Countless studies show that domestic violence offenders who possess a firearm are likely to use it during a heated dispute. Federal law prohibits anyone who has been convicted of a misdemeanor domestic violence offense or who has a restraining order against them from possessing a gun. This law specifies that using any type of physical force against another person in a domestic relationship is an act of violence. In addition to the federal law, Wisconsin has its own state laws regarding domestic violence.
A man bearing a single misdemeanor charge of disorderly conduct may be issued a concealed weapon license in Wisconsin after a yearlong court battle. Court records show that the man had no previous criminal record and was not required to participate in domestic violence counseling after being convicted of the crime in 1995.
The judge ruled that the specific details of the incident made it hard to determine whether the man’s disorderly conduct was violent in nature.
The Rhinelander man had applied for a concealed weapon permit last year and was denied by the Department of Justice based on his disorderly conduct offense. The decision was overturned; however, there is no further information on whether the Department of Justice will appeal the decision or agree to issue the man a concealed gun permit.
A domestic violence conviction can affect a person’s life in many ways. Not only are they unable to own or carry a firearm, but they may be unable to obtain a professional license or find employment in certain industries. People who are facing domestic violence charges may want to consider speaking with a reputable attorney about their legal options.
Source: Journal Sentinel, “Wisconsin judge orders state to give man concealed-carry license,” Bruce Vielmetti, July 15, 2014.