What states restore gun rights to felons?

Asked by: Dr. Lenore Eichmann  |  Last update: May 1, 2025
Score: 4.5/5 (19 votes)

- 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.

What states allow convicted felons to own a gun?

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.

What state has the loosest gun laws?

Mississippi. Mississippi has the weakest gun laws in the country and the highest gun death rate. Lawmakers must stop failing their communities and take action to save lives.

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.

Can a felon get gun rights back in Virginia?

Anyone convicted of a felony in Virginia automatically loses their civil rights - the right to vote, serve on a jury, run for office, become a notary public and carry a firearm. The Constitution of Virginia gives the Governor the sole discretion to restore civil rights, not including firearm rights.

How I got my gun rights restored as a violent felon. FULL Process explained.

33 related questions found

What weapons can a felon own in Virginia?

It's illegal for someone who has been convicted of a felony to possess a firearm in Virginia. Va. Code section 18.2-308.2 also makes it illegal for someone convicted of a felony to possess other kinds of weapons. The other weapons that you cannot possess are stun guns, ammunition, or any explosives.

How much does it cost to restore your 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 it legal for a felon to own a black powder pistol?

Unfortunately, no. The California definition of a firearm does not exempt antique weapons the way the Federal statute does.

Can a felon own a homemade gun?

Under federal law, those convicted of a felony are forbidden from purchasing or possessing firearms and explosives.

When did it become illegal for a felon to own a gun?

Since 1968, it has been illegal for convicted felons to purchase guns from licensed firearms dealers. 11 In 1994, the Brady Bill provided a nationwide mechanism for enforcement of this law. At the time it was passed, the Brady Hmtlgun Violence Prevention Act applied to 26 states.

What is the most gun-friendly state?

Report Highlights:
  • New Hampshire is #1 thanks to its incredibly relaxed gun laws, low crime rates, and lack of state sales tax.
  • West Virginia is #2 due to recent legislative actions to remove firearm restrictions and reduce sales tax on firearms and ammunition.

What is the strictest gun law in the world?

Singapore is probably the strictest country in the world when it comes to gun laws. It's still possible to own a gun but it takes a lot of work. To own a gun you need to belong to a gun club. You will also be required to leave your gun at the club for storage.

What state has the strictest laws?

With 395,608 regulatory restrictions, California is the most heavily regulated state in the nation, according to the report. On average, states have 135,000 regulatory restrictions in administrative rules, with California's regulations more than doubling the national average.

Can the ATF restore gun rights?

925(c), you can apply to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms to restore your gun rights. And if your application is denied, then you can seek judicial review in federal court. But since 1992, Congress barred ATF from spending money to review and investigate a felon's application to restore gun rights.

What is the best state for a felon to live in?

The most friendly state for felons is Vermont, where no felons are disenfranchised and no voting restrictions. In the US, there are 5.17 million people disenfranchised due to a felony conviction. There are 2 million people in prisons around the US.

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 carry a pellet gun?

Under California law, a firearm is defined as a "device designed to be used as a weapon from which is expelled through a barrel a projectile by the force of an explosion or another form of combustion." The detail about "the force of an explosion or another form of combustion" is the statement that specifically excludes ...

Can a felon own a Diablo 12 gauge pistol?

Post-Felony Home Defense – Once again, if you are a felon (or live with a felon) without your Second Amendment rights restored, the Diablo is a viable and legal option for the protection of your home and family in the absence of more efficient modern firearms.

Can a convicted felon own a Byrna gun?

While the Byrna is not classified as a firearm, there are still restrictions on felons possessing weapons, including non-lethal ones, depending on the terms of their conviction.California Penal Code Section 29805 restricts convicted felons from owning or possessing firearms and certain other dangerous weapons.

Does the ATF consider a muzzleloader a firearm?

As noted, any muzzle loading weapon that is built on a firearm frame or receiver falls within the definition of a firearm provided in 18 U.S.C. § 921(a)(3).

Can a felon own a black powder gun in Wyoming?

Black powder firearms (muzzleloaders and pre-1896 cartridge firing weapons) are not "firearms" under federal law. However, there are also state laws, and such weapons are "firearms" under Wyoming law. Thus, a convicted felon in Wyoming may not own or possess ANY firearm, including muzzle loaders, matchlocks, etc.

Are black powder cannons legal?

All black powder firearms (except Cowboy Action guns) are considered antiques (the definition of an antique also includes replicas) in California meaning they aren't firearms. So yes black powder canons are completely legal.

In what state can a felon own a gun?

- 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.

Does prop 64 restore gun rights?

California Prop 64 (Adult Use of Marijuana Act) Summary:

Also, almost all individuals with a felony marijuana conviction will be able to reduce that felony down to a misdemeanor, which will restore all civil liberties, including the right to own a firearm under the 2nd amendment.

Can I buy a gun if my felony was reduced to a misdemeanor?

If you are convicted of a charge which is included in the list, you will not be able to own a firearm within the state of California for 10 years after the conviction. This applies even if the charge was originally a felony and was reduced to a misdemeanor.