Pics denial/What next?

[NeilC]

New to the forum. My fiancé took me to get a handgun a few weeks back and my instant check came back denied. I was 302'd back in 1998 when I was 14 years years old (I am 32 now). It was for something really stupid and never should've happened. Why do they report that kind of stuff if you were still a minor? Teenagers go through some pretty animated stages and I honestly never had any intent on hurting anyone or myself. My main question is, what are the next steps I should take? I would really like to resolve this. I have a home and family that I would like to be able to protect if anything should ever happen. Thanks!

[Irwin Inhabitant]

Most likely, lots of people will reply to your post with the same advice, which is true. Hire a lawyer, and be prepared to spend lots of money and time trying to resolve this. Good luck, hope it works out for you...

[ItchyTick]

Get a lawyer. Spend lots of money. The way it is.

[mpan72]

Rinse and repeat. Get a hold of the documentation on the 302 then go see a lawyer competent in handling this type of thing.

[GunLawyer001]

Expect a call from either the State Police or the local police (whoever handles 911 calls for that gun shop). Most denials these days are referred for criminal prosecution, even denials for juvenile commitments.

Your most pressing issue would then be avoiding a criminal conviction. If a cop calls you, he isn't looking to help you out, he wants you to make damaging admissions that can be used against you, and he doesn't have to give you any Miranda warning because you're not in custody (yet).

Mainly, they want you to admit that you remember being committed. That's all they need, and any other damaging admission is just gravy. If you remember being committed, and you answered the question falsely, that's a crime, both state and federal.

Lawyer up. It's not cheap, but when you answer a question on a 4473 incorrectly, this is the price you pay.

f. Have you ever been adjudicated as a mental defective OR have you ever been committed to a mental institution?
(See Instructions for Question 11.f.)

If you were committed to a mental institution, the correct answer on that form is "yes". Answering "no" sets you up for all kinds of grief.

I would not advise lying to the cop when he calls. But you have the right to decline to answer without a lawyer present, and I'd recommend that.

[free]

But you have the right to decline to answer without a lawyer present, and I'd recommend that.

Doesn't he have the right to decline to answer even if he HAS a lawyer present?

[IV_Warrior]

Doesn't he have the right to decline to answer even if he HAS a lawyer present?

My thoughts..if you have a lawyer present, there are reasons you're spending that money. Letting him/her do all the talking for you, being chief among those reasons.

[markshere2]

You have received the best advice in the state.
please take it to heart.

As far as replying to the police please spend 45 minutes on this.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d-7o9xYp7eE

It's so good, you should watch it twice.

If the police do call or show up, a perfectly acceptable answer is
"I will stand on my 5th amendment rights and politely decline to answer your questions."

[wanneroo]

There was a woman here locally that got charged for lying on the 4473 that she had a 302 from 35 years before.

So yes you now have a problem and you need to retain a lawyer, now.

[NeilC]

Thank you everyone!