How Do I Know If I Can Buy a Gun?
Buying a gun can be a significant decision, and it’s essential to ensure that you’re eligible to do so. In the United States, the legal process of purchasing a firearm involves a background check, which is designed to ensure that the buyer is not prohibited from owning a gun. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of determining whether you can buy a gun.
Who Can Buy a Gun?
The first step in determining whether you can buy a gun is to understand who is eligible to do so. According to federal law, the following individuals are prohibited from purchasing or owning a firearm:
• Fugitives: Individuals who are fugitives from justice are not allowed to own a gun.
• Unlawful Users of or Addicted to Marihuana or Any Controlled Substance: Individuals who use or are addicted to controlled substances are not eligible to own a gun.
• Unlawful Users of or Addicted to Any Controlled Substance: Individuals who use or are addicted to controlled substances are not eligible to own a gun.
• Adjudicated Mentally Defective: Individuals who have been adjudicated as mentally defective or who have been committed to a mental institution are not eligible to own a gun.
• Chemically Dependent: Individuals who are chemically dependent are not eligible to own a gun.
• Domestic Abusers: Individuals who have been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence or who have been subject to a restraining order are not eligible to own a gun.
• Illegal Aliens: Individuals who are not U.S. citizens or who are not lawfully admitted for permanent residence are not eligible to own a gun.
How to Check Your Eligibility
If you’re unsure about your eligibility to buy a gun, you can check your status through the following methods:
• National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS): The NICS is a federal database that checks an individual’s eligibility to own a gun. You can check your status by visiting the NICS website and providing your identifying information.
• FBI Background Check: You can also check your status by contacting the FBI and providing your identifying information.
What to Expect During the Background Check
During the background check, the NICS will review your criminal history, mental health records, and other relevant information to determine whether you’re eligible to own a gun. The following information will be reviewed:
• Criminal History: The NICS will review your criminal history to determine whether you have any convictions or arrests that would make you ineligible to own a gun.
• Mental Health Records: The NICS will review your mental health records to determine whether you have any mental health issues that would make you ineligible to own a gun.
• Adjudications: The NICS will review any adjudications or commitments to a mental institution to determine whether you’re eligible to own a gun.
What to Do If You’re Denied
If you’re denied a background check, you’ll receive a denial notice that will explain the reason for the denial. You can appeal the denial by providing additional information or evidence to support your eligibility. You can also request a hearing to challenge the denial.
Conclusion
Buying a gun can be a significant decision, and it’s essential to ensure that you’re eligible to do so. By understanding who can buy a gun and how to check your eligibility, you can ensure that you’re making an informed decision. Remember to always follow the law and respect the rights of others when it comes to gun ownership.
Table: Prohibited Individuals
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Fugitives | Individuals who are fugitives from justice |
| Unlawful Users of or Addicted to Marihuana or Any Controlled Substance | Individuals who use or are addicted to controlled substances |
| Unlawful Users of or Addicted to Any Controlled Substance | Individuals who use or are addicted to controlled substances |
| Adjudicated Mentally Defective | Individuals who have been adjudicated as mentally defective or who have been committed to a mental institution |
| Chemically Dependent | Individuals who are chemically dependent |
| Domestic Abusers | Individuals who have been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence or who have been subject to a restraining order |
| Illegal Aliens | Individuals who are not U.S. citizens or who are not lawfully admitted for permanent residence |
Bullets: Key Takeaways
• Always check your eligibility to buy a gun before making a purchase.
• The NICS is a federal database that checks an individual’s eligibility to own a gun.
• The FBI conducts background checks for gun purchases.
• Prohibited individuals include fugitives, unlawful users of controlled substances, adjudicated mentally defective individuals, chemically dependent individuals, domestic abusers, and illegal aliens.
• If you’re denied a background check, you can appeal the denial by providing additional information or evidence to support your eligibility.
