What States Can a Felon Own a Gun?
As a convicted felon, owning a gun can be a highly restricted and complex issue in the United States. The Second Amendment to the US Constitution guarantees the right to bear arms, but it also includes certain restrictions and limitations. Specifically, federal law prohibits individuals convicted of a felony from owning or possessing a firearm.
Federal Law: 18 U.S. Code § 922(g)
Under federal law, 18 U.S. Code § 922(g), it is illegal for any person who has been convicted of a felony, or who has been adjudicated as a mental defective or has been committed to a mental institution, to own or possess a firearm or ammunition. This law applies to all states and is enforced by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF).
State Laws: Variations and Differences
While federal law prohibits felons from owning firearms, state laws can impose additional restrictions or exceptions. Some states have enacted their own laws regarding felons and gun ownership, which may be more stringent or lenient than federal law. Here’s a breakdown of the current laws in each state:
| State | Law | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Prohibited | Felons are barred from owning or possessing a firearm |
| Alaska | Prohibited | Felons are prohibited from owning or possessing a firearm, with some exceptions for hunting or self-defense |
| Arizona | Prohibited | Felons are prohibited from owning or possessing a firearm, with some exceptions for self-defense |
| Arkansas | Prohibited | Felons are prohibited from owning or possessing a firearm, with some exceptions for hunting |
| California | Prohibited | Felons are prohibited from owning or possessing a firearm, with some exceptions for certain types of licenses or permits |
| Colorado | Prohibited | Felons are prohibited from owning or possessing a firearm, with some exceptions for certain types of licenses or permits |
| Connecticut | Prohibited | Felons are prohibited from owning or possessing a firearm, with some exceptions for certain types of licenses or permits |
| Delaware | Prohibited | Felons are prohibited from owning or possessing a firearm, with some exceptions for self-defense |
| Florida | Prohibited | Felons are prohibited from owning or possessing a firearm, with some exceptions for self-defense |
| Georgia | Prohibited | Felons are prohibited from owning or possessing a firearm, with some exceptions for self-defense |
| Hawaii | Prohibited | Felons are prohibited from owning or possessing a firearm, with some exceptions for certain types of licenses or permits |
| Idaho | Prohibited | Felons are prohibited from owning or possessing a firearm, with some exceptions for self-defense |
| Illinois | Prohibited | Felons are prohibited from owning or possessing a firearm, with some exceptions for self-defense |
| Indiana | Prohibited | Felons are prohibited from owning or possessing a firearm, with some exceptions for self-defense |
| Iowa | Prohibited | Felons are prohibited from owning or possessing a firearm, with some exceptions for self-defense |
| Kansas | Prohibited | Felons are prohibited from owning or possessing a firearm, with some exceptions for self-defense |
| Kentucky | Prohibited | Felons are prohibited from owning or possessing a firearm, with some exceptions for self-defense |
| Louisiana | Prohibited | Felons are prohibited from owning or possessing a firearm, with some exceptions for self-defense |
| Maine | Prohibited | Felons are prohibited from owning or possessing a firearm, with some exceptions for self-defense |
| Maryland | Prohibited | Felons are prohibited from owning or possessing a firearm, with some exceptions for certain types of licenses or permits |
| Massachusetts | Prohibited | Felons are prohibited from owning or possessing a firearm, with some exceptions for self-defense |
| Michigan | Prohibited | Felons are prohibited from owning or possessing a firearm, with some exceptions for self-defense |
| Minnesota | Prohibited | Felons are prohibited from owning or possessing a firearm, with some exceptions for self-defense |
| Mississippi | Prohibited | Felons are prohibited from owning or possessing a firearm, with some exceptions for self-defense |
| Missouri | Prohibited | Felons are prohibited from owning or possessing a firearm, with some exceptions for self-defense |
| Montana | Prohibited | Felons are prohibited from owning or possessing a firearm, with some exceptions for self-defense |
