Gun Purchase Background Checks

[New Shooter]

If you where charged with DUI in 1991 (in Montgomery County), successfully completed the ARD program and paid all fines, but did not go through the process (and lawyer costs) to get this expunged from your record - will you be denied when trying to purchase a firearm?

According to John over at John's Guns & Tackle in Wilson (Easton), you will be denied for this. Doesn't make sense to me though... I thought they were looking for felonies.

Thanks.

[Siobhra]

Doesn't make sense to me though... I thought they were looking for felonies.

Thanks.

That's what I thought too. I supported the Brady Bill when it was first voted in. I had to get Rendel to give me a pardon before a judge would expunge my record.

My crime? I marched in a civil rights march and a line of mounted cops pushed us onto a field. The field was posted no trespassing so we were arrested and charged with criminal trespassing. 29 years later I find I am a felon.

I wonder what Governor Rendel would think if he knew the pardon he gave me led to my carry permit?

[New Shooter]

That's too funny! I hope they don't dig up anything crazy from my past when i go to purchase! I should be clean besides that one mistake in 1991...

[aubie515]

A few years ago PA law was changed that DUI's are considered a felon...so I would suggest contacting the PSP and hear it from them.

[91xlt]

what exactly do "they" check for?...only felonies?

[GRoPA]

Supposedly they check the NICS system and a records of Mental Health Issues. It is all a big secret that they keep bottled up. I think you have to have 3 DUI's to get denied in PA. I remember hearing something about that. You may find additional info here:

http://www.psp.state.pa.us/psp/cwp/b...BCOB=0&C=69774

Good luck. Now go arm yourself!!

[Archiver]

The NRA/ILA Pamphlet regarding PA states under "PURCHASE: Persons convicted of drunk driving three times in a five year period may posssess but may not purchase a firearm" also they go on..."It is Unlawful for the following to possess a firearm: any person who has been convicted of a Controlled dangerous substance offense punishable by more than two years ...."
Under "CARRY" one of the reasons someone can be denied a LTCF "includes but not limited to "(scary part is that "not limited to"...opens gates for NJ type fascism) several things including is being a "habitual drunkard or abuser of controlled dangerous substance".

"A person with certain disabling convictions that keep him or her from purchasing and posssessing firearms may apply to the Court of Common Pleas for restoration of his or her firearm rights."

[New Shooter]

Thank you to all for the info, but unfortunately this still leaves it a big ambiguous... I think I'm just going to go and try to purchase a pistol and see what happens.

I'll be sure to let you know what the result is!

[billamj]

If I were you I think that I'd at least talk to the local PD. You don't have to get into specifics, but they may be able to help you not get that "turned down due to PICS" crap attached to your name.

[New Shooter]

What exactly is "PICS"?

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.