Historically, North Carolina has been recognized as a gun friendly state. Our state laws are designed to allow citizens the right of gun ownership for hunting, target shooting, personal and home defense. However, many North Carolinian’s are not allowed to own or possess firearms due to a previous felony conviction. This can cause duress to these individuals for a variety of reasons. At Kirk, Kirk, Howell, Cutler & Thomas, we act as gun rights attorneys for people with felony convictions requesting legal support to have their citizenship rights restored in order to own a firearm.

How Does a North Carolina Citizen Lose a Right to Gun Ownership?

Anyone convicted of a felony offense will automatically lose the right to gun ownership or the right to bear arms. This is the case even if the conviction was for a non-violent felony offense.

Can You Have Your Gun Rights Restored in North Carolina?

Absolutely!

North Carolina residents convicted of non-violent felonies have the opportunity to have their gun rights restored as long as they lawfully meet certain criteria. The NC statute, G.S. 14-45.4 defines what criteria a resident of North Carolina must meet to have gun rights returned. This legislation can be very difficult to interpret, and seeking the counsel of an experienced Raleigh attorney to determine eligibility is recommended.

 

 

Requirements for Restoring Gun Rights in NC

There are several requirements that must be met for full restoration. The top two methods for acquiring restoration are:

  1. By expungement of a non-violent felony conviction that occurred 15 or more years ago; or
  2. By completing a 20 year wait period following your felony conviction if ineligible for expungement

*note – determining your wait period, the time starts running from the date your period of probation or jail sentenced is terminated.

What are Some Reasons Gun Rights Cannot be
Restored?

A person may not be eligible for restoration of gun rights if:

  • Conviction is a Federal offenserestore nc gun rights
  • Offense is of a violent nature
  • Conviction occurred in a state outside of North Carolina, without proof of restoration of civil rights and right to possess firearms in the jurisdiction of the offense
  • Under indictment for a felony conviction
  • Currently a fugitive from justice
  • Dishonorable discharge from U.S. Armed Services
  • Addiction or unlawful user of controlled substances
  • Intentionally providing false information pertinent to the case of restoration of gun rights

Is There Another Option to Restoring Firearm Rights?

If you do not qualify for firearm rights restoration through expungement or the 20 year term, you may have other legal channels to pursue. Ultimately, the process is expensive and time consuming. Your attorney may advise you to seek a civil suit versus the State. If the case can be proven that your rights were removed unconstitutionally, then there may be an opportunity for restitution.

Other Areas Of Criminal Law

Our criminal defense attorneys are able to represent you for a variety of charges, including:

Contact Our Gun Rights Attorneys to Restore Your Rights

Our lawyers understand the importance of gun ownership. Most residents of Raleigh and North Carolina enjoy hunting and even simply collecting rare firearms, but they cannot lawfully own or possess the gun. We believe that anyone convicted of a felony offense, after they have paid their debt to society, should receive a fair opportunity at a clean slate for the right to bear arms. If you have been convicted of a felony, but are eligible based on the NC statute to receive a restoration of rights, give our gun rights attorneys in Raleigh a call. We have provided extensive representation to many North Carolina residents over the years and are ready to help you.

Call (919) 615-2473 or complete the online contact form to speak with an attorney about your gun rights.

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