Who Can Legally Own a Gun in Wisconsin?

 Posted on March 18, 2020 in Gun Violations

For many pro-gun-ownership activists, the Second Amendment to the United States Constitution is often the go-to for debates over who should be permitted to own a firearm. According to the Second Amendment, all citizens have the right to bear arms, but the government has reserved the right to regulate ownership to the individual states. Each state and even the federal government has placed restrictions on gun ownership, specifying when an individual may be forbidden from owning or possessing firearms. Violating these laws can result in serious consequences in Wisconsin.

Wisconsin Gun Ownership Laws

In Wisconsin, there are certain people who are not permitted to purchase or possess a firearm. If you are caught in possession of a gun when you are not permitted to do so, you may face criminal charges. You could face illegal possession charges if you own or possess a firearm and you:

• Have been previously convicted of a felony in Wisconsin

• Have been previously convicted of a crime in another state that would be a felony in Wisconsin

• Were adjudicated delinquent for an act that would be considered a felony if it were committed by an adult

• Were found not guilty of a felony because of mental disease or defect

• Were found not guilty of a crime in another state that would be a felony in Wisconsin because of mental disease, defect, illness, or insanity

• Have ever been committed to a treatment facility because of mental illness or drug dependency

• Are subject to an injunction for domestic abuse, child abuse, or harassment and ordered not to possess a firearm

Consequences for Violations

If you are in possession of a firearm and you are not legally permitted to be, you may be charged with a Class G felony in Wisconsin. This means a conviction could result in up to 10 years in prison, up to $25,000 in fines, or a combination of both. There are also certain situations in which you could receive a bifurcated sentence, which means you serve prison time and also extended supervision after you are released. If you are given a bifurcated sentence for illegal firearm possession, you face between three and five years in jail and up to five years of extended supervision after you are released from jail.

Contact a Waukesha County Criminal Defense Lawyer

If you have been charged with illegal firearm possession in Wisconsin, it is crucial that you immediately seek legal help. At the Bucher Law Group, LLC, we know the seriousness of any type of weapons violation, and we understand the consequences a conviction can have on your personal and professional life. Call our skilled Racine County weapons charges defense attorneys today at 262-303-4916 to schedule a free consultation.

Sources:

https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/939/IV/50

https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/941/III/29