Can a Felon Buy a Gun After 20 Years?
Felonies are serious criminal offenses that can have significant consequences, including loss of civil rights. One of the most significant rights lost is the right to possess or purchase a firearm. But what happens when 20 years have passed since the felony conviction? Can a felon buy a gun after 20 years? In this article, we’ll explore the answer to this question and provide an overview of the laws and regulations surrounding gun ownership for felons.
Felonies and Gun Ownership
In the United States, federal law prohibits individuals with felony convictions from possessing or purchasing firearms. The federal law, known as the Gun Control Act of 1968, defines a felony as a crime that is punishable by more than one year in prison. This includes a wide range of crimes, such as murder, assault, robbery, burglary, and drug trafficking.
Felon’s Right to Possess a Firearm
Under federal law, a person convicted of a felony is not allowed to possess a firearm. This means that felons are prohibited from:
• Possessing a firearm: A felon cannot own, possess, or control a firearm.
• Purchasing a firearm: A felon cannot buy or acquire a firearm from a licensed firearms dealer.
• Shipping or transporting a firearm: A felon cannot ship or transport a firearm across state lines.
Felon’s Right to Vote After 20 Years
A felony conviction can also affect a person’s right to vote. In most states, felons are required to complete their sentence and pay any fines or restitution before they can vote again. However, some states have laws that allow felons to vote while they are still incarcerated or on probation.
Can a Felon Buy a Gun After 20 Years?
So, can a felon buy a gun after 20 years? The answer is no. Even if 20 years have passed since the felony conviction, the law still prohibits the individual from possessing or purchasing a firearm.
Exceptions to the Rule
There are a few exceptions to the rule:
• Pardon or Expungement: If a felon has been pardoned or has had their conviction expunged, they may be eligible to possess a firearm. However, this is a rare occurrence and requires approval from the state’s governor or a federal court.
• Restoration of Civil Rights: Some states have laws that allow felons to have their civil rights restored after a certain period of time. This may include the right to possess a firearm. However, this is not a universal right and varies from state to state.
• Federal Court Decisions: In some cases, a federal court may grant an individual the right to possess a firearm if they have demonstrated good behavior and rehabilitation.
Table: Summary of Felon’s Rights
| Right | Conviction | 20 Years Later |
|---|---|---|
| Possess a firearm | Prohibited | Prohibited |
| Purchase a firearm | Prohibited | Prohibited |
| Vote | Prohibited | Allowed in some states |
Conclusion
In conclusion, a felon cannot buy a gun after 20 years. The federal law and most state laws prohibit felons from possessing or purchasing firearms, even if 20 years have passed since the conviction. While there are some exceptions to the rule, these are rare and require approval from a state governor or federal court. It’s essential for individuals with felony convictions to understand their rights and obligations under the law and to seek legal advice if they have questions or concerns.
Additional Resources
• National Rifle Association (NRA) – What You Need to Know About Gun Laws
• Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS) – Firearms and Crime
• Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) – Firearms and Crime Statistics
