Imagine getting pulled over for a routine traffic stop on your way to work; you zoned out for a moment, so you don’t know whether you were accidentally speeding or if you changed lanes without signaling. Whatever the offense, it was an accident and you’re hoping to get off with a warning. As the officer approaches, you look up from gathering your documents to greet him and find yourself at gunpoint being ordered out of the car.
The officer handcuffs you, saying it is “for his safety” and begins to question you about being a convicted murderer.
We would like to say this didn’t happen to one of our clients, but unfortunately, it did. Not only had his identity been stolen—and it hit him twice as hard because he was a responsible gun owner—along the way to clearing his name, he was denied the right to purchase a firearm, get his License to Carry a handgun, and even worse, was treated like a criminal.
What to Do If Your Identity Is Compromised
When your identity is compromised—whether it be after a burglary, the theft of your license or permit to carry a handgun, or as a result of a stolen firearm—the path to clearing your name can be legally daunting. And we have seen cases of misidentification result in the erroneous revocation of carry licenses and permits from innocent gun owners. Remedies can range from getting certifications from the local authorities that prove your identity to obtaining a Unique Personal Identification Number (“UPIN”) from the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
What should you do if the traffic scenario discussed earlier happens to you? Every state is different, so only an attorney licensed in your state has the knowledge and qualifications to help you. The best practice is to speak to an attorney to learn about your options, and then take the appropriate steps needed to clear your name. Your civil right to protect yourself and your family should not be taken away because you’re the victim of identity theft.
The Sinister Side of Identity Theft..
Finding out that your identity has been stolen is a nightmare come true. To make matters worse, not all identity theft is equal. Sometimes, it strikes at your right to defend yourself and your family…
One woman’s nightmare was just beginning when she discovered her ID was stolen and used to purchase a firearm. Erica Nicole Blake plead guilty after using a West Virginia driver’s license belonging to another woman to purchase a handgun from an FFL dealer. Blake, a convicted felon, was prohibited under federal law from purchasing or possessing firearms. Imagine her victim’s surprise when police investigators questioned her regarding Blake’s activities.
When your identity is used to commit crimes, your entire world can be turned upside down.
What happens if your stolen ID is used to purchase a firearm? What if that firearm is used and left at a crime scene? What if the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives performs a firearms trace leading them to you? What are you going to tell the federal agents at your door asking to inspect your gun collection?
It can be painful and costly for a victim to unwind identity theft. You are not responsible for the crimes others commit, but without an advocate protecting your rights you may lose some or all of the Second Amendment privileges you hold most dear.
That’s where Gunowner Identity Theft Coverage comes in. By adding this coverage to your U.S. LawShield membership, you are given vital support from Independent Program Attorneys.
Sometimes, all a criminal needs is a clean name to pull off their evil deeds. It’s our responsibility as law-abiding citizens and gun owners, to protect our information. While we can’t prevent criminals from committing crimes, we can make it as difficult as possible for them to make us victims.
From assisting with documentation and notification, all the way to legal defense if charges are filed against you, a U.S. LawShield membership with Gunowner Identity Theft Coverage is truly the protection every responsibly armed gun owner needs. Add this powerful protection to your membership today.
The information provided in this publication is intended to provide general information to individuals and is not legal advice. The information included in this publication may not be quoted or referred to in any other publication without the prior written consent of U.S. LawShield, to be given or withheld at our discretion. The information is not a substitute for, and does not replace the advice or representation of a licensed attorney. We strive to ensure the information included in this publication is accurate and current, however, no claim is made to the accuracy of the information and we are not responsible for any consequences that may result from the use of information in this publication. The use of this publication does not create an attorney-client relationship between U.S. LawShield, any independent program attorney, and any individual.
Last week my wife had her debet card number stolen at either Wal-Mart or Walgreens in Cleburne, Texas. They attempted to steal $500 worth of gas and items but was turned away. We now have to wait two weeks for new cards. They could have very well purchased a firearm. I am going to get the coverage today. Newell Temple
Your article states “…you may lose some or all of the Second Amendment privileges you hold most dear.”
You’re confusing me: does the Second Amendment protect RIGHTS or “privileges”?
Good catch, Mr.Kendrick. I read right over it and I know better. Can’t wait to see what their answer is. A lawyer wouldn’t make that mistake, would he/she?
I agree that they are definitely Rights, with the meaning that they are a legal entitlement granted by our Second Amendment.
But, I think the author was using “privilege” in the broader sense, meaning they are rights that we enjoy as a member of this great nation. In that sense, we are privileged to have the protections these Rights give us.
IT IS A ‘CREATOR GRANTED BIRTHRIGHT’,RECOGNIZED AS SUCH BY THE FOUNDERS AND SPELLED OUT IN THE SECOND AMENDMENT,
the bill of rights does not confer rights upon anyone. we have god given rights. the Bill of Rights are articles-common law which states that the government shall not infringe upon our god given rights. Who is breaking the law, we the people or the government ??