Can a felon own a gun after 7 years in Texas?
Asked by: Iliana Mraz | Last update: June 25, 2026Score: 4.1/5 (7 votes)
Yes, under Texas law, a felon can possess a firearm 7 years after completing their sentence (which includes parole or probation), but only inside their home. However, federal law permanently prohibits felons from possessing firearms, meaning they can still face federal charges.
How long after a felony in Texas can you own a gun?
Under Texas Penal Code Section 46.04, people with felony convictions cannot have a firearm. If 5 years have passed since the completion of their sentence (including parole or probation), the law allows them to have a gun at their home.
What is the new law in Texas for felons with guns?
As of 2026, Texas law (Penal Code §46.04) allows convicted felons to possess a firearm only at their residence five years after completing their sentence (including parole/probation). While proposed legislation (HB 2759) aims to restore rights for non-violent felons, a major conflict remains with federal law, which prohibits firearm possession by felons at any time.
Can I get my gun rights back as a felon in Texas?
However, if you've been convicted of a felony, your firearm rights can only be restored after five years, and only for possessing a firearm in your home. Expungement or Record Sealing Another option for restoring your rights is expungement or record sealing.
Do felonies go away after 7 years in Texas?
Criminal History in a Background Check
Under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), arrest records cannot be reported after seven years. Criminal convictions, however, can be reported indefinitely under this law. Texas and several other states have laws to limit how long a criminal conviction can be reported.
Can a felon buy a gun in Texas after 10 years?
How many years does a felon get for possession of a firearm?
The average sentence for all felon in possession of a firearm offenders was 64 months. The average sentence for offenders convicted of violating only section 922(g) and under ACCA was 186 months. The average sentence for offenders convicted of violating only section 922(g) but not sentenced under ACCA was 59 months.
What is the 3 felony rule in Texas?
The "3 felony rule" in Texas, officially known as the Habitual Felony Offender Statute, acts as a "three strikes" law that significantly increases penalties for repeat offenders. A third felony conviction can result in a mandatory minimum sentence of 25 years to life in prison.
Are they trying to restore felons' gun rights?
Justice Department restarts program to restore gun rights The Department of Justice is quietly restarting a decades-dormant program to restore gun rights to felons. One of them was an alleged fake elector in 2020.
What rights do you lose as a felon in Texas?
Here's how a felony conviction in Texas will impact your rights.
- The Right to Vote. Under Texas law, if you are convicted of and imprisoned for committing a felony, you will not be allowed to vote while you are in prison. ...
- The Right to Hold Public Office. ...
- The Right to Own or Possess Firearms. ...
- The Right to Serve on a Jury.
How much does it cost to restore gun rights?
Gun rights restoration services start as low as $750, depending on the state in which your record occurred. We understand that cost is an important factor in choosing an attorney and we strive to keep our prices fair to our clients.
Is Texas a felon-friendly state?
Texas is considered relatively "felon-friendly" regarding employment due to a high demand for labor and laws that limit criminal background checks to the last seven years for many jobs. Many companies, particularly in construction, manufacturing, and logistics, are open to hiring individuals with felony records, often supported by rehabilitation programs.
Can you gift a felon a gun in Texas?
You must be at least 18 to purchase a long gun or handgun or to receive one as a gift. You must be free of felony convictions, must be free of certain domestic violence misdemeanor convictions, and cannot have been adjudicated as being a danger to yourself or others.
Does a pardon restore gun rights?
A full and unconditional pardon generally restores gun rights lost due to a felony conviction, but the scope depends on the jurisdiction. While a pardon often restores state-level rights and lifts federal firearms disabilities, it may not restore rights if the conviction involved a dangerous weapon or if the pardon specifically excludes firearm possession.
Can a felon purchase a firearm in Texas after 5 years?
Under Texas law, a felon may possess a firearm at their residence five years after completing their sentence (parole/probation), but federal law prohibits it entirely. While Texas law technically allows possession at home after 5 years, federal law makes it illegal to own or buy a firearm, meaning a felon could still be prosecuted under federal law.
Will a felony show up on a background check after 10 years in Texas?
Yes, a felony conviction in Texas will likely show up on a background check after 10 years. While the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) generally restricts reporting non-conviction arrests older than seven years, it does not have a time limit for reporting criminal convictions.
How much does it cost to get a felony expunged off your record in Texas?
Expunging a felony arrest record in Texas generally costs between $1,500 and $4,000, which includes attorney fees and court costs. While filing fees alone range from $100 to over $400, hiring an attorney is standard, with legal fees often ranging from $1,500 to $3,000+ to manage the complex, multi-agency notification process.
What does "Mexican carry" mean?
"Mexican carry" refers to the practice of carrying a handgun tucked into the waistband or pocket without a holster. It is generally considered unsafe because the trigger is left exposed, increasing the risk of accidental discharge, and the firearm is less secure, often used for maximum concealment.
What is the most heavily armed state in America?
Wyoming is frequently ranked as the most heavily armed state in America per capita, with data showing a high concentration of gun ownership relative to its population. Other top states for gun ownership rates include Montana, Alaska, Idaho, and West Virginia.
What is the minimum sentence for a felon in possession of a firearm in Texas?
The minimum sentence for a felon in possession of a firearm in Texas is two years in prison. Under Texas Penal Code § 46.04, this offense is a third-degree felony, punishable by 2 to 10 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine.