AboutDean Speir Expertise I can answer questions about Handguns, Rifles, Ammunition, the Firearms Industry, the "gunzine game," practical accessories for self-defense (CCW) handguns; rumor control on firearms myths, errata on the "gunshop grapevine."
Experience 25 years practical and competitive hangunning; 18 years in the firearms industry; 15 years writing for the gunzines, including 4½ years as Industry Editor for The New Gun Week; maintainer of www.thegunzone.com.
Organizations Life Member, NRA
Publications Guns Magazine, Combat Handguns, Petersen's Handguns, American Handgunner, The New Gun Week, Gun & Shooter, American Handgunner, Shooting Industry, American Firearms Industry, Machine Gun News, Practical Shooting International, Law Enforcement Techology, Police Product News, The American Guardian, The Shotgun News, Visier (Germany) and various DBI Books.
Expert: Dean Speir Date: 4/10/2008 Subject: Certificate of Relief
Question Eighteen years ago I plead guilty to third degree felony in NY city for possession of a firearm. I've since moved back to my home state of Florida and wanted to find out if there were any way I could purchase and own a firearm here. I received a "certificate of release from civil disabilities" and have committed no crimes since that time. Thanks!
Answer My congratulations on paying whatever debt you owed, knowing what steps had to be taken to obtain that all-important "Certificate of Relief from Civil Disabilities," and getting it done.
Based on your assertions and keeping in mind that I am NOT an attorney and whatever I say here should not be relied upon as legal advice, I think you would be eligible to purchase a firearm.
The proof would be in the filling out of the Form 4473… just in case you have not already done so, you will need to file an ATF Form 3210.1 or ATF Form 3210.2, so that you can receive an ATF Form 359. This will explain to you how to properly complete a Form 4473 at the point of purchase, for the mandated FBI NICS check.
At this point it is unclear whether you will need to obtain a UPIN (Unique Personal Identification Number) which will contain the information about your personal circumstances including the restoration of your Civil Right to possess a firearms.
