Felony Restrictions

Owning a Gun

Can felons own guns? Is this governed by state or federal law? Does this apply to only certain types of guns or all guns?

In 1934 the government passed a law banning any person who had been convicted of a violent felony from owning a gun. This was in addition to an existing ban keeping violent felons from owning machine guns - the new law basically said that violent felons couldn't own any type of firearm.

This restriction was expanded in 1968 to include all felonies (not just violent ones). This practice continues to this day - except in rare circumstances where your civil rights are "restored" (this is only a possibility in a few states), or until your felony is expunged, you are not eligible under federal law to legally own a firearm.

Ammunition
Many felons don't realize this, but the federal ban on owning a firearm also applies to any type of ammunition - if you are caught with just a bullet you are in violation of this ban and subject to another felony (this one federal, meaning a lot more jail time and less chance of a pardon).

Does this only apply to concealed weapons?
Actually this law applies not only to concealed weapons, but also to any firearm that might be in your own. In the United States, felons are not legally allowed to bear arms - this is a point of controversy because it means in essence that you cannot defend yourself if somebody breaks into your home.

How can you legally own a gun again?
The easiest way to regain your right to bear arms is to have your felony expunged. Some states, however, offer felons the opportunity to own a handgun again after a certain amount of time has passed from the successful completion of probation. This is rare and there are many states, such as North Carolina, where a felon can never again own a weapon.

Are any types of felonies excluded?
Actually, 18 U.S.C. 921(a)(20)(A) specifically exempts a few types of felonies:

...any Federal or State offenses pertaining to antitrust violations, unfair trade practices, restraints of trade, or other similar offenses relating to the regulation of business practices...


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Can a felon own a gun, in Texas after being off of parole for x amount of years? If so, how many years and what are the steps to do this?

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Beverly
Monday, May 14, 2012

There was a seventeen year old girl shot and killed last week by two convicted felons. They were at a fish camp and said the kids were trying to brake in to one of the empty buildings. They said they only fired two warning shots but one hit the girl who was on apier away from the building.Now of them were arressted and won't be charged. This is unbeliveable. No one has even mentioned the fedral i c e law.which is a 8 year mandatory sentance with no plea bargins.How can a county D A over look this. Help The girl was a outstanding human who died so needlessly.

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melton thornton
Wednesday, May 2, 2012

I Was Convicted In 2005 And Was Off Parole in 2007...I Want To Own A Handgun And A Rifle...How Do I Get My Rights Back?

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Bertha
Wednesday, April 18, 2012

I was convicted of a class 3 felony almost 20 years ago ( forgery)can I purchase a hand gun in the state of Wisconsin?

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chris
Monday, April 9, 2012

i was a covicted felon in 1988 and it was in south carolina havent been in trouble since. i live in texas and i want to be able to protect my family but dont know laws if ill be able to own a firearm to protect them.

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Donald Woody
Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Iv been off probation for 17yrs. In TX. Can I get a gun license and what do I do

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Jerry Howell
Sunday, March 18, 2012

what could you do after expungement to gain right ti possess a firearm?

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Ray Mott
Friday, November 18, 2011

Convicted felon 1989. I was granted a permit to purchase a handgun, In which case I did. this was in Apr.2011. Now denied to purchase a rifle. Nov. 2011. Doesn't make any sense?

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Ronald Hines
Sunday, November 13, 2011

becareful from my research felons can only own antique firearms even with state pardons the atf can still kick in your door and arrest you for felon in possesion one needs a pardon from state gov and the president

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matthew
Sunday, November 13, 2011

after 20yrs. can i own a gun if i never spent one day in jail?

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sandra smith
Sunday, November 6, 2011

Was convictived of attempted larcency of a building while armed 40 plus yrs.ago. was not an adult at the time and recieved probation.That was supossed to have been expunged.How can Igo about to have my civil rights restored,to ever be able own a firearm

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john
Wednesday, November 2, 2011

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