4473 and enforcement

[RandyRay41]

Recently I went with a friend of mine to the local gunshop where he purchased a new rifle. I've known him for years and know that he is restricted from owning a firearm. Makes me wonder just how reliable the current back ground check is. Thought for sure he would be denied. I assume lieing on 4473 is a crime within itself and highly doubt that is ever enforced as well.

 

[Frosty Dave]

Let me be the first to ask the obvious question: What makes you think he's on The List?

 

[ColtPythonElite]

So, you stood by while someone committed a crime?

 

[RandyRay41]

From a DV case about 4 years ago. That's supposed to put you on the list.
His x-wife said he threatened to shoot her. Of course judge agreed, even though no physical damage was presented. $500 fine and anger management was the punishment.
He still owns guns as we hunt same property regularly and then the purchase I was with in. I figured he acquired his guns from private citizens.

 

[RandyRay41]

Of course I stood by. BS law anyways. I'm not the law.

 

[AlexanderA]

His x-wife said he threatened to shoot her. Of course judge agreed, even though no physical damage was presented. $500 fine and anger management was the punishment.

From what you wrote, we still don't know what the exact disposition of the case was. Such cases are often resolved without an actual "conviction." For example, the person could be required to post a peace bond, pay court costs, attend anger management classes, and stay on good behavior for a year, after which the charges are formally dropped. (This is referred to as "deferred adjudication.") Post-Lautenberg, knowing the dire consequences of a DV "conviction," defendants and their attorneys are likely to push for such a resolution, and judges are likely to be sympathetic, particularly for someone with an otherwise clean record.

 

[GRIZ22]

People are prosecuted for lying on 4473s all the time.

 

[Frank Ettin]

And it was really smart of the OP to tell the world that his friend might have committed a federal felony.

Whether one thinks it's a dumb law is irrelevant. It's still the law. And yes, lying on the 4473 is a federal crime (18 USC 922(a)(6)).

Closed.