Legal Question in Civil Rights Law in Washington

Domestic Violence No Contest and Right To Bear Arms

In 1997,my ex-wife abandoned her daughters who were 1 and 3 at the time.She left to be with this man in another state.Along story short,she returned,found an attorney, claimed domestic violence, and received the kids, the house, etc. We both filed DV orders under guidance of our attorneys.We went to trial. the magistrate stopped the trial after her side was told.He called counsel into chambers.Our attorneys returned stating if at any time we yelled at the other and the felt fear we would be found guilty. He basically advised us to take ''no contest'' plea. I was only told this and the federal law in about 5 minutes.We both plead no contest.It's now preventing me from becoming a police officer.Can I get this set aside or expunged?Is this a violation of my constitutional right to bear arms?


Asked on 10/19/02, 5:28 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Charles Aspinwall Charles S. Aspinwall, J.D., LLC

Re: Domestic Violence No Contest and Right To Bear Arms

Persons convicted of domestic violence and required to be listed in the national register are prohibited from possessing firearms by federal law. There are no exceptions. The only ways out are (1) expungement by the court of conviction; (2) a governor/presidential pardon and restoration of all civil rights.

Read more
Answered on 10/22/02, 10:52 am


Related Questions & Answers

More Civil Rights Law questions and answers in Washington