Can a Felon Go to a Shooting Range?

Once individuals are convicted of committing a crime, they will face huge repercussions. Apart from spending time in prison, their life will also not return to normal when they are released from prison. They will not have the freedom to enjoy certain rights. The right to own a gun is one of the many rights they cannot have. That means, they also will not be able to freely go to the shooting range or practice shooting. If they want to go to a shooting range, chances are the place will check their background. So, does this mean they cannot visit a shooting range with their friends or family members? Continue reading this article to find out the information.

What is a Shooting Range?

A shooting range is an area designed and used for firearms practice, training, and shooting sports. These areas provide a safe and controlled environment for individuals to learn, practice, and improve shooting skills with various types of firearms. Shooting ranges are typically used for a variety of purposes, including competitive sport shooting, recreational shooting, law enforcement training, and military exercises.

Shooting ranges consist of indoor and outdoor, and deal with different types of firearms. Some are for sale and some are only for rent. At the shooting range, visitors must sign a waiver that includes the terms of understanding and abiding by the policies. Also, visitors will be asked about any past criminal history.

Of course, visitors must be honest when filling out the form to enter the shooting range area. If the visitor is dishonest in filling out the form and is caught by the shooting range, then the visitor will be subject to penalties that may result in imprisonment. Signing of waivers and background checks are done for the safety of all parties.

Some shooting ranges will also do background checks on visitors, such as:

•   Identity

Shooting ranges will usually ask for your ID card. They will also ask for your personal data and fingerprints. The Department of Justice will receive your data and review it thoroughly.

•   Credit reports

Most shooting ranges will check your credit report, so if you are interested in spending your leisure time at a shooting range, make sure your credit report is clean. This is one of the factors that determine whether or not you are allowed at the range.

•   Driving record

When you want to visit the shooting range, you also need to show your driving record. The range officer will check your driving record to see if you contributed to any accidents, traffic violations, or incurred any tickets.

•   Education record

The range officer will check your education records to get a better understanding of who they are dealing with.

•   Criminal record

Last, but very important, shooting range officers need to know if you have any criminal offenses or are on probation. Also, they will check the extent or severity of your crime.

Some other gun shops will conduct a criminal record background check on visitors if they wish to purchase a gun. However, if the patron is only renting a gun for use at the range, then there is no need for a background check. To test the weapon, the gun shop will usually allow you to rent the weapon first and use it at the shooting range. Also, if the visitor is renting a gun for hunting purposes, there will be a criminal background check.

Can a Felon Go to a Shooting Range?

If you have a criminal record, you may be wondering whether you can go to a shooting range or not. Unfortunately, your criminal record will prevent you from doing this. In short, an ex-felon cannot go to the shooting range.

You should remember that the shooting range owner will check your identity and background, including your criminal record, before allowing you to enter the shooting range area. Since felons cannot own firearms in the United States, you cannot enter a shooting range. Before entering a shooting range, visitors are usually asked to complete a waiver. Yes, surely, you will be asked to provide information about your criminal history. Shooting range owners and officials require visitors to do this to ensure public safety and security.

Individuals with criminal records cannot go to shooting ranges because the risks are too great. If a parole officer finds an ex-convict in the vicinity of a shooting range, especially during shooting practice, then the ex-convict will be arrested for violating the Federal Firearms Act. Even if the ex-felon does not own a firearm, being in the shooting range area will greatly endanger the situation of individuals who have a criminal record. For information, the prison sentence for possession of firearms for people with a criminal record is 10 years. That means ex-felons will be sentenced to another 10 years if convicted of possessing firearms. As a former prisoner, if you do not want this to happen, then do not visit the shooting range.

There is an example of a case involving a felon who went to a shooting range. This story was reported in the Naples Daily News. In 2008, a criminal on probation named Jason Doland went to a shooting range with his friend to practice shooting. Then, a police officer working at the shooting range became suspicious of Jason Doland and his friend. The police officer checked the ID they used to enter. The examination revealed that Jason Doland was a criminal, and sentenced him to 10 years in prison. Need to know that many law enforcement officers moonlight as shooting range officers. This certainly makes it easier for officers to catch felons who violate the rules.

Why Cannot Felons Go to a Shooting Range?

Individuals with criminal records will not be able to visit the shooting range. This is one of the rights that is lost when an individual commits a serious crime. The prohibition for ex-felons to go to shooting ranges mainly stems from concerns regarding public safety and the potential for ex-felons to engage in unlawful activities involving firearms.

Here are some of the main reasons why felons are banned from visiting shooting ranges:

•   Federal Firearms Laws

The Gun Control Act of 1968: Under federal law in the United States, individuals with criminal records are categorized as prohibited persons and are prohibited from possessing firearms. The Gun Control Act of 1968 outlines these restrictions, covering serious felonies such as those punishable by more than one year in prison.

•   Public Safety and Security Issues

Allowing individuals with criminal records access to firearms at shooting ranges raises public safety and security concerns. This is especially so if the ex-felon has a record of crimes related to violence, assault, and other serious crimes. It would be very risky to allow an ex-felon to be at the shooting range.

•   Preventing Recidivism

Prohibiting visits to shooting ranges for individuals with criminal records is a measure to prevent or reduce recidivism. There is great concern about giving access to firearms to ex-felons as it may increase the risk of additional crimes or engaging in violent behavior.

•   Potential Illegal Activities

Ex-felons are not permitted to visit shooting ranges because of concerns that it will increase the potential for illegal activity. Some illegal activities that can occur at shooting ranges are theft of firearms, use of firearms for unlawful purposes, or selling firearms on the black market.

•   Federal Law Enforcement

Some states may have looser regulations regarding ex-felons and firearms. However, federal law has provisions that prohibit individuals with criminal records from possessing firearms. That means those with criminal records cannot use firearms or visit shooting ranges. Federal law enforcement agencies are responsible for enforcing these laws. Allowing individuals with criminal records access to firearms can have legal consequences, both for the individual and the facility.

•   Liability Concerns

There are concerns by shooting range owners and officials about the potential legal liability of allowing individuals with criminal records to use their facilities. This will of course be risky and have negative impacts if former convicts use firearms inappropriately or if an incident occurs at the shooting range.

It is important to note that each jurisdiction has its own laws and regulations, which of course can vary. Some states have different regulations regarding individuals with criminal records and shooting ranges. In the United States, federal law prohibits former felons from owning and using firearms, resulting in a ban on visits to shooting ranges.

Restoring Gun Rights

In some cases, your gun ownership rights may be restored. However, restoring your gun ownership rights will depend on state and federal laws. You may be able to regain your gun ownership rights at the state level. However, you can still violate federal law.

Under federal law, you can try to restore your gun ownership rights by filing an application with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms. However, unfortunately, in 1992, Congress banned ATF for this purpose. Therefore, they will not review and approve your application. If you want your gun rights restored so you can go to the shooting range with your friends or family, then you must cooperate with your state’s courts.

Here are some specific procedures that will allow you to restore your gun ownership rights:

• You must not be convicted of a serious crime involving violence within the last 20 years.
• You must present yourself as well as possible so that you are not considered a danger to society. And, the goal of restoring your gun ownership rights must be served in the interests of public and federal law.
• You can also restore your gun ownership rights by filing a presidential petition. If you want to apply for clemency, try waiting five years. And make sure you make this application after the completion of your prison term. It is better if you seek legal advice first.
• Getting involved in community activities, volunteering, and contributing to society will help you regain the right to own a gun.
• It is very important for felons to be honest about their background, including their criminal record. This is necessary if you want to regain your gun ownership rights, become a better human being, and start a new life.