POLL: 2nd Amendment Gun Rights for Non-Violent Felons?

[bishop311]

I've been reading up on the so-called Schumer Gun Ban that has existed in our yearly Federal government budget since 1992, so I thought that I would put a poll up.  I have my own thoughts on this, and I'd like to know what all of your thoughts are on this too.   

[JimmyHoffa]

I'd go even further.  If the person isn't locked up in jail or in the insane asylum they have 2A.  It isn't like they won't have a gun of their preferred flavor anyways, assuming they want one. 

[arees]

It appears to be a question with few good answers.  In the past, I would have been cleanly on the side of "if you committed a felony you are untrustworthy for life."  Later, I would have supported a path through the courts for a convicted felon to get their rights back through demonstrating that they have changed their ways.  What concerns me now is the number of pitfalls that are being set up to turn people who had no intention of committing a crime into felons.  Many of the gun transfer laws are set up to make more people felons.  I am generally disgusted with both political parties and all the idiots involved in politics.

[pianoman9701]

Not an easy question to answer for me but I voted yes. Where I hesitate is where any mental health issues exist or hard drug use/addiction - meth, coke, heroin, etc.

[bishop311]

Personally, I'm a solid YES, 2nd Amendment rights should be returned for non-violent, non-gun related felonies.  I have a major problem with taking away someone's 2nd Amendment rights for life for something like writing a hot check for $200 bucks (felony theft by check) or something stupid like putting a fake registration/inspection tag on their vehicle or boat to save a few bucks (felony fraud).

Now for someone who committed a violent crime against someone (murder, attempted murder, serious assault/assault with intent, rape, kidnapping, sexual assault, molestation, etc.) then ABSOLUTELY they should be kept away from firearms.  Just my opinion. 

[Stein]

How can you lose your 1st amendment or voting rights?  Maybe that is a reference point.

[bobcat]

People that can't be trusted with possession of firearms should remain in
prison forever. Taking away a person's right to possess firearms does not prevent them from continuing to committ crimes with the use of a firearm. All it does is prevent them from participating in legal activities such as hunting. In my opinion once a felon has served his time and is deemed not a danger, and is released from prison they should have all the same rights as every other US citizen.

[bishop311]

People that can't be trusted with possession of firearms should remain in
prison forever. Taking away a person's right to possess firearms does not prevent them from continuing to committ crimes with the use of a firearm. All it does is prevent them from participating in legal activities such as hunting. In my opinion once a felon has served his time and is deemed not a danger, and is released from prison they should have all the same rights as every other US citizen.

[Fl0und3rz]

Not an easy question to answer for me but I voted yes. Where I hesitate is where any mental health issues exist or hard drug use/addiction - meth, coke, heroin, etc.

Voting rights in WA are restored once sentence is complete including financial obligations, IIRC.  Gun rights should be similarly restored.  There are other mechanisms to address mental health issues, if only people/states would use them, and it is already unlawful, federally, for those addicted/using to controlled substances to possess firearms.

[Rainier10]

People that can't be trusted with possession of firearms should remain in
prison forever. Taking away a person's right to possess firearms does not prevent them from continuing to committ crimes with the use of a firearm. All it does is prevent them from participating in legal activities such as hunting. In my opinion once a felon has served his time and is deemed not a danger, and is released from prison they should have all the same rights as every other US citizen.

[Bofire]

   https://www.washingtongunrightslawyerblog.com/2013/05/03/washington-state-law-makes-restoration-of-gun-rights-possible-for-many-with-a-history-of-felony-or-misdemeanor-convictions/

Carl

[Rainier10]

  https://www.washingtongunrightslawyerblog.com/2013/05/03/washington-state-law-makes-restoration-of-gun-rights-possible-for-many-with-a-history-of-felony-or-misdemeanor-convictions/

Carl

I actually know a guy that did this.  It was a little complex if he met all the requirements but he actually did and got a judgement from the courts saying that his rights were restored.

I think that was a prime example of a guy making a mistake years ago and after getting on the right track getting his rights back.

[bishop311]

  https://www.washingtongunrightslawyerblog.com/2013/05/03/washington-state-law-makes-restoration-of-gun-rights-possible-for-many-with-a-history-of-felony-or-misdemeanor-convictions/

Carl

I actually know a guy that did this.  It was a little complex if he met all the requirements but he actually did and got a judgement from the courts saying that his rights were restored.

I think that was a prime example of a guy making a mistake years ago and after getting on the right track getting his rights back.

EVERY State should allow this.  I'm originally from Texas, and there is NO WAY to get your firearm rights back in Texas if you're a felon.  You would need a Governor's Pardon as well as a Pardon from the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles -- both pretty much impossible to get.  And the thing is that Texas is an extremely conservative/Red State, so you would think that in such a Conservative State this would be an option for white collar/non-violent ex-felons... but NO DICE.

They aren't kidding when they say "Don't Mess With Texas"

[Rainier10]

  https://www.washingtongunrightslawyerblog.com/2013/05/03/washington-state-law-makes-restoration-of-gun-rights-possible-for-many-with-a-history-of-felony-or-misdemeanor-convictions/

Carl

I actually know a guy that did this.  It was a little complex if he met all the requirements but he actually did and got a judgement from the courts saying that his rights were restored.

I think that was a prime example of a guy making a mistake years ago and after getting on the right track getting his rights back.

EVERY State should allow this.  I'm originally from Texas, and there is NO WAY to get your firearm rights back in Texas if you're a felon.  You would need a Governor's Pardon as well as a Pardon from the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles -- both pretty much impossible to get.  And the thing is that Texas is an extremely conservative/Red State, so you would think that in such a Conservative State this would be an option for white collar/non-violent ex-felons... but NO DICE.

They aren't kidding when they say "Don't Mess With Texas"

It surprises me that it is possible in Washington and is not possible in Texas.

It should be allowed in all states.  I still agree with Bobcat's reply that once your time is served or whatever your rights should be restored.

[bishop311]

  https://www.washingtongunrightslawyerblog.com/2013/05/03/washington-state-law-makes-restoration-of-gun-rights-possible-for-many-with-a-history-of-felony-or-misdemeanor-convictions/

Carl

I actually know a guy that did this.  It was a little complex if he met all the requirements but he actually did and got a judgement from the courts saying that his rights were restored.

I think that was a prime example of a guy making a mistake years ago and after getting on the right track getting his rights back.

EVERY State should allow this.  I'm originally from Texas, and there is NO WAY to get your firearm rights back in Texas if you're a felon.  You would need a Governor's Pardon as well as a Pardon from the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles -- both pretty much impossible to get.  And the thing is that Texas is an extremely conservative/Red State, so you would think that in such a Conservative State this would be an option for white collar/non-violent ex-felons... but NO DICE.

They aren't kidding when they say "Don't Mess With Texas"

It surprises me that it is possible in Washington and is not possible in Texas.

It should be allowed in all states.  I still agree with Bobcat's reply that once your time is served or whatever your rights should be restored.

Totally agree with you.  Draconian Laws and rules such as these in Texas are among some of the reasons I left and came to Washington.  It is tyranny, plain and simple.  Almost *anything* in Texas = FELONY = you will never have 2nd Amendment rights again = you'll never be able to hunt or protect yourself and your family in your own home.  Let's say you are pulled over by a cop and someone in your car is found to have a felony amount of drugs in their pocket.  BAM!  Everyone in that car is now a felon in Texas because of a legal concept there called "Guilt By Proximity".  It is ridiculous!

Every State should follow Washington State's lead.