Consequences of Condoning Felon Possession of Firearms: A Closer Look

The penalties and consequences of being caught with a firearm when you are a felon can vary widely depending on the circumstances. These outcomes are influenced by the legal framework, the local law enforcement's approach, and the activism of district attorneys (DA).

The Immediacy of Legal Action

If you are caught with a firearm and you are a felon, the immediate consequence is a high likelihood of arrest. Whether the firearm was given to you, stolen, or purchased illegally becomes critical. If you gave the firearm to someone else, you are still subject to arrest for aiding and abetting a crime, and you could face significant legal repercussions. If the firearm was stolen, you might need to have filed a report to avoid minimizing the charges against you. However, even if there is a lack of evidence to support your innocence, you could still face a straw purchase charge, which can lead to a 15-year prison sentence.

The Role of Authorities

When law enforcement arrives, they will question how the firearm got to the felon. Their answer will determine the severity of the charges. If the explanation does not satisfy the police, the accused could be in serious trouble. In democrat-controlled cities, the outcome is often less severe. Liberal judges and prosecutors often plea bargain the charges down or drop them altogether. However, in other jurisdictions, the potential for a long and costly legal battle is higher.

Real-World Examples

A notable example occurred at the Kings Plaza Mall in Brooklyn, New York. The suspect was caught just a few blocks from the mall scene and had a history of illegal firearm possession. Four months prior to the shooting, he had been arrested for illegal gun possession. This history highlights the thin line between adherence to the law and the underlying socio-political landscape. In such cases, a felon in possession of a firearm charge can lead to harsher penalties, including up to ten years in federal prison, but these sentences are often not enforced.

The Ineffectiveness of Current Enforcement

The data from 2019 paints a grim picture. Despite over 112,000 people failing a federal background check, only 12 were prosecuted. This discrepancy underscores the need for more robust enforcement of current laws. Proposals such as making the pleading away of gun charges a federal crime or imprisoning rogue prosecutors could potentially reduce the incidence of such faltering legal enforcement.

The Impact of Political Jurisdiction

In democrat-controlled jurisdictions, the outcome is often a non-event, as seen with examples like Hunter Biden. The lack of stringent enforcement in these areas can lead to a culture where firearm laws are seen as little more than suggestions. Conversely, in areas where law enforcement is more stringent and guidelines are strictly adhered to, the consequences for a felon in possession of a firearm can be more severe and impactful.

Conclusion

The implications of condoning felon possession of firearms have far-reaching consequences, ranging from harsh legal penalties to the weakening of law enforcement's credibility. To truly address the issue of criminal access to firearms, robust enforcement of existing laws and proactive measures to ensure fair and consistent legal outcomes are crucial. The current fragmented and often ineffective approach must be reevaluated to protect public safety and uphold the rule of law.