| Nebraska | Prohibited | Felons are prohibited from owning or possessing a firearm, with some exceptions for self-defense |
| Nevada | Prohibited | Felons are prohibited from owning or possessing a firearm, with some exceptions for self-defense |
| New Hampshire | Prohibited | Felons are prohibited from owning or possessing a firearm, with some exceptions for self-defense |
| New Jersey | Prohibited | Felons are prohibited from owning or possessing a firearm, with some exceptions for certain types of licenses or permits |
| New Mexico | Prohibited | Felons are prohibited from owning or possessing a firearm, with some exceptions for self-defense |
| New York | Prohibited | Felons are prohibited from owning or possessing a firearm, with some exceptions for certain types of licenses or permits |
| North Carolina | Prohibited | Felons are prohibited from owning or possessing a firearm, with some exceptions for self-defense |
| North Dakota | Prohibited | Felons are prohibited from owning or possessing a firearm, with some exceptions for self-defense |
| Ohio | Prohibited | Felons are prohibited from owning or possessing a firearm, with some exceptions for self-defense |
| Oklahoma | Prohibited | Felons are prohibited from owning or possessing a firearm, with some exceptions for self-defense |
| Oregon | Prohibited | Felons are prohibited from owning or possessing a firearm, with some exceptions for self-defense |
| Pennsylvania | Prohibited | Felons are prohibited from owning or possessing a firearm, with some exceptions for self-defense |
| Rhode Island | Prohibited | Felons are prohibited from owning or possessing a firearm, with some exceptions for certain types of licenses or permits |
| South Carolina | Prohibited | Felons are prohibited from owning or possessing a firearm, with some exceptions for self-defense |
| South Dakota | Prohibited | Felons are prohibited from owning or possessing a firearm, with some exceptions for self-defense |
| Tennessee | Prohibited | Felons are prohibited from owning or possessing a firearm, with some exceptions for self-defense |
| Texas | Prohibited | Felons are prohibited from owning or possessing a firearm, with some exceptions for self-defense |
| Utah | Prohibited | Felons are prohibited from owning or possessing a firearm, with some exceptions for self-defense |
| Vermont | Permitted | Felons who have completed their sentence may apply for a permit to own a firearm |
| Virginia | Prohibited | Felons are prohibited from owning or possessing a firearm, with some exceptions for self-defense |
| Washington | Prohibited | Felons are prohibited from owning or possessing a firearm, with some exceptions for self-defense |
| West Virginia | Prohibited | Felons are prohibited from owning or possessing a firearm, with some exceptions for self-defense |
| Wisconsin | Prohibited | Felons are prohibited from owning or possessing a firearm, with some exceptions for self-defense |
| Wyoming | Permitted | Felons who have completed their sentence may apply for a permit to own a firearm |
As you can see, most states prohibit felons from owning or possessing a firearm, with some exceptions for self-defense or certain types of licenses or permits. It’s essential to note that even if a state allows felons to own a firearm, they may still be subject to federal restrictions.
Important Considerations
If you’re a felon and want to own a firearm, it’s crucial to understand the laws in your state and the implications of violating them. Here are some key considerations:
- Check the laws in your state: While federal law prohibits felons from owning firearms, state laws may provide additional restrictions or exceptions.
- Understand the implications: If you’re caught violating federal or state laws, you could face serious legal consequences, including fines and imprisonment.
- Consider alternatives: If you’re interested in self-defense, you may want to explore alternatives to owning a firearm, such as taking a self-defense course or carrying pepper spray.
Conclusion
In conclusion, owning a gun as a felon is a complex and highly regulated issue in the United States. While some states allow felons to own firearms under certain circumstances, it’s essential to understand the laws and implications of violating them. As a convicted felon, it’s crucial to prioritize legal compliance and consider alternative forms of self-defense. By doing so, you can ensure your safety and comply with the law.
