Walk It Through: The First Handgun
A dealer's counter, a friend with an old felony, a teenager who wants to shoot, and a permit application.
An adult buys a first pistol at a sporting goods store that holds a federal firearms license.
Two things a person in this spot might do. Picking one shows what the law says about it.
A first purchase from a dealer by an adult with no record. A private sale between neighbors, a long gun, and a permit denial appeal are not worked through here.
A practice walkthrough, not a prediction of how any real one will go. Legal information, not legal advice.
Words this turns on
Terms with a legal meaning that is narrower than the everyday one. Each links to the definition and the authority behind it.
- Class D felonyThe lowest class of felony, with up to five years and a fine of $1,025 to $10,245; a felony declared without a class is a class D felony.
- ExpungementThe court's removal of a misdemeanor conviction from public view on application, once more than eight years have passed and the listed conditions are met.
- Permit to acquireOne of three things an unlicensed person needs to acquire a pistol or revolver from a federally licensed dealer, beside a permit to carry or a satisfactory background check.
- Serious misdemeanorThe middle level of misdemeanor, with a fine of $430 to $2,560 and up to one year in jail.
- Aggravated misdemeanorThe highest level of misdemeanor, with up to two years and a fine of $855 to $8,540 where no specific penalty is given.
- Nonprofessional permit to carry weaponsA permit issued to a person not disqualified who meets the training requirements and applies, good for five years and valid throughout the state except where the law prohibits a firearm.