ORS 166.270
Possession of weapons by certain felons


Mentioned in

Overturning Apodaca v. Oregon Should Be Easy: Nonunanimous Jury Verdicts in Criminal Cases Undermine the Credibility of Our Justice System

Oregon Law Review, January 1, 2016

“In 1934,…Oregon became the second state, after Louisiana, to allow nonunanimous juries in criminal cases.”
 
Bibliographic info

The Heller Promise versus the Heller Reality: Will Statutes Prohibiting the Possession of Firearms by Ex-Felons By Upheld after Britt v. State

Journal of Criminal Law and Criminology, September 1, 2010

“A close reading of both Britt and Heller in light of many of the firearm regulatory schemes currently in place in various jurisdictions indicates that felon possession statutes may very well be in danger…”
 
Bibliographic info

(1)

Any person who has been convicted of a felony under the law of this state or any other state, or who has been convicted of a felony under the laws of the Government of the United States, who owns or has in the person’s possession or under the person’s custody or control any firearm commits the crime of felon in possession of a firearm.

(2)

Any person who has been convicted of a felony under the law of this state or any other state, or who has been convicted of a felony under the laws of the Government of the United States, who owns or has in the person’s possession or under the person’s custody or control any instrument or weapon having a blade that projects or swings into position by force of a spring or by centrifugal force or any blackjack, slungshot, sandclub, sandbag, sap glove, metal knuckles or an Electro-Muscular Disruption Technology device as defined in ORS 165.540 (Obtaining contents of communications), or who carries a dirk, dagger or stiletto, commits the crime of felon in possession of a restricted weapon.

(3)

For the purposes of this section, a person “has been convicted of a felony” if, at the time of conviction for an offense, that offense was a felony under the law of the jurisdiction in which it was committed. Such conviction shall not be deemed a conviction of a felony if:

(a)

The court declared the conviction to be a misdemeanor at the time of judgment; or

(b)

The offense was possession of marijuana and the conviction was prior to January 1, 1972.

(4)

Subsection (1) of this section does not apply to any person who has been:

(a)

Convicted of only one felony under the law of this state or any other state, or who has been convicted of only one felony under the laws of the United States, which felony did not involve criminal homicide, as defined in ORS 163.005 (Criminal homicide), or the possession or use of a firearm or a weapon having a blade that projects or swings into position by force of a spring or by centrifugal force, and who has been discharged from imprisonment, parole or probation for said offense for a period of 15 years prior to the date of alleged violation of subsection (1) of this section; or

(b)

Granted relief from the disability under 18 U.S.C. 925(c) or ORS 166.274 (Relief from prohibition against possessing or receiving firearm) or has had the person’s record expunged under the laws of this state or equivalent laws of another jurisdiction.

(5)

Felon in possession of a firearm is a Class C felony. Felon in possession of a restricted weapon is a Class A misdemeanor. [Amended by 1975 c.702 §1; 1985 c.543 §4; 1985 c.709 §2; 1987 c.853 §1; 1989 c.839 §4; 1993 c.735 §2; 1995 c.518 §1; 1999 c.1040 §16; 2003 c.14 §64; 2009 c.189 §1; 2009 c.499 §3]

Source: Section 166.270 — Possession of weapons by certain felons, https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors166.­html.

Notes of Decisions

In general

In prosecution under this section, testimony regarding value of items stolen from defendant’s house was permissible to show that defendant may have had a different motive for carrying gun than his alleged fear of another individual, namely, the motive to protect large amounts of cash and other valuable assets in his possession. State v. Jackson, 33 Or App 139, 575 P2d 1002 (1978), Sup Ct review denied

Where penitentiary inmate living at work release center did not come into possession of weapons until after leaving center, his conviction for committed felon in possession of weapon under ORS 166.275 was reduced to ex-convict in possession of firearm under this section. State v. Larsen, 44 Or App 643, 606 P2d 1159 (1980), Sup Ct review denied

Where defendant was convicted of violating this section and sentenced to maximum one year term of imprisonment, he had not been accorded misdemeanor treatment under ORS 161.585. State ex rel Redden v. Davis, 288 Or 283, 604 P2d 879 (1980)

