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Bill Supports Nonviolent Felons To Possess Firearms

by KREX News Room
by Courtney Griffin

Story Created: Jan 27, 2013 at 9:20 PM MDT

Story Updated: Jan 27, 2013 at 11:43 PM MDT

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo.- Though some lawmakers are in favor of banning firearms, one Colorado Representative is trying to give those who've lost their rights to own a gun, a second chance.

Currently, the law does not allow felons to purchase or possess a gun, but House District 49, Perry Buck, introduced a bill that could change that.

Bill 1085, introduced in the House, would allow nonviolent felons to possess firearms.

But not everyone thinks that's such a good idea, including one gun shop owner, James Colby.

"The current bill as it is, I'm actually in opposition," said Colby.

The bill would allow nonviolent felons to possess firearms as long as their crime didn't involve arson, burglary, or the use of a deadly weapon.

"I mean they should have a right to recovery, but if they're going to break the social norms, maybe we shouldn't trust them the same as other people," said Colby.

Though the bill pertains to nonviolent felonies, Colby says to be convicted of any type of felony, is a serious unlawful act.

"It's all your sorts of financial crimes, embezzlement, forgery, check forgery, perjury," said Colby.

However, proponents for the bill say those nonviolent felons, need a way to protect themselves.

Colby says, "Muzzleloaders for instance are not considered a fire arm, so in a lot of states felons can own muzzleloaders, especially for home protection."

However, Colby says he agrees that the restrictions for nonviolent offenders could loosen up a little bit. He says currently, it can take anywhere from five to ten years for someone with a nonviolent felony to get that expunged in a normal court proceeding.




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Tom said on Thursday, Apr 18 at 1:36 PM

The 2nd Amendment of the US Constitution reads that "We the People have the Right to Bear Arms and that nobody can Infringe Upon that". The Later Amendments "Infringed Upon that Right to Bear Arms" and thus are not legal.

Me 2.0 said on Tuesday, Jan 29 at 7:15 AM

If your gonna do the crime, then you have to bear the consequences. When you commit a felony you loose your rights plan and simple. But with our stupid liberal overlords at work I'm sure this will pass.

Fred said on Monday, Jan 28 at 9:15 PM

Dumb enough to do a crime, should not have a gun. No matter how much money they give to Perry Buck's campaign.

time to let it go said on Monday, Jan 28 at 5:10 PM

I was convicted of a felony in 1977 at the age of 19 for selling pot.I am now 55 years old. Please tell me why I should not be allowed to buy a hand gun when after some 36 years I have had no more than a seatbelt ticket against my record. Futhermore, I've been able to and have bought rifles, and shotguns since that conviction in 1977.I dont feel this is a one strike and your out situation.I paid mt fines and did my community service with not having to do any jail time.Didn't we just pass the legalization of pot? Again, Time to just let some things go. P.S. I'm a local bussiness owner employing people of the Grand Valley and have been both hunting and fishing all of my life even to this date. If you can, give me a reason that I should still after 36 years I can't but a hand gun for whatever reason. I se it as though I've done my time!!!!

Huh? said on Monday, Jan 28 at 1:58 PM

Haven't these felons already shown their ability to hold the laws of our society in contempt? Any right thinking non felon gun owner should be contacting Buck with whole line of "?".

Disgusted said on Monday, Jan 28 at 1:03 PM

I would trust the non-violent felons before I would trust the vermin in the government!

Anon said on Monday, Jan 28 at 1:02 PM

Absolutely YES!

Dillard Jenkins said on Monday, Jan 28 at 12:57 PM

Since our founding fathers are mentioned in practically every political discussion perhaps it should be pointed out that George Washington grew hemp as his primary crop in the late 18th century for fiber production at Mount Vernon. Thomas Jefferson grew the plant as a secondary crop at Monticello and urged farmers to grow hemp in place of tobacco due to its many useful qualities. Even Benjamin Franklin used cannabis as the raw material to start one of America’s pioneering paper mills. If you seek logic within the minds of government bureaucrats you will always be disappointed.

Tom King said on Monday, Jan 28 at 12:34 PM

Doesn't House District 49 member, Perry Buck have better things to do with his time than sell guns to financial crimes, embezzlement, forgery, check forgery, perjury and those convicted of sexual assault. Nonviolent felons can protect themselves, by using wood, plastic and knives, they need guns like a hole in the head.

Floyd said on Monday, Jan 28 at 8:50 AM

nanatammie, the founding fathers never envisioned those who were elected to govern this country would be wanting to be controlled by a dictator. The mess we are expected to live in is the result of hundreds of thousands of laws designed to side step the original ten laws.

nanatammie said on Monday, Jan 28 at 3:26 AM

My comment is some food for thought for bamboozled.... and me too....I agree!! It makes me sick to think that a child molester could get a gun!!! They are considered a "non-violent" felon s long as a weapon wasn't used. Next thing you know they'll be repealing statute that keeps the restrained party in a restraining order to be able to own a gun. I guess it really doesn't matter anyone can get a gun illegally. Crazy times we're living in these days!! Shall not be infringed.... when the founding fathers couldn't possibly have predicted what a messed up society we would turn into!!!! I wholeheartedly believe that it would never be their intention to give a gun to a criminal of any kind!!!

BAMBOOZLED said on Sunday, Jan 27 at 11:51 PM

SHALL NOT BE INFRINGED

Me 2.0 said on Sunday, Jan 27 at 11:18 PM

Felons to possess weapons, and law abiding citizens can't, what's wrong with this picture?

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