Simple question: In Florida, after completing supervision with adjudication withheld, can I legally purchase a firearm?
I have just completed an 18 month supervised drug offender probation sentence for 2 counts of Controlled Substance without a Prescription (statute 893.13). I had Adjudication Withheld on both third degree felonies. On my completion letter from the Florida Department of Corrections, it stated:
"If adjudication was withheld, you did not lose your civil rights, however, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) may refuse the right for you to purchase a firearm following the successful completion of supervision, pursuant to Section 790.065 Florida Statues. Contact your local FDLE office if you have questions regarding the law."
The next day I contacted the FDLE Firearms Purchase Program (850-410-8140) and was told that regardless of the charge in which you received adjudication withheld, you are unable to purchase a firearm for three years after the completion of your supervised probation. This also agrees with a question from the Florida Parole Commissions website FAQ, which states:
7. If adjudication of guilt was withheld in my case, do I need restoration of civil rights?
No, if adjudication of guilt was withheld in your case, you have not lost your civil rights. However, per the Florida Department of Law Enforcement Firearms Purchase Program, you are prohibited from purchasing or possessing firearms for at least three years from the date your supervision terminated.
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I feel as though I've done enough research to answer this question for myself. Then I get on the internet and hear all sorts of different stories. An individual claiming to be a lawyer on a different forum stated that it was only a three year wait after supervision if the offense was of domestic violence. But I believe that man is mistaken, as the FDLE Firearm Purchase Program person I spoke with stated that it did not matter what the offense was for.
Any clarification that anyone can give or personal experience would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
I have just completed an 18 month supervised drug offender probation sentence for 2 counts of Controlled Substance without a Prescription (statute 893.13). I had Adjudication Withheld on both third degree felonies. On my completion letter from the Florida Department of Corrections, it stated:
"If adjudication was withheld, you did not lose your civil rights, however, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) may refuse the right for you to purchase a firearm following the successful completion of supervision, pursuant to Section 790.065 Florida Statues. Contact your local FDLE office if you have questions regarding the law."
The next day I contacted the FDLE Firearms Purchase Program (850-410-8140) and was told that regardless of the charge in which you received adjudication withheld, you are unable to purchase a firearm for three years after the completion of your supervised probation. This also agrees with a question from the Florida Parole Commissions website FAQ, which states:
7. If adjudication of guilt was withheld in my case, do I need restoration of civil rights?
No, if adjudication of guilt was withheld in your case, you have not lost your civil rights. However, per the Florida Department of Law Enforcement Firearms Purchase Program, you are prohibited from purchasing or possessing firearms for at least three years from the date your supervision terminated.
--
I feel as though I've done enough research to answer this question for myself. Then I get on the internet and hear all sorts of different stories. An individual claiming to be a lawyer on a different forum stated that it was only a three year wait after supervision if the offense was of domestic violence. But I believe that man is mistaken, as the FDLE Firearm Purchase Program person I spoke with stated that it did not matter what the offense was for.
Any clarification that anyone can give or personal experience would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