Definition of firearm “capable of being concealed upon the person” in ORS 166.210 does not limit same term in this section since such definition states that it does “apply to and include” firearms with barrels less than 12 inches long. State v. Miller, 87 Or App 439, 742 P2d 692 (1987)

On remand, court did not err in denying defendant’s motion for judgment of acquittal on ex-convict in possession of weapon charge because fact that he had been sentenced to one year in county jail on underlying felony did not make it misdemeanor under this section. State v. Aldrich, 92 Or App 70, 757 P2d 440 (1988)

Trial court properly imposed minimum term sentence under ORS 161.610 based upon finding that defendant had threatened use of firearm while committing felony of being ex-convict in possession of firearm under this section. State v. Gilbert, 99 Or App 116, 781 P2d 389 (1989)

For purposes of this section, “convicted of a felony” means not only determination of guilt but also entry of judgment of conviction. State v. Dintelman, 112 Or App 350, 829 P2d 719 (1992)

Application of 1990 statutory amendment to felons convicted of crimes prior to amendment does not violate ex post facto provision of U.S. Constitution. U.S. v. Huss, 7 F3d 1444 (9th Cir. 1993)

Voiding of felony conviction removes firearm disability prospectively, but does not legalize possession of firearm during period disability was in place. Bailey v. Lampert, 203 Or App 45, 125 P3d 771 (2005), aff’d 342 Or 321, 153 P3d 95 (2007)

For purposes of merger under ORS 161.067, public is single collective victim of violation of felony possession of firearm. State v. Torres, 249 Or App 571, 277 P3d 641 (2012), Sup Ct review denied

“Ninja climbing claws” that are metal bands with short metal spikes on one side and are designed to be worn on hand with spikes on palm side to enable wearer to climb trees, are not “metal knuckles” as that term is used in this section. State v. Behee, 267 Or App 77, 340 P3d 127 (2014)

Defendant and defendant’s partner, who had pattern of committing organized shoplifting together at grocery stores with intent to resell items, participated in “enterprise” for purposes of Oregon Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization Act. “Enterprise” includes formal and informal organizations or associations of individuals that engage in pattern of racketeering activity. State v. Walker, 356 Or 4, 333 P3d 316 (2014)

Where defendant possessed knife with blade that opened at rapid rate when small amount of pressure was applied, evidence was sufficient to find that blade projects or swings into place by force of “spring,” despite lack of visible spring. State v. Markwell, 281 Or App 196, 383 P3d 285 (2016)

Neither Article I, section 27, of Oregon Constitution, or second amendment to United States Constitution precludes state from making restriction applicable to in-home possession of firearms. State v. Beeman, 290 Or App 429, 417 P3d 541 (2018), Sup Ct review denied

“As-applied” challenge to this section on grounds that application of this section in case of “nonviolent” predicate felony would violate Second Amendment to United States Constitution would, at minimum, require evidentiary showing that underlying crime or defendant’s circumstances are outside those historically excluded from Second Amendment rights. State v. Shelnutt, 309 Or App 474, 483 P3d 53 (2021), Sup Ct review denied

Ex-convict

Notwithstanding that suspended sentence resulting from defendant’s 1970 conviction of felony had become misdemeanor by virtue of defendant’s successful completion of probation, prior conviction was “conviction of a felony” for purposes of this section. State v. Pritchard, 31 Or App 53, 569 P2d 690 (1977), Sup Ct review denied

Definition of “firearm” in ORS 164.055 (theft in first degree) is applicable under this section inasmuch as both crimes have closely related policy foundation, i.e., to deter obtaining of guns by those most likely to use them criminally. State v. Hash, 34 Or App 281, 578 P2d 482 (1978), Sup Ct review denied

State was required only to prove possession of concealable firearm and that defendant knowingly had possession. State v. Hash, 34 Or App 281, 578 P2d 482 (1978), Sup Ct review denied

Evidence of defendant’s prior felony conviction was properly admitted at trial for possession of firearm by ex-convict since prior conviction was not reduced to misdemeanor at time of judgment by sentence imposed. State v. Erb, 101 Or App 444, 790 P2d 1211 (1990)

