Oklahoma has long been considered one of the most gun-friendly states. Most adults are allowed to carry guns openly without a permit, with exceptions for certain places where firearms are restricted. However, if you are convicted of domestic violence, you will forfeit your right to own or use a firearm for protection, hunting, target shooting, or employment.
How Federal Law Regulates Gun Ownership After a Domestic Violence Conviction
Misdemeanor crimes are typically considered to be less serious than felonies, but this is not the case when it comes to using firearms after a domestic violence conviction.
Individuals with felony domestic violence convictions have not been able to legally own or possess guns since the passage of the 1968 Gun Control Act. The Domestic Violence Offender Gun Ban, often called the Lautenberg Amendment after its sponsor Senator Frank Lautenberg, was enacted by Congress in 1996 to extend gun restrictions to those convicted of misdemeanor domestic violence. Qualifying offenses include any state or federal misdemeanor that "has, as an element, the use or attempted use of physical force, or the threatened use of a deadly weapon, committed by a current or former spouse, parent, or guardian of the victim, by a person with whom the victim shares a child in common, by a person who is cohabiting with or has cohabited with the victim as a spouse, parent, or guardian, or by a person similarly situated to a spouse, parent, or guardian of the victim."
Shipping, transporting, possessing, or receiving firearms or ammunition in violation of the Lautenberg Amendment is a felony criminal offense. It is also considered a felony under the Lautenberg Amendment to sell or issue a firearm or ammunition to a person with a domestic violence conviction.
While the Lautenberg Amendment can have severe consequences for any own gun owner, it is particularly problematic for those in the military or individuals who are law enforcement officers. A qualifying conviction can potentially prevent a soldier from re-enlistment, prohibit deployment, or require the transfer to duties not requiring the bearing of weapons or ammunition. For a law enforcement officer, a qualifying conviction would mean they would no longer be able to work in any position requiring a firearm on duty.
Relevant Supreme Court Cases
The Lautenberg Amendment has been criticized by some for being overly restrictive, but its provisions have been repeatedly upheld. Consider the following:
- A 2014 decision by the U.S. Supreme Court clarified that domestic violence doesn't even need to involve physical acts of aggression that cause injury. Relatively minor acts such as pushing, slapping, shoving, and grabbing constitute domestic violence that will result in the loss of the right to own or carry a firearm.
- A 2016 decision by the U.S. Supreme Court states that domestic violence doesn't necessarily need to involve deliberate or intentional conduct. Behavior that is merely reckless—such as throwing a breakable object near your partner's head when shards of glass could cause injury—qualifies under federal law as an offense that would result in the loss of firearm rights.
You Can't Afford to Settle for Less Than the Best
If you've been accused of domestic violence, do not make the mistake of thinking the case will go away if the alleged victim doesn't wish to press charges. The state has the full authority to proceed without the alleged victim's cooperation—and the consequences of a conviction can be devastating. We explain why it's vital that you take domestic violence charges seriously in our free guide, Domestic Violence Charges in Oklahoma: What You Need to Know. Request a free copy for an in-depth look at what to expect after you've been charged with domestic violence and how to avoid common mistakes that can prevent you from building a strong defense.
With your reputation and future at stake, you need top-notch legal representation. Attorney Lee Berlin is the only private attorney in Oklahoma to focus his law practice on defending individuals accused of domestic abuse and other special victim crimes. With his specific focus, highly specialized training, and education combined with years of experience as a former prosecutor, Lee has created a proprietary defense system to advocate for the rights of his clients.
Have You Been Charged With a Domestic Assault and Battery Crime in the Tulsa, OK Area?
If you or a loved one has been charged with domestic assault & battery in the Tulsa, Oklahoma area you need to speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. Please contact us online or call 918.384.0850 for your initial strategy session. We are proud to serve Tulsa and all surrounding areas.
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