Suspended Imposition Of Sentence And Conceal And Carry Rights

[Jerick]

My question involves criminal records for the state of: Missouri

Here is my history: When I was young, dumb and stupid, I helped some coworkers steal some items in the store we worked at. I needed extra cash to pay my bills however, it weighed on me very heavily and I felt so guilty about doing this that I turned myself in (not the others though). I was given a suspended imposition of sentence for the felony since this was the first and only time I had been in trouble. I was told at that time that once my probation was over successfully, that it would be sealed and would never affect me negatively. I was able to vote, serve jury duty etc. I've worked very hard to raise three children and continue to work in healthcare, so far for over 20 years. In other words, I grew up and become a responsible citizen.

Now for my issue: I have some friends that like to go shooting at a local firing range. I went with them and was hooked. I purchased a brand new gun from a local store and received approval to do so when they did the background check. (More evidence that the SIS was true and would not affect me in the future) Recently our neighborhood has gone downhill as have numerous areas my family and I frequent, and I started hoping I would never need the gun for my family's safety. Sadly, because of this concern, I took an 8 hour conceal and carry class, a 4 hour advanced gun handling and safety course, and an 8 hr simulation training class on how to safely conceal and carry. I wanted to be safe, knowledgeable and adept at handling a weapon. I then went and applied for a Missouri conceal and carry license. I checked off that I had never been convicted of a felony (which I was told I could legally do after an SIS) and waited patiently for the approval in the mail. A few weeks later, I received a very disheartening denial letter. Reason for denial: Felony. I am very confused as to why I can purchase a gun, but can't conceal and carry, especially 23 years after the original (and only) mistake I've ever made. Here I am, an honest, upstanding citizen and have been denied the right to keep myself and my family safe outside my home for a simple mistake a kid did when he was younger. I'm now also concerned that they can charge me with lying on the Conceal and Carry form.

I am confused as to why I was allowed to purchase a gun, but cannot conceal and carry. Is there a way for me to earn the right to conceal and carry?

Thank you for any help provided.

[Einar]

If you want your firearms rights restored in Missouri you must obtain a pardon.

[Garbhach]

Thank you for the answer. I looked over the link you included for the pardon. The very long process looks like it may not be worth it if it will drudge up the past that I have worked so hard to get put behind me. I'm still confused though and have three questions:

* Why was I allowed to purchase a gun in 5 minutes at a local Bass Pro store?

* If I moved forward with an application for pardon, would it bring to light my previous conviction? In other words, the SIS is supposed to keep the conviction concealed from background checks, traffic stops, etc., and seems to have always done so. I'm worried that it may mess this up and create issues.

* Can they charge me for stating I did not have a felony conviction on the conceal and carry application, or would they?