Hello,
I'm brand new to this forum and at my wits end. I do hope this is in the correct place and that someone can provide assistance. ANY & ALL help is appreciated!
I live in Utah. Over 3 years ago I was involved with a woman who had a bad drinking problem. One day she was drinking wine and got a bit out of control. She tried kicking me out of my own house and began breaking things, tossing my clothes and belongings outside in the rain, screaming (slurring) and being a general beast.
Very calmly I phoned the police and asked for an officer to come to my house to remove the problem or at the very least get her to calm down, etc. It was more a scare tactic than anything, I loved the girl.
The police arrived, she put on a great show and in no time at all I became the bad guy. They made me leave my own house (nobody was arrested) and we both got tickets for domestic violence.
I asked immediately WHY DV was the charge and the West Jordan police told me anytime they are called to respond to a domestic issue SOMEONE gets a DV charge/ticket, it's how they do things.
I went to Court and told the prosecutor I intended to plead 'not guilty.' She told me that to do so would result in a long, drawn-out process that would eventually pit me and the girl against each other and likely ruin our relationship.
Stupid me, I pleaded 'guilty' to put the situation behind me and move forward. At no time was there physical assault or violence, just a lot of screaming (I admit, both of us) and her throwing/breaking things. She didn't touch me and I didn't touch her.
My penalty was a fine (paid) and DV classes. I wasn't happy about this at all, but I bit my tongue and did everything asked of me.
Over three years later I'm with a different girl and we're raising a kid together....
In the last 6 weeks my home has been broken into 3 times. I installed a security system and it happened again. I'm stressed out and frustrated; feeling the need to protect my family I went to buy a handgun for home security.
Lo and behold I was immediately rejected. The owners of the store told me I could never have a concealed carry permit, nor could they sell me a gun for personal protection IN MY OWN HOME!
At this point I am beside myself. I've never been convicted of ANYTHING besides minor traffic tickets and this stupid DV charge. If I would have known at the time it would effectively take away my right to bear arms, protect myself and family and hold a concealed carry permit I would have NEVER agreed with the prosecutor and plead guilty to this bogus charge.
I'm really mad and frustrated at the system right now. I'm a law abiding citizen, a tax payer, good husband-to-be and father. I'm a successful author and travel for work and I've been going out of my mind as my house is broken into being so far away from my family.
My fiance is a tradeshow model and very good looking. The police say the intruder is most likely a stalker (and even worse, a neighbor or someone we know!) as drawers with her bras and panties are rummaged through, family pictures stolen and a cell phone with all her contact info. Valuables are left intact.
Even after having the alarm system installed another break-in occured. I fear for my family and myself and police have no leads at this point. I would like a gun for home protection and for personal carry but CAN'T with this bunk DV charge on my record.
What should I do?
What can I do?
Is there any way to get this off my record so I can properly protect my family? We own a pit bull that has done NOTHING, a security system which takes the police 5 minutes to respond to, changed all the locks multiple times, etc. Nothing seems to work and we are all afraid.
I feel let down by the (in)justice system. The police and detectives do nothing... I don't know what to do.
Please help.
I live in Utah (West Jordan) and need to know if I can get this DV charge off my record and HOW. I would very calmly like my right to bear arms again. The need is severe.
-Ute
P.S. The DV charge was lowered to 'domestic fighting' as there was no physical contact if that makes any difference.

