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If I have pled nolo contendere to a felony (juvenile), possession (misdemeanor), and domestic violence,could I obtain a firearm?

Asked in Miami, FL - about 1 year

Ok, so I was previously arrested in Florida, but never convicted of three crimes such as domestic violence (later dropped to criminal mischief? was wrongly accused), possession (misdemeanor), and another possession charge (felony) while I was a juvenile. I believe I pled nolo contendere to all of them and never served any time in prison. Please lend me your expert advice on whether I can obtain a firearm in order to pursue a career in Law Enforcement or criminal justice, which I am currently in school for and am deciding to drop out of because of my probability to be denied a license. Also if I am able to seal and expunge my record EVEN though I have two criminal traffic citations for which I only payed the fines and was never convicted of. Thank you. Paul A. Hernandez

Attorney Answers (4)

James O Davis Jr.

James O Davis Jr.

Jacksonville Criminal Defense Attorney

Licensed in FL

Answered about 1 year ago. If you were adjudicated an delinquent as a juvenile you cannot possess a firearm until you're 24 years old. No exceptions. I wouldn't give up on the career you want simply b/c you had a few problems as a kid. While you may have to answer for the juvenile arrests if seeking a job in law enforcement, most other employers would have no idea that you have a juvenile record. I say continue down the path you want but you can't have a firearm if your situation as I mentioned above.

Good luck,

James Davis
www.jamesdavisdefense.com
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James Regan

James Regan

Palm City Criminal Defense Attorney

Licensed in FL

Answered about 1 year ago. Your adult record and juvenile record are two separate things. But to become a law enforcement officer, you would probably need to unseal any arrests. Further, those applications are really a truthfulness and character test. Have you accepted responsibility for your past bad decisions, and have you rehabilitated your character by doing good deeds and living the right path now? A good way to find out how difficult your career path is going to be is purchase a firearm and apply for a concealed weapons permit. If you are denied, you may be in school for the wrong subject.

Here is a website with lots of great information: http://www.fdle.state.fl.us/expunge.

In closing, I encourage you to keep your goal in mind and do your best in everything you do and you will be a success.
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John Wesley Hall Jr.

John Wesley Hall Jr.

Little Rock Criminal Defense Attorney

Answered about 1 year ago. One way is to go and try to buy a firearm where they run the NICS instant check and see if you are a prohibited buyer. You must, however, answer every question on the ATF form or risk committing a federal felony. If they clear you to buy the gun, you know your record is clear. You don't have to buy the gun.
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Sean Anthony Brady

Sean Anthony Brady

Long Beach Criminal Defense Attorney

Answered about 1 year ago. If your misdemeanor criminal mischief conviction is considered a domestic violence conviction you are barred for life from even possessing firearms or ammo. That means no hunting, target shooting, checking out your friend's new gun, nothing. You can't even be around ammo. The only relief available to you is a pardon. But ask an attorney in Florida (I am in California so I don't know the answer) whether it is.

Felony adjudications for minors do not bar you for life under federal law, but many states will bar you for a certain amount of time. In California it is until age 30. According to my colleague's response, it appears in Florida it is age 24.

You should never give up on your dreams. There is work in law enforcement even without firearms. But, whatever your decision is, at least confirm you are prohibited from owning guns before you drop out.
All my comments here are intended for general legal purposes. None of my comments here establish an attorney-... more
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