i agree with you CirlceC...I have always been an advocate for stiffer penalties for stuff like that.
give you an example of why it chaps me so bad....In the State of Texas if you have EVER been convicted of ANY charge of family violence you cannot purchase nor posses a firearm. Thats fine and good, except.....(and i have seen this happen dozens of times)
you (not being anyone inparticular) and your wife get into an argument. Neighbors hear yall and call the law. I (or any other officer) shows up to investigate. Pissed off wife says you shoved her. She writes out a statement declaring this is true. I am forced to arrest you, State of Texas says that I HAVE TO. its a class C misd. same degree charge as a speeding ticket. Now, you being the good ole boy that spends his days working and weekends hunting and aint never been in any trouble before is in jail. here comes good ole boy justice of the peace and arraigns you. tells you that their is a $500 fine for assault family violence, but since you spent the night in jail if you just plea guilty he will show time served and you get to pack up and leave for free. sounds good. you sign the papers and walk out the door.
you plead guilty to a family violence charge. you will NEVER buy another firearm or be able to legally posses one....yes its a flawed system
anti-gunners probably pushed for that one...
