Can you buy a gun with a felony in Utah?
Asked by: Turner Thompson | Last update: November 7, 2025Score: 4.9/5 (55 votes)
In Utah, it is illegal to be a “restricted person” in possession of a gun. Even though Utah has quite relaxed gun laws that allow most people over 21 and many people over 18 to own a gun, there is a strict ban on felons owning guns. This is an independent crime that can come with its own new penalties.
Can convicted felons buy guns?
California Penal Code 29800 PC imposes a lifetime ban on gun ownership or control by convicted felons. It applies to anyone convicted of a felony in any state or country.
What disqualifies you from owning a gun in Utah?
Knowingly possessed a dangerous weapon and a Schedule I or II controlled substance. Has been committed to a mental institution or deemed “mentally defective.” Was dishonorably discharged from the armed forces. Has been charged with a misdemeanor related to domestic violence.
What self-defense weapons can a felon own?
They are prohibited from owning, purchasing, receiving, or controlling firearms. Also, people with outstanding felony warrants are forbidden from owning or possessing a gun. It is legal to purchase, possess, or carry a stun gun or taser for lawful self-defense as defined under Penal Code 22610 PC.
Can a felon own a gun anywhere in the United States?
Anyone who has been convicted of a felony is banned by federal law from ever possessing "any firearm or ammunition." Specifically a person "convicted in any court of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year" cannot possess any firearm in any location. 18 U.S.C.
Utah Gun Laws: What You Need to Know 🔫📜
What states are felons friendly with guns?
- Colorado, Kansas, Louisiana, Minnesota, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oregon and South Dakota automatically restore firearms rights to convicted felons - including those who committed violent crimes - but make them wait five to 15 years after they complete state supervision, the center and ATF found.
Can you buy a gun with a criminal record in US?
The 1968 Gun Control Act and subsequent amendments codified at 18 U.S.C. § 921 et seq. prohibit anyone convicted of a felony and anyone subject to a domestic violence protective order from possessing a firearm.
Can a felon own a homemade gun?
Under federal law, those convicted of a felony are forbidden from purchasing or possessing firearms and explosives.
Can a felon carry a gun after 10 years in Texas?
Section 46.04 of the Texas Penal Code makes it illegal for someone convicted of a felony to possess a firearm. If more than 5 years have passed since completing their prison sentence (including parole or probation), the law allows possessing a firearm at home. Federal law does not contain that exception.
Can felons own knives?
In the United States there is nothing that specifically bars a convicted felon specifically from owning a knife or a sword (i.e. edged weapon) although different states have different laws on the length of a bladed weapon someone can carry around in public.
Can felons have guns in Utah?
In Utah, it is illegal to be a “restricted person” in possession of a gun. Even though Utah has quite relaxed gun laws that allow most people over 21 and many people over 18 to own a gun, there is a strict ban on felons owning guns. This is an independent crime that can come with its own new penalties.
Is it hard to get a gun in Utah?
Laws on Purchase, Possession and Carrying of Firearms. No state permit is required to purchase a rifle, shotgun, or handgun. A criminal history background check is needed for the sale of a firearm by a licensed dealer.
Is Utah a gun friendly state?
Utah has weak gun laws overall and a correspondingly high gun death rate. Lawmakers owe it to their constituents to take action to reduce gun violence in their state.
Can felons own old guns?
Further, a person charged or convicted of a felony can still own or possess antique firearms. Antique firearms are defined as those manufactured on or before 1898, any replica of such, or any muzzle-loading rifle, shotgun, or pistol that uses only black powder substitute.
Why do felons lose the right to bear arms?
Under federal law, convicted felons lose their firearm rights, which is a decision that stemmed from a law developed in 1934. At that time, the federal government mandated that no person convicted of a felony involving violence would be able to have his or her firearm rights restores.
Can my wife own a gun if I'm a felon in California?
So you can own a firearm if you're married to a convicted felon, but unless you live in different homes entirely, firearms cannot physically be in your home. If you want to live with your spouse without the risk of them going to prison, you need to remove your firearms from your home.
What states allow felons to own guns?
All states except Vermont generally restrict firearm access after a person has been convicted of a felony, mirroring federal law in this area, which generally prohibits firearm access after an individual has been convicted of a crime punishable by more than one year in prison.
Can a felon get a passport?
Yes, a convicted felon can usually get a passport, but it depends on the felony and other factors: Felony typeSome felonies can automatically disqualify you from getting a passport, including: International drug trafficking Trafficking minors "Sex tourism" offenses Treason.
Can a felon purchase a firearm?
If you get convicted of any felony offense, you will lose your gun rights in California. In fact, if you have a felony conviction on your criminal record, it is itself a felony offense to own, purchase, receive, or possess a firearm. Convictions carry up to 3 years in prison.
When were felons banned from owning guns?
Gun Control Act of 1968 (GCA68) - Federal law that regulates the firearms industry and firearms ownership. Includes prohibition on felons buying weapons.
Can you register a ghost gun?
A growing number of states regulate ghost guns and other homemade guns. California, for example, requires any person who possesses, manufactures, or assembles firearms in the state to apply to the state Department of Justice for a unique serial number. Violations can be charged as misdemeanors.
Can a felon have an air pistol?
A felon still has the right to self defense. Honestly, you can get a high caliber air gun, but it wouldn't be great, you probably cannot store it loaded for extended periods of time. You might be able to own a black powder gun, such as an antique or replica of an antique weapon made before 1898.
Can a US felon own a gun in another country?
Most countries have stricter gun regulation laws than the US, often requiring a permit. Such a permit can indeed be denied on the ground that you've been convicted in another country.
What disqualifies you from buying a gun in the US?
The Gun Control Act of 1968 was passed in response to the assassination of John F. Kennedy. This act prohibited certain people from buying guns, such as fugitives, people convicted of crimes that were punished by a prison sentence of a year or more, substance abusers, and people convicted of domestic violence crimes.
How far back does a gun background check go?
The FBI's NICS system reviews eligibility based on current and recent events that would prevent someone from purchasing guns legally. For most criteria, the lookback period is typically around 5 years. However, some disqualifying events remain permanent.