Expert: Dan Haynes - 3/5/2009

Question
I would like to go bow and/or gun hunting in Colorado but have heard that I cannot get a hunting license with a misdemeanor domestic violence charge. The incident occured 1997.  What are my options.

Answer
Paul,

Thank you for asking. It appears that you are correct.

Penalties For A Domestic Violence Conviction

Colorado law states that You shall not possess or control a firearm or any other weapon (this is a lifetime penalty, see Federal penalties  below).

Federal penalties

1. Firearms and ammunition: You can never for the rest of your life own, be in possession of, or in the vicinity of any firearm or ammunition 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(9). For example, if you are in a car and there is a single bullet or shell in the car you are guilty of a federal felony with a mandatory 5 to 10 year sentence. This is true whether you are given a deferred or adjudicated sentence as those are still convictions under federal law.

Obviously you can never again get a hunting license but the law bars you from even being in a hunting camp with other armed hunters. Gun collections are also denied, nor can you be in a home with guns or ammunition present.

Note that cartridges used in nail guns are ammunition so that you cannot work many construction jobs. Exploration for and exploitation of minerals, e.g., oil, gas, mining, will be excluded as well. You will also be barred from interstate transport of hazardous materials as well. And this summary of federally excluded activities is by no means exhaustive.

I hope this helps you with the facts. The only other thing that you may consider is a full pardon by the President of the US in order to restore your gun rights.