New Gun Laws Are Brewing in the Wisconsin Legislature

 Posted on August 19, 2019 in Gun Violations

Gun laws have been a hot topic for lawmakers and other government officials for the past couple of years. According to the Gun Violence Archive, there have been 261 mass shootings (defined as incidents in which four or more people are shot or killed) in the United States so far in 2019. In the wake of the latest mass shootings in Texas and Ohio, which killed 22 and 10 people respectively, Wisconsin lawmakers have been discussing the possibility of new gun laws. The proposed legislation includes bills to make universal background checks a requirement, along with the implementation of red-flag laws.

Current Background Check Requirements

Federal law currently dictates that all people purchasing guns from licensed dealers must complete a background check. This does not include guns that are sold from person to person or guns that are purchased at gun shows. The new law proposing expanded background checks would require a background check to be completed for almost all gun sales or transfers, except for sales or transfers to a firearms dealer, law enforcement, or armed service agencies.

What Are Red-Flag Laws?

One of the other types of laws that the Wisconsin governor is supporting is what is called a red-flag law. Red-flag laws are those that allow courts to issue orders for law enforcement officials to temporarily take firearms out of the possession of people who appear to be a danger to themselves or others. Both police officers and friends and family members can request court orders to have firearms removed from those who express suicidal thoughts or the desire to hurt others. These orders are temporary, but they can be extended, and they also prevent the person in question from purchasing guns.

Current Wisconsin Gun Laws

Currently, the only requirements to purchase a firearm in Wisconsin are to present identification, fill out a notification form, and pay a $13.00 fee for a background check to be conducted if you are purchasing a gun from a firearms dealer. If you are approved, you are permitted to possess that firearm. You do not need a permit to own rifles, shotguns, or handguns. You only need a permit if you wish to carry a concealed handgun.

Contact a Waukesha County Weapons Charges Defense Lawyer 

Being charged with breaking laws pertaining to firearms can result in serious penalties. It is important to understand how new legislation may change the current gun laws. If you are facing a Wisconsin weapons charge, you should get in contact with a knowledgeable Milwaukee County firearms violation attorney as soon as possible. At the Bucher Law Group, LLC, we can provide you with strong representation for charges relating to illegal possession or concealed carry violations. Call our office today at 262-303-4916 to schedule a free consultation.

Sources:

https://www.gunviolencearchive.org/

https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/politics/2019/08/15/gun-laws-tony-evers-offers-bill-expand-gun-sale-background-checks/2017353001/

https://wislawjournal.com/2019/08/07/governor-wisconsin-gop-leaders-to-meet-on-gun-control/

https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/politics/2019/08/08/red-flag-laws-background-checks-explained/1943147001/

https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/175/30