Expert: Dean Speir - 1/29/2009

Question
I have tried twice to purchase a gun. So I can teach my daughters how to shoot. After the first denial I went and pulled my background I had some reckless endangerment charges from when I was 18 (1988) and the lady closed those records. The only other thing on there was a DUI from 1993 which was reduced to a DWAI ( not a felony). So I go and try it again and they still denied me my purchase. 1st what would keep me from getting approved. 2nd what are the colorado background laws to purchase a gun. I'm 38 haven't been in trouble since I was 18 and those records were closed. What can I do to get me a gun? PLEASE HELP!

Answer
While this is hardly a Second Amendment question, Mark, let me make a suggestion.

Having any sort of "reckless endangerment" history tends to stay with one even if you think "the lady closed those records," whoever that "lady" might be.

If the "reckless endangerment" was in anyway related to Domestic Violence, under the questionably Constitutional (as an ex post facto law) Lautenberg Amendment, you are considered a Prohibited Person.

I have no idea what Colorado's laws are, but I'm sure you can find that out on the State Capitol Website.

While you don't say who issued the denial, if it was at the NICS stage, there is an Appeal Process that might clarify what the stumbling block is.

What I would do in your case is spend the money consult a local attorney… this is something that's going to stay with you the remainder of your life if you cannot clear it up.