No Charges Filed, Can I Buy a Firearm

[vikesfan78]

My question involves criminal law for the state of: Missouri

I was arrested for reckless discharge of a firearm in Illinois (D felony). Since a reasonable person would not realize a risk (one in a million ricochet off my backstop flies through ~2000 feet of thick forest, over an implement shed and hits a neighbor standing in his yard a few blocks away, leaving a welt) and I was within my rights to discharge firearms on my property, no charges were filed (circuit clerk search shows no results).

I elected to enter diversion rather than fight the charge in court. I don't have the money to spend on an attorney. The terms of my diversion are that no charge will be filed; "entry and acceptance results in no criminal prosecution brought." My diversion ends in a few months, after which no risk of filed charges exists. Aside from this I've never done anything to upset the law.

I recently moved to a bad area in St. Louis. I would feel much safer if I had a pistol in my house, but with the arrest I am not sure that I can legally obtain one and would like to be 100% sure beforehand. What's the answer?

[davidmcbeth3]

No charges filed ... did you have an arrest or court ruling?

[flyingron]

Have you finished the probation or whatever terms of your diversion existed to have the thing totally dismissed yet?

[vikesfan78]

If no charges filed, what are they going to dismiss? But no, if you read my post you will see that I am still in the diversion program. I have completed all prerequisites and am simply waiting until the date at which the program ends.

[antrc170]

When the program ends, then you can attempt to purchase a firearm. As long as you answer all the questions on the form honestly you'll be fine. The form will ask if you've ever been convicted of a felony. If the conviction or charges were waived, then check no.