D.C. recoils from gun prosecutions

The nation's capital treats gun owners like criminals. Even after a Supreme Court smackdown in 2008, Washington still has the country's most stringent gun control laws. The city's anti firearm ordinances are so convoluted and beyond the norm that average Americans can find themselves in big trouble for doing something that is entirely legal in almost every state. The District, however, is slowly changing its tune.The Washington Times has confirmed that D.C. city council Chairman Phil Mendelson will introduce a bill this week to decriminalize possession of unregistered firearms and ammunition for nonresidents. Mr. Mendelson, at large Democrat, expects to announce the proposed changes in a press conference Monday. His legislation will allow those arrested in the District on firearms charges to choose administrative disposition of the charge, which means paying a fine and not getting a criminal record.

More...