Firearm prohibition for persons convicted of violent crimes: a potential non-legislative approach.

Individuals convicted of violent misdemeanor crimes are at greatly increased risk for subsequent violence, but may purchase firearms under federal law. Felons may not. This 2013 study re-analyzed data collected in 1999 for 787 violent misdemeanants who purchased handguns in California in 1989 or 1990. Nearly 40% had violent misdemeanor convictions resulting from felony charges and would have been prohibited persons if convicted on those charges. Over 3 years of follow-up, 23.8% of subjects had new arrests for firearm-related or violent crimes. As firearm prohibitions reduce violent crime risk, the consequences of misdemeanor convictions following felony charges deserve further exploration.