What States Can Felons Own Guns?
In the United States, the legality of felons owning guns is a complex and state-by-state issue. While federal law prohibits felons from possessing firearms, some states have their own laws that may allow certain felons to own guns under certain circumstances. In this article, we will explore which states allow felons to own guns and what the specific laws and regulations are.
Federal Law
Before we dive into state-specific laws, it’s essential to understand the federal law regarding felons and gun ownership. The federal Gun Control Act of 1968 prohibits felons from possessing firearms, and this prohibition is enforced by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). Specifically, 18 U.S.C. § 922(g) states that:
- Any person who has been convicted of a felony or a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year;
- Any person who is a fugitive from justice;
- Any person who is an unlawful user of or addicted to any controlled substance (as defined in section 102 of the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 802));
- Any person who has been adjudicated as a mental defective or who has been committed to a mental institution;
- Any person who, being an alien, is illegally or unlawfully in the United States;
- Any person who has been discharged from the Armed Forces under dishonorable conditions;
- Any person who, having been a citizen of the United States, has renounced their citizenship;
- Any person who is subject to a restraining order or has been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence, or;
- Any person who is an illegal alien, or
- Any person who is under indictment for a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year.
State-by-State Laws
While federal law prohibits felons from owning guns, some states have their own laws that may allow certain felons to own guns under certain circumstances. Here are some key points to consider:
• Alabama: Felons can own guns in Alabama, but they must petition the court for restoration of their gun rights.
• Alaska: Alaska law allows felons to own guns, but they must obtain a permit from the Alaska Department of Public Safety.
• Arizona: Felons can own guns in Arizona, but they must obtain a permit from the Arizona Department of Public Safety.
• Arkansas: Arkansas law allows felons to own guns, but they must obtain a permit from the Arkansas State Police.
• California: California law prohibits felons from owning guns, except for those who have had their rights restored through a court petition.
• Colorado: Felons can own guns in Colorado, but they must obtain a permit from the Colorado Bureau of Investigation.
• Connecticut: Connecticut law prohibits felons from owning guns, except for those who have had their rights restored through a court petition.
• Delaware: Delaware law allows felons to own guns, but they must obtain a permit from the Delaware State Police.
• Florida: Florida law allows felons to own guns, but they must obtain a permit from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
• Georgia: Georgia law allows felons to own guns, but they must obtain a permit from the Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Council.
• Hawaii: Hawaii law prohibits felons from owning guns, except for those who have had their rights restored through a court petition.
• Idaho: Idaho law allows felons to own guns, but they must obtain a permit from the Idaho State Police.
• Illinois: Illinois law prohibits felons from owning guns, except for those who have had their rights restored through a court petition.
• Indiana: Indiana law allows felons to own guns, but they must obtain a permit from the Indiana State Police.
• Iowa: Iowa law allows felons to own guns, but they must obtain a permit from the Iowa Department of Public Safety.
• Kansas: Kansas law allows felons to own guns, but they must obtain a permit from the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.
• Kentucky: Kentucky law allows felons to own guns, but they must obtain a permit from the Kentucky State Police.
• Louisiana: Louisiana law allows felons to own guns, but they must obtain a permit from the Louisiana State Police.
• Maine: Maine law prohibits felons from owning guns, except for those who have had their rights restored through a court petition.
• Maryland: Maryland law prohibits felons from owning guns, except for those who have had their rights restored through a court petition.
• Massachusetts: Massachusetts law prohibits felons from owning guns, except for those who have had their rights restored through a court petition.
• Michigan: Michigan law allows felons to own guns, but they must obtain a permit from the Michigan State Police.
• Minnesota: Minnesota law allows felons to own guns, but they must obtain a permit from the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.
• Mississippi: Mississippi law allows felons to own guns, but they must obtain a permit from the Mississippi Department of Public Safety.
• Missouri: Missouri law allows felons to own guns, but they must obtain a permit from the Missouri State Highway Patrol.
• Montana: Montana law allows felons to own guns, but they must obtain a permit from the Montana Department of Justice.
• Nebraska: Nebraska law allows felons to own guns, but they must obtain a permit from the Nebraska State Patrol.
• Nevada: Nevada law allows felons to own guns, but they must obtain a permit from the Nevada Department of Public Safety.
• New Hampshire: New Hampshire law prohibits felons from owning guns, except for those who have had their rights restored through a court petition.
• New Jersey: New Jersey law prohibits felons from owning guns, except for those who have had their rights restored through a court petition.
• New Mexico: New Mexico law allows felons to own guns, but they must obtain a permit from the New Mexico State Police.
• New York: New York law prohibits felons from owning guns, except for those who have had their rights restored through a court petition.
• North Carolina: North Carolina law allows felons to own guns, but they must obtain a permit from the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation.
• North Dakota: North Dakota law allows felons to own guns, but they must obtain a permit from the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation.
• Ohio: Ohio law allows felons to own guns, but they must obtain a permit from the Ohio Attorney General’s Office.
• Oklahoma: Oklahoma law allows felons to own guns, but they must obtain a permit from the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation.
• Oregon: Oregon law prohibits felons from owning guns, except for those who have had their rights restored through a court petition.
• Pennsylvania: Pennsylvania law prohibits felons from owning guns, except for those who have had their rights restored through a court petition.
• Rhode Island: Rhode Island law prohibits felons from owning guns, except for those who have had their rights restored through a court petition.
• South Carolina: South Carolina law allows felons to own guns, but they must obtain a permit from the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division.
• South Dakota: South Dakota law allows felons to own guns, but they must obtain a permit from the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation.
• Tennessee: Tennessee law allows felons to own guns, but they must obtain a permit from the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.
• Texas: Texas law allows felons to own guns, but they must obtain a permit from the Texas Department of Public Safety.
• Utah: Utah law allows felons to own guns, but they must obtain a permit from the Utah Department of Public Safety.
• Vermont: Vermont law prohibits felons from owning guns, except for those who have had their rights restored through a court petition.
• Virginia: Virginia law prohibits felons from owning guns, except for those who have had their rights restored through a court petition.
• Washington: Washington law prohibits felons from owning guns, except for those who have had their rights restored through a court petition.
• West Virginia: West Virginia law allows felons to own guns, but they must obtain a permit from the West Virginia State Police.
• Wisconsin: Wisconsin law allows felons to own guns, but they must obtain a permit from the Wisconsin Department of Justice.
• Wyoming: Wyoming law allows felons to own guns, but they must obtain a permit from the Wyoming Department of Criminal Investigation.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while federal law prohibits felons from owning guns, some states have their own laws that may allow certain felons to own guns under certain circumstances. It’s essential to understand the specific laws and regulations of each state before attempting to own a gun as a felon. Additionally, even if a state allows felons to own guns, there may be specific restrictions or requirements that must be met. It’s always best to consult with a legal professional or law enforcement agency to determine the specific laws and regulations in your state.
