A new study shows a link between prior DUIs and a greater risk of violence for gun buyers
In California, individuals who are convicted of driving under the influence (DUI) face a range of significant consequences, including jail time, probation, community service, DUI school, fines and fees, and a license suspension. As a DUI defense lawyer Orange County, CA can explain, for each additional DUI conviction, the potential penalties increase.
New research from the University of California Davis’ Violence Prevention Research Program may lead to yet another sanction for people convicted of DUI in California: the loss of the right to own a firearm. Researchers examined people who bought guns in California from 2001 to 2013. Their study found that those who had DUI convictions before purchasing a firearm were nearly three times as likely to commit a future violent crime when compared to those who did not have a prior DUI conviction.
The study involved an analysis of the criminal records of 78,878 handgun purchasers over a 13 year period. Approximately 9% of people with prior DUI convictions were arrested for murder, rape, robbery or aggravated assault after buying a gun. In comparison, only 2% of people without a past DUI conviction went on to commit a violent crime. One of the study’s authors, Rose Kagawa, stated, “Alcohol use is a well-established risk factor for firearm violence. Our study suggests that handgun purchasers with a DUI conviction on their record at the time pot purchase have a higher incidence of future violence and crime compared to purchasers without DUI convictions.”
According to a DUI defense lawyer Orange County, CA, the California Legislature passed a bill that would restrict firearm access for people with multiple DUI convictions in 2014. The governor vetoed the bill out of concern that there was not enough of a link between DUI convictions and firearm violence. However, the Legislature is again considering this type of restriction for individuals with DUI convictions — which would lead to yet another possible penalty for individuals convicted of a California DUI.
While it is too early to tell if this type of restriction will become law in California, this new research may bolster the arguments of those who hope to prohibit firearm possession for those with DUI convictions. This possibility makes it all the more important to hire a skilled DUI defense lawyer Orange County, CA if you have been charged with driving under the influence. While the penalties for DUI are already severe in California, if this type of bill becomes law, having a DUI conviction on your record may impact your ability to exercise your Second Amendment rights.
At the Chambers Law Firm, we are experienced at all phases of the DUI process, from the initial arrest through the final disposition of the case. We will aggressively advocate for you and for your rights. Contact us today at 714-760-4088 or dchambers@clfca.com to schedule a free initial consultation with a DUI defense lawyer Orange County, CA.
