If I found a handgun in my younger brother’s possession and took it away from him, could I be prosecuted since my right to possess firearms has been revoked?

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If I found a handgun in my younger brother’s possession and took it away from him, could I be prosecuted since my right to possess firearms has been revoked?

He is 18 years old. If I report this to police, will I be a suspect? I am 20 years old, and have held the weapon. Could I be prosecuted? I believe my right to possess firearms has been revoked for a juvenile conviction that has since been sealed. Also, I was held for involuntary commitment for several months earlier this year, further barring me from firearm possession. Besides the point, it is a handgun and I am 20 years old. My brother first said he was holding it for a friend, which I told him it was stupid. He backtracked and said it was in actuality his, and he just occasionally takes it to the woods and shoots it with his friends.

Asked on December 15, 2012 under Criminal Law, Washington

Answers:

M.T.G., Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 12 years ago | Contributor

You did what you thought was morally correct and while it is with out a doubt a commendable thing to do, it may in fact cause ramifications because of your status.  So the best thing for you to do is to turn it over to another adult that you trust to turn it in to authorities and dispose of it properly.  There are many programs these days for turning in guns with out question given the recent events in our country.  Good luck.


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