Imagine getting pulled over for a routine traffic stop on your way to work; you zoned out for a moment, so you don’t know whether you were accidentally speeding or if you changed lanes without signaling. Whatever the offense, it was an accident and you’re hoping to get off with a warning. As the officer approaches, you look up from gathering your documents to greet him and find yourself at gunpoint being ordered out of the car.

The officer handcuffs you, saying it is “for his safety” and begins to question you about being a convicted murderer.

We would like to say this didn’t happen to one of our clients, but unfortunately, it did. Not only had his identity been stolen—and it hit him twice as hard because he was a responsible gun owner—along the way to clearing his name, he was denied the right to purchase a firearm, get his License to Carry a handgun, and even worse, was treated like a criminal.

What to Do If Your Identity Is Compromised

When your identity is compromised—whether it be after a burglary, the theft of your license or permit to carry a handgun, or as a result of a stolen firearm—the path to clearing your name can be legally daunting. And we have seen cases of misidentification result in the erroneous revocation of carry licenses and permits from innocent gun owners. Remedies can range from getting certifications from the local authorities that prove your identity to obtaining a Unique Personal Identification Number (“UPIN”) from the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

What should you do if the traffic scenario discussed earlier happens to you? Every state is different, so only an attorney licensed in your state has the knowledge and qualifications to help you. The best practice is to speak to an attorney to learn about your options, and then take the appropriate steps needed to clear your name. Your civil right to protect yourself and your family should not be taken away because you’re the victim of identity theft.

With Gunowner Identity Theft Coverage, our Independent Program Attorneys will help you navigate the legal aftermath of a stolen identity so your Second Amendment rights are preserved.

Call to add Gunowner Identity Theft Coverage today. And if you have any questions about how a stolen identity could affect your criminal history, call U.S. LawShield and ask to speak to your Independent Program Attorney.

Gunowner Identity Theft Coverage is subject to the terms and conditions as described in the U.S. and Texas LawShield Legal Services Contract or Policy. To view the terms applicable to your state, please visit: https://www.uslawshield.com/member-sign-up/.

The preceding should not be construed as legal advice, nor the creation of an attorney-client relationship. This is not an endorsement or solicitation for any service. Your situation may be different, so please contact your attorney regarding your specific circumstances. Because the laws, judges, juries, and prosecutors vary from location to location, similar or even identical facts and circumstances to those described in this presentation may result in significantly different legal outcomes. This presentation is by no means a guarantee or promise of any particular legal outcome, positive, negative, or otherwise.