Gun Purchase Background Checks

[danp]

Originally Posted by New Shooter

What exactly is "PICS"?

Pennsylvania Instant Check System, similar to NICS (National Instant Check System)

[New Shooter]

Thanks Dan - I edited my last post to include this but I think you were already responding to the original post.

And while I'm asking about acronyms - what's the difference between a CCW and LTCF? I know "Concealed Carry Weapon" and assume "License To Carry Firearm" but have never seen LTCF other than on the site here.

Thanks for helping with my basic lack of knowledge being a newbie.

[danp]

Originally Posted by New Shooter

Thanks Dan - I edited my last post to include this but I think you were already responding to the original post.

And while I'm asking about acronyms - what's the difference between a CCW and LTCF? I know "Concealed Carry Weapon" and assume "License To Carry Firearm" but have never seen LTCF other than on the site here.

Thanks for helping with my basic lack of knowledge being a newbie.

It's just dependent on what each state calls them. In Pennsylvania we are issued LTCFs, and that's what they say on them.

[bsb]

I've "got a friend" who was charged with DUI, went through the ARD program and took no other action as far as expungement is concerned, and was able to both obtain a LTCF and buy a firearm after all that happened. This was substantially later than 1991, and I'm sure that laws have changed a few times over since then, so YMMV. However, I've got to think that current law would apply in this situation.

Incidentally, if you don't mind my asking, what other action involving lawyers and additional costs are you referring to when saying that you completed ARD but didn't get your record expunged? My "friend" has been told by some sources that he'd certainly trust that his record was expunged after successfully completing ARD...

[New Shooter]

OK - I made a couple of calls today and got some good info.

First bsb and you friend - I called the Montgomery court clerk and he confirmed that to get the record expunged it is a time consuming process that I can do by myself for about $25 - they don't do it automatically. In brief, I would have to get ARD completion documention, an order from the judge/DA to expunge the record, and then contact seven agencies to get the record expunged (I think I made it sound easier here than it is). You can hire a lawyer to do all the work but that would cost $$. Contact your (friend's) county court clerk to see what the process is there.

Second, I called the State police and talked with a real nice guy for a while. He said I shouldn't be turned down for a purchase or LTCF for a one time DUI and ARD completion, but you can be turned down for only 1 DUI conviction, particularly if your BAC was very high (I'm quite sure that a high BAC also would cause you to be declined from ARD). He also said that you don't need a felony to get declined: mental health issues, restraining orders, or some other non-felony stuff could throw flags. A minor drug offense, say getting caught with a joint when you were 18, will eliminate your ability to get a LTCF, but you can still purchase firearms.

[jimthom123]

You can always go and apply for your carry permit - It's the same check as buying a firearm. They call PICS in Harrisburg.
Good luck

[GRoPA]

Originally Posted by New Shooter

OK - I made a couple of calls today and got some good info.

First bsb and you friend - I called the Montgomery court clerk and he confirmed that to get the record expunged it is a time consuming process that I can do by myself for about $25 - they don't do it automatically. In brief, I would have to get ARD completion documention, an order from the judge/DA to expunge the record, and then contact seven agencies to get the record expunged (I think I made it sound easier here than it is). You can hire a lawyer to do all the work but that would cost $$. Contact your (friend's) county court clerk to see what the process is there.

Second, I called the State police and talked with a real nice guy for a while. He said I shouldn't be turned down for a purchase or LTCF for a one time DUI and ARD completion, but you can be turned down for only 1 DUI conviction, particularly if your BAC was very high (I'm quite sure that a high BAC also would cause you to be declined from ARD). He also said that you don't need a felony to get declined: mental health issues, restraining orders, or some other non-felony stuff could throw flags. A minor drug offense, say getting caught with a joint when you were 18, will eliminate your ability to get a LTCF, but you can still purchase firearms.

You learn quickly grasshopper...........Don't believe what you read on internet forums until you confirm it for yourself. Now go get your carry permit!

[New Shooter]

Originally Posted by GUNRUNNERS OF PA

You learn quickly grasshopper...........Don't believe what you read on internet forums until you confirm it for yourself. Now go get your carry permit!

Already applied for it! And I hope to have a handgun purchase completed by the end of his weekend! Thanks to all for your input!

[rflynn]

New shooter
It sounds like to me you may not have a problem for 1 DUI as long as that is all you have
Just go and try to purchase. If you go threw, you go threw. If not worry about it at that time. If you get denied you can send a challenge form to the Pennsylvania Instant Background check system / Harrisburg State Police / (PICS) – PICS will tell you why you were denied. Not the dealer. I am a dealer in Brodheadsville Pa and would be happy to help you threw this if you would like.

[Fat Man]

I realize that this is an older thread, but I do have some first hand knowledge of this topic. I too, "had a friend" with a similar situation, only worse. DUI#1 in 1999--ARD did not get his record expunged. DUI #2 in 2004--no option for ARD or expungement. Completed all classes/tasks assigned by the County in a timely manner, paid all fines within the required time. As of 2 days ago this “friend” was able to obtain a LTC. Don't worry, this friend doesn't drink and drive anymore. As long as you don't have 3 within 5 years you are all set.