Will I be able to purchase a firearm?

[RadicalApex]

Hi guys let me say first of all that I'm new here and will hopefully be a gun owner in PA very soon although I have a few concerns. I ended up in some trouble with the law a few years back when I was 18 and ended up with a Possession of Paraphernalia charge for having a marijuana pipe in my car. I was arrested and convicted of possession of paraphernalia in court and was enrolled in PA's ARD (Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition) program because I refused to be labeled an addict by going with a Section 17 defense. I get off my unsupervised probation in one month and would like to purchase a rifle and shotgun for hunting purposes. I have a completely clean record other than this and I'd like to know if any of my past will interfere with me purchasing a firearm. Thanks in advance, RA

[GunLawyer001]

ARD is an alternative to conviction. But you could still be denied an LTCF if you're currently a user of drugs.

[God's Country]

So at the end of ARD you will or will not have a conviction record?

If yes and the possible max sentence was < 1yr IIRC you're OK.

However if you do have any conviction of any drug related crimes you will never get a LTCF in Pa without an expunged record or pardon.

[DonM55]

I'm thinking ARD includes being able to have your record expunged after one year. Mine did for DUI in the late 80's. Might check into it.

[RadicalApex]

ARD is an alternative to conviction. But you could still be denied an LTCF if you're currently a user of drugs.

Well currently I use no drugs other than the occasional drink haha, I learned my lesson after my first run in with the police. Plus guns and drugs don't mix.

By alternative to conviction you mean I was never convicted of any crime? So currently when I get off my probation I should be able to go purchase a rifle or shotgun with little to no problems? Also as long as I continue to not use drugs and stay out of trouble I'm still eligible for a LTCF.

[GunLawyer001]

Well currently I use no drugs other than the occasional drink haha, I learned my lesson after my first run in with the police. Plus guns and drugs don't mix.

By alternative to conviction you mean I was never convicted of any crime? So currently when I get off my probation I should be able to go purchase a rifle or shotgun with little to no problems? Also as long as I continue to not use drugs and stay out of trouble I'm still eligible for a LTCF.

I have no opinion on your specific case. But ARD is not a conviction, it's an "Alternative" to prosecution. Successful completion of an ARD program usually results in a retroactive dismissal of all criminal charges, and usually allows for expungement of the arrest record.

[RadicalApex]

I have no opinion on your specific case. But ARD is not a conviction, it's an "Alternative" to prosecution. Successful completion of an ARD program usually results in a retroactive dismissal of all criminal charges, and usually allows for expungement of the arrest record.

Great thanks for all the help. I guess I'll have to call my lawyer if I need anything more specific to my case then.

[Big Chuck]

I have never done ARD, but from what I believe I know from friends going through it, you have to have your attorney get the record expunged after a year or so. It doesn't just happen on it's own. I know it might sound obvious, but this step seems to trip up quite a few people.

[rwb1500]

I have never done ARD, but from what I believe I know from friends going through it, you have to have your attorney get the record expunged after a year or so. It doesn't just happen on it's own. I know it might sound obvious, but this step seems to trip up quite a few people.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Indeed. Follow up.