Criminal record expungement and gun licensing

**RICKSTER** · 10-06-2018, 04:57

Hi all,needing some advice on applying for a gun license ,about twenty years ago I was charged and convicted for an offence which I served a suspended sentence and declared unfit to possess a firearm.

I recently had my record expunged,I want to apply for a gun license for self defence as well as shooting,do I need to declare my previous conviction even though my record has been expunged?

Any assistance/advise would be highly appreciated

**Skaaphaas** · 10-06-2018, 07:40

I’ve heard of applications being refused for failure to declare an expunged record.

I think it’s BS because expungement means it gets taken off your record, ie as if it didn’t exist, but logic and the CFR don’t always go hand in hand.

**SSP** · 10-06-2018, 08:43

Originally Posted by Skaaphaas

I’ve heard of applications being refused for failure to declare an expunged record.

I think it’s BS because expungement means it gets taken off your record, ie as if it didn’t exist, but logic and the CFR don’t always go hand in hand.

To be fair, the question posed on the form is whether you have been convicted of an offence, not if you have a criminal record.

**Shane K** · 10-06-2018, 11:00

Originally Posted by RICKSTER

Hi all,needing some advice on applying for a gun license ,about twenty years ago I was charged and convicted for an offence which I served a suspended sentence and declared unfit to possess a firearm.

I recently had my record expunged,I want to apply for a gun license for self defence as well as shooting,do I need to declare my previous conviction even though my record has been expunged?

Any assistance/advise would be highly appreciated

Hi Rickster sent you a PM.
Check your messages.

**Sean KZN** · 10-06-2018, 16:44

I have a criminal record, also from 25 odd years ago. Also fine and suspended sentence. Was declared unfit ( assault and one other which I will not mention).
After 5 years the unfitness lapses.
I declare the charges on every application I do, all have been approved.
Honest disclosure is a requirement so best be honest.
If in doubt, use an intermediary such as Legally Armed or similar
When filling out the forms just be sure to have the CAS number and exact charges handy.