Legal Question in Criminal Law in Virginia

gun show

I went to a gun show and filled out an application to buy a gun and on the application it asked me if I ever had been convicted of domestic assault. I put no because fourteen years ago I had a case for assault and plead no contest. I didn't think this would affect me but now I have to go to court. what could happen to me?


Asked on 3/16/08, 2:01 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Michael Hendrickson Law Office Michael E. Hendrickson

Re: gun show

A plea of no contest or nolo contendere, is the equivalent of a plea of guilty to a crime of domestic violence which under U.S.C. 18-922(g)forbids the person who has taken such a plea from owning or possessing firearms.

It is unclear from your question as to why now you would "have to go to court" unless you've been charged with lying or falsifying information on the application and have now been so charged in federal court.

If the foregoing is correct, this is a serious matter and you will need an attorney familiar with these kinds of federal prosecutions to represent you.

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Answered on 3/16/08, 9:25 am


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