Mel Gibson’s Gun Rights Restored Many Years After Domestic Violence Conviction
Veteran actor and filmmaker Mel Gibson has had his gun ownership rights restored by Attorney General Pam Bondi. The actor, whose gun rights were revoked after he was convicted in a 2011 misdemeanor battery case, was one of ten people whose Second Amendment rights to own guns after a conviction were reinstated.
It’s important to note that Gibson’s charge was a misdemeanor. In Pennsylvania and many other states, people with felony domestic violence charges are prohibited from owning and carrying firearms. It’s one of many civil liberties that defendants lose if convicted in a DV allegation case.
If you’re in a similar situation where your gun ownership rights are at risk of being revoked due to a domestic violence charge, the LLF Law Firm’s domestic violence defense attorneys can help you. Our Criminal Defense Team can protect and aggressively fight for your rights.
Call 888-535-3686 or fill out our online contact form to discuss your case.
Understanding Civil Liberties Loss in a DV Case
Individuals who are involved in domestic violence cases are subject to losing their rights to several civil liberties, including the ownership of firearms, child custody rights, prohibition from running for public office, and housing rights, depending on their circumstances.
The loss of civil liberties can stem from several actions, including convictions, issuing of protective orders against the defendant, and/or the court’s determinations in a domestic violence case.
Firearms Possession After a Domestic Violence Conviction
Among other civil liberties, the Second Amendment, which grants all citizens the right to own, carry, and use firearms, can be revoked on public safety grounds. This means that if the court determines that owning a gun would make you potentially dangerous to your partner or other members of society, it will revoke those rights.
Although the ideal condition for gun rights withdrawal is usually after a conviction, the courts will typically restrict or withdraw those rights upon law enforcement intervention, a domestic violence report, or a protective order filing.
Please note that it’s imperative to adhere to the court’s orders if you’ve been prohibited from owning, carrying, or using a gun. This is because violations of this order can lead to steep civil fines of up to $15,000 and/or a 3 to 7-year jail term.
This is why you should consult with an experienced defense attorney, particularly if you need DV-related firearms and weapons criminal defense. At the LLF Law Firm, our Criminal Defense Team will help you explore your options to ensure a fair outcome.
Contact a DV-Related Gun Rights Defense Attorney
When it comes to domestic violence cases and gun prohibition, both are often intertwined. The best chance of protecting your rights in both situations is to have the LLF Law Firm’s experienced Criminal Defense Team handle your case.
Our attorneys will work hard to ensure that you get a fair hearing and help with preserving your civil liberties.
Call 888-535-3686 or fill out our online contact form to discuss your case.