Is a felon whose crime was violent prohibited from owning any firearm?

Answer 1

Anyone who has been convicted of a felony is banned by federal law from ever possessing "any firearm or ammunition." Specifically a person "convicted in any court of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year" cannot possess any firearm in any location. 18 U.S.C. 922(g) is the federal law that prohibits anyone ever convicted of any felony to ever possess any firearm either inside or outside of his home. The federal punishment for felon gun possession is up to 10 years in prison.

Federal law provides significant penalties for felons in possession of weapons, unless the felon has his rights restored by the convicting state.

There are exceptions though...

Regarding '18 U.S.C. 922(g) is the federal law that prohibits anyone ever convicted of any felony from ever possessing any firearm either inside or outside of his home.'

The statement is both overly broad and overly narrow.

It's too narrow because the general proscription of Section 922(g) is not limited to felons. By its terms, the statute forbids not only "felons" but any person convicted of "a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year" to possess a firearm or ammunition, whether the crime in question is classified as a felony or not.

Section 921(a)(20)(B) limits the impact of this rule on misdemeanors by defining "crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year" to exclude any state misdemeanors punishable by less than two years' imprisonment, but any state misdemeanor punishable by more than that will still be treated like a felony.

On the other hand, the statement is too broad because the reference to "any felony" implies that the federal law applies to all felonies rather than most. In fact, 18 U.S.C. 921(a)(20)(A) expressly exempts certain white collar felonies such as antitrust or unfair trade practices.

Answer 2

First: It is the length of your sentence that matters - not the actual length of time you served. Second: If you are a convicted felon you will always retain that status unless/until you either file for an expungement of the offense or request a pardon from your governor (if convicted of a state crime), IF your state is one of the ones which will grant a return of rights to you - not all do. If it was a federal crime - the practical answer is, you probably have little to no hope of regaining that right. See this website supplied by a WikiAnswers Contributor: http://peacesecurity.suite101.com/article.cfm/gun_ownership_by_convicted_felons

Answer 3

Under Title 18, US code, section 922, a person convicted of ANY felony is prohibited from possessing a firearm anywhere in the US. Federal law. Whether the crime was violent or not MAY have a bearing on whether gun rights may be restored at a later time, but does not affect the prohibition. You should consult an attorney licensed in your state- I am a gun collector, not attorney.

Answer 4

yes and also any "felon" regardless of what crime made him or her become a felon is prohibited from owning a firearm

Answer 5

Under Federal law (1968 Gun Control Act) a convicted felon may not possess a firearm. There is no distinction in what type of felony. Federal law overreaches state law.

Answer 6

Yes, unless they have their rights restored.