Client called me for a domestic violence criminal charge to attempt to get the charge dismissed.  He wants to get a gun permit and did not want to have any problems.  Over the years, he had some domestic violence issues with his family which included a restraining order from the 80’s.  Not only was the final restraining order still in place, but he is living with the person and has been for many years!  Thus, not only is he looking at criminal charges if the police ever figure this out but he will never get a gun permit with that FRO in place.  He just never gave it any thought or realized that it was still in place.  So the criminal charge he was worried about is nothing compared to the problem of having a FRO against him.  He had he applied for the gun permit, the police would have put two and two together and he would have been arrested for the contempt. 

After speaking with me, he should be on track to getting everything worked out.  It may take a while, but he should be able to get a gun permit sooner or later.