Restriction on possession of firearms by felons does not violate right to bear arms granted by section 27, Article I of Oregon Constitution. State v. Hirsch, 177 Or App 441, 34 P3d 1209 (2001), aff’d 338 Or 622, 114 P3d 1104 (2005)

Provision that person has been convicted of felony if offense was felony at time of conviction and court did not declare conviction to be misdemeanor at time of judgment supersedes ORS 161.585 provision that felony subject to that section is automatically reduced to misdemeanor at sentencing if court imposes only fine. Koennecke v. Lampert, 198 Or App 444, 108 P3d 653 (2005), Sup Ct review denied

This section does not require culpable mental state with respect to person’s status as felon. State v. Rainoldi, 351 Or 486, 268 P3d 568 (2011)

For purpose of determining when court declares felony conviction to be misdemeanor, “time of judgment” refers to time when original judgment of felony conviction is entered, not to time when judgment reducing that conviction to misdemeanor status is entered. State v. Stark, 248 Or App 573, 273 P3d 941 (2012), aff’d 354 Or 1, 307 P3d 418 (2013)

Possession

For purposes of possession requirement it is sufficient that defendant have constructive possession and immediate access to weapon. State v. Kelley, 12 Or App 496, 507 P2d 837 (1973); United States v. Rousseau, 257 F3d 925 (9th Cir. 2001)

Possession of firearm may be established from evidence it was at premises jointly occupied by defendant. State v. Strong, 41 Or App 665, 598 P2d 1254 (1979)

Enhanced sentence authorized and imposed pursuant to ORS 161.610, following conviction under this section, did not offend vindictive justice principles of Oregon Constitution Article I, Section 15. State v. Lippert, 53 Or App 358, 632 P2d 28 (1981), Sup Ct review denied

Venue on charge of possession of restricted weapon was proper in Multnomah County, where defendant had been taken after being picked up by police in Clackamas County, because, although in custody, defendant exercised control of weapon until it was taken from him in Multnomah County. State v. Guest, 103 Or App 594, 798 P2d 708 (1990), Sup Ct review denied

Indictment alleging that defendant possessed pistol sufficiently alleged that defendant possessed firearm capable of being concealed. State v. Wolfs, 119 Or App 262, 850 P2d 1139 (1993), Sup Ct review denied

Where defendant was a convicted felon at the time of the alleged firearm possession and his conviction was declared a misdemeanor after by the time of the alleged possession, defendant was felon in possession because “at the time of judgment” in this section refers to judgment of conviction in effect at time of alleged possession. State v. Stark, 354 Or 1, 307 P3d 418 (2013)

COMPLETED CITATIONS: State v. Miller, 5 Or App 501, 484 P2d 1132 (1971), Sup Ct review denied

