PSP response to challenge: "Status undetermined"

[Omega_Man]

I received the response from the PSP regarding the challenge form I sent them 2 weeks ago and I have been placed in an undetermined status because of 2 arrests resulting in misdemeanor convictions which occured back in '92 and '93. They said they will consider "any information" I may have including police reports and court documents, etc. I have no paperwork whatsoever to give them. I don't know what to tell them. Any help would be appreciated.

[mpan72]

Assuming it was in Pa. you may be able to find the disposition of the cases here. Use the docket sheet drop down menu to look for some info.

http://ujsportal.pacourts.us/#

[Omega_Man]

Thanks for the reply. It was in North Carolina. This whole mess is very discouraging. I've never been through anything like this before. Only after moving to PA do I have problems purchasing firearms.

Have you been through this before? Is that all they require is a copy of the disposition in order to approve me? I would have thought the PICS would have provided them everything they need. Why did I pay $25 for a background check if it doesn't provide everything they need?

[mpan72]

Thanks for the reply. It was in North Carolina. This whole mess is very discouraging. I've never been through anything like this before. Only after moving to PA do I have problems purchasing firearms.

Have you been through this before? Is that all they require is a copy of the disposition in order to approve me? I would have thought the PICS would have provided them everything they need. Why did I pay $25 for a background check if it doesn't provide everything they need?

I have had only one problem with a purchase and that was pics being down for everyone. I do not know what you will need but I was trying to give you a starting point.

Maybe N.C. has a simmiler website. Or you could get a background check on yourself. I think you could find the info on your arrests and the disposition of the cases for free, I believe they are public information.

You could also contact a lawyer to help with your situation. It will be more expensive but if you pick one with a good track record on this kind of issue it may be worth it.

edt: What were you convicted of?

[Omega_Man]

Thanks, again. It never occured to me that I could access the information for free over the Internet. That'll save me a lot of time.

[39flathead]

Just a FYI, the state only charges $5 for the check, the rest went into your dealers pocket on top of the purchase price.


Get on the internet and on Tuesday I'd try calling the courthouse where your arrests took place.

[Omega_Man]

Thanks. I checked out nccourts.org and I'm not on it. I guess their online database only goes back so far. I'll definately call them on Tuesday. Either way, I'm out $25. Dealers must love it when people are declined. They get rich from it.

[39flathead]

Check out this thread:
http://forum.pafoa.org/general-2/383...-firearms.html

I don't know what your arrests were for, none of my business.

If your arrests were disqualifying under PA law, then you are probably outta' luck without getting an attorney.

[Omega_Man]

If my arrests were disqualifying they would have said so in the letter instead of asking for further info. They told me I was "undetermined," not "disqualified."

[39flathead]

If my arrests were disqualifying they would have said so in the letter instead of asking for further info. They told me I was "undetermined," not "disqualified."

I understand that, what I am assuming is that it shows up that you were arrested/convicted of a misdemeanor but maybe the actual charge is not showing up?
In PA, not all misdemeanors are prohibiting.

So, they put you in "undetermined" until you show what the charges were and then they will decide if you are prohibited.

It seems they are giving you the benefit of the doubt by allowing you to prove you are not prohibited instead of just making it automatic.


Good luck to you.