Hagar and Phillips - Can I Purchase a Gun if I Have a DUI Conviction

Can I Purchase a Gun if I Have a DUI Conviction

In most instances yes, a person can purchase a gun even if they have a DUI conviction. The exception to this is someone who has four or more DUI convictions. There are certain types of crimes that prohibit a person from purchasing a firearm: (1) any felony conviction and (2) any crime of domestic violence. Most DUI convictions result in misdemeanor convictions and, of course, a DUI is not a crime of domestic violence.

First, Second, Third Time DUI Convictions

However, some persons who are recidivist DUI offenders may receive a felony sentence. For example, if you are convicted of a DUI conviction for the first, second, and third time, you will receive a misdemeanor conviction. However, if you are convicted of a fourth or more DUI, then you will receive a felony sentence. A fourth-offense DUI is a Class E felony, a fifth DUI conviction is a Class D felony, and a sixth (or more) DUI conviction is a Class C felony. See Tenn. Code Ann. §55-10-402. These individuals will have felony convictions and be barred from purchasing firearms legally.

DUI Laws in TN

While a DUI conviction may not prohibit you from purchasing a firearm, it will limit your ability to carry the gun outside of your home. Tenn. law, codified at Tenn. Code Ann. §39-17-1307(h)(1)(B) makes it illegal for a person to carry a firearm when they have been convicted of a DUI two or more times in the last ten years. This prohibition applies to any DUI convictions within the past 10 years in any state – Tennessee or any other state. The same provision also makes it illegal for a person to carry a firearm if he or she has been convicted of a single DUI within the past five years.

Every case is unique. Contact our office to speak to a DUI Attorney about your specific case.

Is Weed Legal in Tennessee? What Wilson County and Lebanon Residents Should Know

For many people in Wilson County, the question “Is weed legal in Tennessee?” comes up because the laws can feel confusing. The short answer is that recreational marijuana is still illegal in Tennessee. At the same time, some hemp-based products are legal if they stay within the state’s THC limits, which is where a lot of the confusion starts.

Read Post

Understanding Identity Theft in Tennessee: A Guide for Wilson County, TN

Identity theft is a crime that happens when someone uses another person’s personal information without permission, usually for financial gain or to avoid being caught for another offense. In Wilson County, TN, identity theft can affect everyday people just as easily as businesses, and the damage often reaches far beyond a single stolen account. Understanding what identity theft looks like, how it happens, and why it matters can help people recognize the issue sooner and respond more carefully.

Read Post

Domestic Assault Charges in Wilson County: What to Know

Domestic assault is a criminal charge that arises when an assault happens between people who have a qualifying personal or family relationship. In Tennessee, the term is often used interchangeably with domestic violence in everyday conversation, but it has a specific legal meaning. Understanding that distinction matters because domestic assault cases are handled seriously and can affect more than just a person’s immediate court case.

Read Post