Given that your right to possess weapons is part of the Bill of Rights, it takes extreme circumstances to strip you of that right. Some people assume that their right to own and carry weapons is one that they can never lose.
However, while it isn’t common, it is absolutely possible for someone to lose their right to own a gun because of a criminal conviction. Federal law permits firearm restrictions in limited circumstances, such as a dishonorable discharge from the military.
Still, there is a blanket rule that applies to thousands of people who get arrested every year. A conviction with a certain kind of violent criminal offense might permanently alter your right to own a firearm and defend yourself.
Any kind of domestic violence charge can affect your Second Amendment rights
Acts of violence against someone you know closely can quickly alter your rights. Some people think that only felony offenses involving domestic violence will impact their firearm ownership. Other people wrongly assume that the charge must involve attempted murder, the use of a weapon or some other kind of extreme violence.
In reality, the offense doesn’t even technically need to be domestic violence or domestic assault. A plea to a lesser, misdemeanor offense that does not include the language of a domestic violence charge will still theoretically end your firearm ownership rights under the Second Amendment. A conviction or guilty plea of any offense related to violence against romantic partners, children or other people with whom you share a domestic relationship could permanently affect your rights.
Understanding the risks will help motivate you to properly defend yourself when facing charges that could affect your freedom.
