Help Will being in the psych ward for a suicide attempt show up on a background check so I can buy a gun?

[Circles]

Does it depend in which state I'm in? I was recently in there for only 2 days and am wondering if that'll prevent me from buying a gun. Or is that only for a criminal record? If anyone knows it'd be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

 

[PrincessInWhite]

If you were involuntarily sanctioned it very likely will, unless you're in a super conservative state. And even if you weren't It's such a recent hospitalization it's gonna raise flags if you try to buy soon. I'm sorry you're struggling

 

[Apricity]

I'm in California, and had to sign a legal document stating that I'm not allowed to purchase a firearm for 5 years after my hospitalization. It doesn't matter how long you were there: a day, a month, a year, it's all the same.

 

[Circles]

Goddamnit I really fucked up.

If you were involuntarily sanctioned it very likely will, unless you're in a super conservative state. And even if you weren't It's such a recent hospitalization it's gonna raise flags if you try to buy soon. I'm sorry you're struggling

Do you think southern states would be an exception? Very stupid question but do you think I could call around gun centers asking if they do background checks for people who've been in the psych ward or would that raise even further red flags?

 

[Myono93]

Depends on the state. I was in 2 psych wards and had no issue buying guns in PA. I was not committed involuntarily though.

 

[eryu]

Do you think southern states would be an exception?

There is the "gun show loophole" which lets you buy from private sellers without a check.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gun_show_loophole
The article has a list of 22 states where this doesn't work. It skews to the north but there are still lots of northern states that allow it.

 

[toforigivelife]

Licensed gun sellers and dealerships are legally required to do a background check on every customer or buyer.

As far as the gun show loophole, you should be aware that sellers at gun shows usually will not sell to those who live out of state.

One possiblity is to purchase a gun from a private citizen who doesn't require a background check.

And then there is this article.

Dangerous Gaps in Gun Laws Exposed by the Coronavirus Gun Sale Surge

The coronavirus crisis has led to a dangerous surge in gun sales, which has given new urgency to addressing the gaps in federal and state gun laws that allow unregulated access to firearms.

www.americanprogress.org