Will a misdemeanor gun charge in Vermont prevent me from owning guns?

In Vermont, no permits or licenses are required to own a gun. Residents can purchase guns in other states, and transport a weapon, either concealed or unconcealed, without any required license or permit. Additionally, minors as young as 16 are allowed to possess firearms under limited circumstances. Although Vermont's gun laws are not as stringent as those in other states, gun possession is illegal in Vermont when:

• A gun is found on the school bus or near school property.  The first offense carries a sentence of up to a year in jail and a $1000 fine
• Possession of a gun on school property, with the intent to do harm, carries a penalty of a maximum 2-year prison sentence and a $1000 fine, for the first offense
• A person found in possession of a gun during the commission of a crime faces a possible 5 more years in prison and a $500 fine

Requirements for gun possession:

In Vermont, laws regarding purchasing guns are not strict. For example, the law does not distinguish between residents and non-residents. While in the state, anyone may fill out an application and purchase a gun.

The state's laws does not restrict certain residents from purchasing firearms. Additionally, no age limit is specified, nor does the law address the issue of felons possessing firearms. Statutory penalties relate to possessing a gun on school grounds, negligent use of a gun, and possessing a gun with the intent to harm another individual.

Vermont's law specifically provides that residents have the right to defend their persons and properties. The law only stipulates penalties in certain situations. For example:

• A person who takes a gun on school property with the intent to harm another faces a year in prison and a $1000 fine. For a second offense, the possible fine is $500, 3 years in jail, or both
• Giving a child under the age of 16 possession of a gun is punishable by a $10-$50 fine

Talk with an experienced defense attorney about Vermont gun laws.