Law Review Citations

11 WLJ 296 (1975); 55 WLR 47 (2018)

166.005
Treason
166.015
Riot
166.023
Disorderly conduct in the first degree
166.025
Disorderly conduct in the second degree
166.065
Harassment
166.070
Aggravated harassment
166.075
Abuse of venerated objects
166.076
Abuse of a memorial to the dead
166.085
Abuse of corpse in the second degree
166.087
Abuse of corpse in the first degree
166.090
Telephonic harassment
166.095
Misconduct with emergency telephone calls
166.116
Interfering with public transportation
166.155
Bias crime in the second degree
166.165
Bias crime in the first degree
166.167
Community service as sentence for bias crime
166.170
State preemption
166.171
Authority of county to regulate discharge of firearms
166.172
Authority of city to regulate discharge of firearms
166.173
Authority of city or county to regulate possession of loaded firearms in public places
166.174
Authority of city, county, municipal corporation or district to regulate possession or sale of firearms
166.175
Authority of city to regulate purchase of used firearms
166.176
Exception to preemption for certain county ordinances
166.180
Negligently wounding another
166.190
Pointing firearm at another
166.210
Definitions
166.220
Unlawful use of weapon
166.240
Carrying of concealed weapons
166.250
Unlawful possession of firearms
166.255
Possession of firearm or ammunition by certain persons prohibited
166.256
Relinquishment of firearm upon person becoming subject to certain court orders
166.257
Return of relinquished firearm
166.259
Relinquishment of firearm upon conviction of certain offenses
166.260
Persons not affected by ORS 166.250
166.262
Limitation on peace officer’s authority to arrest for violating ORS 166.250 or 166.370
166.263
Authority of parole and probation officer to carry firearm
166.270
Possession of weapons by certain felons
166.272
Unlawful possession of machine guns, certain short-barreled firearms and firearms silencers
166.273
Relief from firearm prohibitions related to mental health
166.274
Relief from prohibition against possessing or receiving firearm
166.275
Possession of weapons by inmates of institutions
166.279
Forfeiture of deadly weapons
166.282
Sale of weapons by political subdivision
166.291
Issuance of concealed handgun license
166.292
Procedure for issuing
166.293
Denial or revocation of license
166.295
Renewal of license
166.297
Annual report regarding revocation of licenses
166.300
Killing or injuring another with firearm as cause for loss of right to bear arms
166.320
Setting springgun or setgun
166.330
Use of firearms with other than incombustible gun wadding
166.350
Unlawful possession of armor piercing ammunition
166.360
Definitions for ORS 166.360 to 166.380
166.370
Possession of firearm or dangerous weapon in public building or court facility
166.373
Possession of weapon in court facility by peace officer or federal officer
166.375
Possession of handgun or ammunition by Department of Corrections authorized staff member
166.377
Possession of firearms in certain public buildings by concealed handgun licensees
166.380
Examination of firearm by peace officer
166.382
Possession of destructive device prohibited
166.384
Unlawful manufacture of destructive device
166.385
Possession of hoax destructive device
166.390
Short title
166.392
Definitions
166.395
Securing firearms
166.397
Reporting loss or theft of firearm
166.400
Requirement that firearm be locked during transfer
166.403
Duty to supervise upon transfer of firearm to minor
166.405
Gun dealer notice requirement
166.410
Manufacture, importation or sale of firearms
166.412
Definitions
166.414
Fees for conducting criminal history record checks
166.416
Providing false information in connection with a transfer of a firearm
166.418
Improperly transferring a firearm
166.421
Stolen firearms
166.422
Enforcement of ORS 166.412
166.425
Unlawfully purchasing a firearm
166.427
Register of transfers of used firearms
166.429
Firearms used in felony
166.432
Definitions for ORS 166.412 and 166.433 to 166.441
166.433
Findings regarding transfers of firearms
166.434
Requirements for criminal background checks
166.435
Firearm transfers by unlicensed persons
166.436
Department of State Police criminal background checks for gun show firearm transfers
166.438
Transfer of firearms at gun shows
166.441
Form for transfer of firearm at gun show
166.445
Short title
166.450
Obliteration or change of identification number on firearms
166.460
Antique firearms excepted
166.470
Limitations and conditions for sales of firearms
166.480
Sale or gift of explosives to children
166.490
Purchase of firearms in certain other states
166.525
Definitions
166.527
Petition for ex parte order
166.530
Hearing on order
166.533
Hearing to terminate order
166.535
Renewal of order
166.537
Surrender of deadly weapons pursuant to order
166.540
Return of surrendered deadly weapons
166.543
Criminal penalties
166.630
Discharging weapon on or across highway, ocean shore recreation area or public utility facility
166.635
Discharging weapon or throwing objects at trains
166.638
Discharging weapon across airport operational surfaces
166.641
Definitions for ORS 166.641 to 166.643
166.642
Felon in possession of body armor
166.643
Unlawful possession of body armor
166.645
Hunting in cemeteries prohibited
166.649
Throwing an object off an overpass in the second degree
166.651
Throwing an object off an overpass in the first degree
166.660
Unlawful paramilitary activity
166.663
Casting artificial light from vehicle while possessing certain weapons prohibited
166.715
Definitions for ORS 166.715 to 166.735
166.720
Racketeering activity unlawful
166.725
Remedies for violation of ORS 166.720
166.730
Authority of investigative agency
166.735
Short title
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