MCOLES State Licensing Practice Exam

True or False: A person convicted of Domestic Violence is allowed to purchase a firearm.

1. True

2. False

3. Only with a waiver

4. Depends on the state

The correct answer is: False

A person convicted of domestic violence is generally not allowed to purchase a firearm. This restriction is primarily rooted in federal law; specifically, the Lautenberg Amendment to the Gun Control Act prohibits individuals who have been convicted of domestic violence misdemeanors from owning firearms. The intent behind this legislation is to enhance public safety by preventing individuals who have been involved in violent domestic incidents from possessing weapons, thus reducing the risk of further violence. While state laws may vary in their specifics regarding firearm possession and the process for restoring rights after a conviction, the fundamental principle remains that a conviction for domestic violence creates a barrier to firearm ownership. Thus, the correct assertion is that such individuals cannot legally purchase firearms under most circumstances.