What kind of weapons can a felon have in California?
Asked by: Hoyt Douglas I | Last update: October 1, 2025Score: 4.7/5 (52 votes)
Good question. Convicted felons cannot carry pepper spray or tear gas-type weapons, and you cannot carry any TASER-type weapons. After you are off parole, you can carry a folding knife in your pocket or a fixed-blade knife in a sheath in plain sight (open carry). You can also apply to have your rights restored.
What kind of gun can a felon own in California?
Being convicted of a crime under California State law can impact your Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms under both California and federal law. In general, a conviction for any felony offense will result in a lifetime ban on your ability to possess or own a gun.
Can felons own bows in California?
This is what they said "The prohibition for felons is the possession of firearms (including muzzle loaders) - not archery equipment. If he has more questions about this, he should contact his local conservation officer.
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 my wife have a gun if I am a felon in California?
Just because you have a felony record does not preclude your wife from owning a firearm. However, she must not allow you access to the weapon. As a felon, you could not own or possess such a weapon.
What kind of weapons can a felon have?
Can a felon get gun rights back in California?
There are two basic ways to have gun rights restored after an eligible conviction: by having a “wobbler” felony reduced to a misdemeanor, or. by receiving a pardon from the California governor.
Can a felon live in a house with guns in California?
However, it is not a good idea to keep your gun in your home; instead, you should keep it in an offsite storage unit under only your name. If you keep a gun in your home, the felon you live with could potentially be charged with constructive possession of the firearm – even if you keep the gun locked in a safe.
Can a felon carry a knife in California?
In California, it is legal for a felon to possess a knife with a blade that is two and one-half inches or less in length. Additionally, a felon cannot possess a switchblade, ballistic knife, or a knife with a blade that is longer than four inches.
What felons can own firearms?
If you are no longer considered convicted, then you no longer have a restriction on your right to bear arms. People with white-collar or non-violent felonies may legally own firearms.
Can a felon have a crossbow?
First off, a crossbow is not a firearm, so the firearm laws don't apply here. TexCrimLawyer, J.D. : A crossbow is a deadly weapon, so you can't carry it concealed, but if you don't plan to leave your home, that should not be a problem.
Can a felon own a pellet gun in California?
Air guns and pellet guns are not considered firearms under your state or Federal law. So you're okay with any air-powered gun. Felons are also barred from possessing stun guns or tasers.
Can a felon own a prop gun?
In the US, generally, yes. Some States have their own prohibitions, but under Federal law (18 USC 922) there is no restriction on “non-firearms".
Can a felon get a hunting license in California?
Firearm Considerations – if you plan to hunt with a firearm, be sure you are legally allowed to do so. We often get asked, Can a felon get a hunting license? Yes, they can, but they cannot own or use a firearm, so their hunting will be restricted to non-explosive weapons like bows and arrows.
Can a felon get a CCW in California?
Can I apply for a CCW if I am a convicted felon? No. Per California Penal Code 29800(a)(1), it is a felony to be a convicted felon in possession of 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 bear spray in California?
California: Pepper sprays and gels cannot be purchased, possessed, or used by: minors, felons, or addicts. Product canisters cannot exceed 2.5 oz. Delaware: Pepper sprays and gels cannot be sold, given, or transferred to minors without the permission of a legal guardian.
Can a convicted felon own a gun after 10 years in California?
Can a felon own a gun in California? The short answer is no. California has instituted some of the strictest gun control laws in the country, and conviction of any felony and certain misdemeanors will render you ineligible to own or possess a gun in California.
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.
Can a felon own a bow in California?
Yes, there is no prohibition against a felon possessing and hunting with a bow.
What weapons can felons own?
Convicted felons may possess daggers, dirks or stillettos in his or her residence, but may not carry them in cars or in public. The other weapons cannot be owned. Additionally, in a separate charge, felons are not permitted to own body armor if their felonies were related to an act of violence.
What self-defense weapons are legal in California?
A variety of self-defense weapons are legal in California, such as tasers and stun guns. California residents can legally carry folding knives if they are in the folded state, but this does not include switchblades.
Can a felon own a Byrna gun?
Those sprays are illegal for self-defense in your state, not because you're a felon but because your state does not allow them. You can get in trouble carrying a Byrna concealed or otherwise, but you shouldn't be charged as a felon in possession of a firearm.
Can a felon be in a car with a gun?
Under federal law, a convicted felon cannot own or possess a firearm. Federal law also prohibits the possession of ammunition.
Does the 2nd Amendment protect felons?
The Second Amendment Permits The Disarming of “Dangerous” Felons. Each year, more than 8,000 people are convicted for unlawful possession of a firearm under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g). About 90% of those cases arose from gun possession by a felon.
Can you anonymously report a felon with a gun?
You'll be able to share important information directly with ATF in a way that's simple and anonymous. You can even upload pictures. In the app, just choose "ATF - Anonymous Tip Line" and your tip will be confidentially sent directly to the ATF Field Division closest to you.