What Guns Can a Felon Have in Indiana?
In Indiana, felons are prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal and state laws. However, there are some exceptions and allowances for certain types of guns and circumstances. In this article, we will explore the laws and regulations regarding firearms ownership for felons in Indiana.
Federal Law
Under federal law, 18 U.S.C. § 922(g), it is illegal for a person who has been convicted of a felony to possess a firearm or ammunition. This law applies to all states, including Indiana. The federal law prohibits felons from possessing firearms, including handguns, rifles, shotguns, and other types of firearms.
Indiana State Law
Indiana state law, Ind. Code § 35-47-4-7, also prohibits felons from possessing firearms or ammunition. The law provides that a person who has been convicted of a felony is prohibited from possessing or carrying a firearm or ammunition, including:
• Handguns: A felon cannot possess or carry a handgun, including semi-automatic pistols, revolvers, and other types of handguns.
• Rifles: A felon cannot possess or carry a rifle, including bolt-action, lever-action, and semi-automatic rifles.
• Shotguns: A felon cannot possess or carry a shotgun, including pump-action, semi-automatic, and single-shot shotguns.
• Other firearms: A felon cannot possess or carry other types of firearms, including muzzleloaders, air rifles, and air pistols.
Exceptions to the Rule
While federal and state laws prohibit felons from possessing firearms, there are some exceptions:
• Restored citizenship: If a felon’s citizenship has been restored, they may be eligible to possess firearms.
• Firearm rights restored: In some cases, a court may restore a felon’s firearm rights, allowing them to possess firearms.
• Hunting permits: A felon may be allowed to possess a firearm while hunting under a hunting permit, but only for a specific type of firearm and under specific circumstances.
• Firearm rights reinstated: If a felon has completed their sentence and probation, they may be eligible to have their firearm rights reinstated.
Specific Types of Guns
There are some specific types of guns that a felon may be allowed to possess, but only under certain circumstances:
• Muzzleloaders: A felon may be allowed to possess a muzzleloader, a type of firearm that uses black powder to propel a projectile, if they are hunting or target shooting.
• Air rifles: A felon may be allowed to possess an air rifle, a type of firearm that uses compressed air to propel a projectile, if they are hunting or target shooting.
• Air pistols: A felon may be allowed to possess an air pistol, a type of firearm that uses compressed air to propel a projectile, if they are target shooting.
Penalties for Violating the Law
Violating the law by possessing a firearm as a felon can result in serious consequences, including:
• Federal charges: A felony conviction for possessing a firearm can result in a federal charge, punishable by up to 10 years in prison.
• State charges: A state charge for possessing a firearm can result in a sentence of up to 2.5 years in prison.
• Criminal forfeiture: The court may seize any firearms or other contraband found in the possession of a felon.
• Loss of other rights: A conviction for possessing a firearm can result in the loss of other rights, including the right to vote and the right to own a firearm.
Conclusion
In Indiana, felons are prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal and state laws. While there are some exceptions and allowances for certain types of guns and circumstances, it is important for felons to understand the laws and regulations regarding firearms ownership. Failure to comply with the law can result in serious consequences, including criminal charges and the loss of other rights.
Table: Summary of Felon Gun Laws in Indiana
| Type of Gun | Felon Eligibility |
|---|---|
| Handguns | No |
| Rifles | No |
| Shotguns | No |
| Other firearms | No |
| Muzzleloaders | Yes, under specific circumstances |
| Air rifles | Yes, under specific circumstances |
| Air pistols | Yes, under specific circumstances |
Key Takeaways
• Felons are prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal and state laws.
• There are some exceptions and allowances for certain types of guns and circumstances.
• Violating the law by possessing a firearm as a felon can result in serious consequences, including federal charges, state charges, criminal forfeiture, and the loss of other rights.
• It is important for felons to understand the laws and regulations regarding firearms ownership in Indiana.
