granted? Dont know about any of you but I think the state would be the one that holds a possibility to change. I am allowed to vote. While this probably makes no difference in the federal realm it may in the state realm. This is why I am speaking with my state representatives. If we can have them change 40:1379 to allow a chp then the feds should be back out of the situation. If I am wrong about this please enlighten me. This is the best I have come up with. Even the economics of this could be very harmful. Think for a minute of all the money spent on shooting, hunting and all activities that go with them. Alot of people that do this are felons that think they have their gun rights back by either expungement,14:95.1 or some other way.
However, a person who has been convicted of a violation of 18 U.S.C. 491(a) shall be permitted to qualify for a concealed handgun permit if fifteen or more years has elapsed between the date of application and the successful completion or service of any sentence, deferred adjudication, or period of probation or parole.
Not have been convicted of, have entered a plea of guilty or nolo contendere to, or not be charged under indictment or a bill of information for any crime of violence or any crime punishable by imprisonment for a term of one year or greater. A conviction, plea of guilty, or plea of nolo contendere under this Paragraph shall include an expungement of such conviction or a dismissal and conviction set-aside under the provisions of Code of Criminal Procedure Article 893. However, a person who has been convicted of a violation that has been expunged shall be permitted to qualify for a concealed handgun permit if five or more years has elapsed between the date of application and the successful completion or service of any sentence, deferred adjudication, or period of probation or parole.
To me the big question is what do we do from here?
Persons subject to this exception should answer *no* to 11.c. or 11.i., as applicable.[/SIZE][/B]