What weapons can a felon own? Residents of the United States must understand that they’ll lose certain rights when they’ve been convicted of a felony. Once this happens, you’ll lose your right to vote.
Plus, you’re going to lose your right to buy and own certain weapons. The risk of being caught with a firearm is extremely high. Once this happens, you’re going to face numerous penalties.
Suffice to say, it is wise to learn more about the laws to avoid getting into trouble. More about the weapons felons can own will be provided below.
What Weapons Can A Felon Own? – Breaking Down Your Options
Ultimately, felons should avoid getting caught carrying any weapons. Remember that certain weapons are forbidden.
For instance, a felon conviction will prevent you from owning any firearm, a Taser, stun gun, switchblade, butterfly knife, or clubbing instrument.
You don’t want to get caught possessing a dagger, sword, or dirk. Laws can also include other types of weapons. Just remember that you might be able to own certain weapons in private, but they cannot be carried in your car or the public.
It is pertinent to learn more about the laws to avoid facing stiff penalties. You also likely won’t be able to own body armor, but it depends on your crime. If you want to own a weapon, you should buy a stiletto, dirk, or dagger.
Just remember that the weapon can only be stored in your home. You’ll break the law by taking the weapon out of your residence.
You might be able to own and carry BB guns and airsoft rifles as well. You’ll have to be careful when carrying these items in public though.
Research the laws in your city and state to find out what you can and cannot do.
Which Weapons Can Lead To A Felon Being Arrested?
Felons have to be careful when buying and possessing weapons. If you get caught with certain weapons, you may end up going to jail. You can purchase and own a dirk, dagger, or stiletto.
These items can be kept in your home. However, you may get arrested if you’re caught with one of these items in public. Felons are not allowed to own body armor if they were arrested for an act of violence previously.
If you’re not sure what you can and cannot have, speak to your parole office or an attorney. They can give you more information about the laws in your area. Regardless, you don’t want to be charged with a felony charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Changes To The Laws
The laws regarding felony weapon ownership haven’t changed in many years. The last changes came when lawmakers added tasers and stun guns to the list. The number of felons arrested with felons is surprisingly high.
In Eugene, Oregon, the area experienced a 22% increase in felons being arrested with weapons. In 2016, there were 86 cases. The number jumped to 105 in 2017. The arrested individuals were carrying firearms and other restricted weapons.
Besides adding stun guns to the list, the laws in most areas have changed in roughly 20 years. Current laws prohibit felons from carrying firearms, switchblades, butterfly knives, daggers, dirks, and other weapons in public. As mentioned above, felons that were convicted of a felony act of violence cannot own body armor either.
Potential Laws Broken
What weapons can a felon own? You should never carry weapons that could get you into trouble. Avoid doing so by learning more about the laws in your area. Felons caught with forbidden weapons will get into trouble. Which law will you break?
Ultimately, it depends on the type of weapon that you’re carrying at the time. Depending on the weapon you have, you’re either going to be charged with felon in possession of a weapon or felon in possession of a firearm. The former tends to be worse than the latter, but both can lead to major issues.
They’ll be explored in greater depth below.
Illegal Possession Of A Firearm
Felons caught with firearms are going to face stiff punishments. In many areas, this type of crime is classified as a second-degree felony. If you’re convicted, you’ll face a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.
In addition to this, you may have to pay a fine of up to $25,000. Again, you must remember that the laws and punishments vary from one area to another. The punishment is for Pennsylvania and other areas.
In Florida, a felon convicted of firearm possession will face up to 15 years in prison. As for the fine, Florida imposes a maximum fine of $10,000.
Furthermore, felons that were actually in possession of a firearm will face a minimum of three years in prison. The punishment is harsh so it is pertinent to follow the rules and avoid getting into more trouble.
Illegal Possession Of A Weapon
Being caught with a knife is different than being caught with a firearm. The punishments are going to be different as well. In most cases, this will be classified as a misdemeanor.
However, it can be upgraded to a felony in some cases. If you’re convicted of misdemeanor possession of a weapon charge, you will face a maximum sentence of one year in prison.
However, it is common for this crime to be upgraded to a felony. In particular, this happens when a felon breaks this law.
Once that happens, you’ll face harsher punishments. Again, it depends on the laws in your city and state.
Best Self-Defense Weapons For Felons
Felons have to be careful when purchasing weapons to defend themselves at home. They’re not allowed to buy firearms because they’re convicted felons.
Nevertheless, they can possess certain weapons if they’re kept in the home. You can buy a stiletto, dirk, or dagger.
Once you’ve purchased one of these weapons, you can use it in your home to defend yourself. Again, you cannot take the weapon into public. Once you’ve done that, you’re breaking the law.
You can own certain guns, but you cannot own conventional firearms. You can buy a BB gun, pellet gun, airsoft gun, crossbow, and a slingshot. You should be able to buy and possess these items in your home without complications.
Just remember that certain cities and counties have implemented laws to prevent felons from owning some of these weapons. Since you don’t want to get into trouble, it is a good idea to talk to a lawyer before doing anything.
How Felons Can Protect Themselves
At the end of the day, the country is getting more violent. Crime is up across the board. Therefore, people of all backgrounds want to take steps to defend themselves from potential criminals.
If you fit into this category, you should learn how to defend yourself. Thankfully, there are several options. First and foremost, you should think about taking a self-defense class.
For instance, you can learn how to box or wrestle. You can also learn more about Brazilian jiu-jitsu. It can be used to stop potential attacks. Learn more about the hand-to-hand combat techniques you can use to defend yourself.
Furthermore, you can try using other techniques. Install a security system on your home to alert the authorities when someone breaks into your home.
You can also use unconventional weapons such as daggers, dirks, and BB guns. Again, remember that some of these weapons shouldn’t be carried out of the home because doing so could lead to legal ramifications.
Conclusion
Felons need to take steps to defend themselves from potential invaders and attackers. Although you can’t own a firearm, there are other options. In some cities, felons can own BB guns and airsoft guns.
Furthermore, you can use security systems and daggers to defend yourself in your home. Just don’t carry this weapon out of your home because you will get in trouble if you get caught.
Robert Gomez
Robert Gomez was born and raised in the Bronx, New York. He currently lives in Northern California with “the wifey,” “the kids,” “the dog,” and “that cat,” 🙁 He is also a former journalist who has interviewed murderers on death row. Felonyfriendlyjobs.org was born to help ex-felons get a second chance in life.
FAQs
What are felons not allowed to do in Florida? ›
Florida law deprives convicted felons of certain Civil Rights including the right to vote, serve on a jury, hold public office, and restricts the issuance and renewal of some professional licenses such as real estate and insurance.
Can felons go to the gun range in Florida? ›Shooting ranges have the right to review a customer's criminal background before granting them entry. In Florida, people with a felony conviction are not allowed to possess, operate, or own a gun.
Can a felon carry a knife in Arizona? ›Knives Are Generally Legal for Felons
In fact, under Arizona Revised Statutes § 13-3101(7), we can see that these individuals are actually called “prohibited possessors.”
Under federal law, a convicted felon is permitted to possess a firearm when: The conviction has been expunged. The conviction has been set aside. The conviction was pardoned.
Can a felon own a BB gun in Florida? ›Classification of Air Guns
However, the state of Florida doesn't classify air guns as dangerous weapons, either. This means that pretty much anyone in Florida can own an air gun if they want one, without restriction, including convicted felons.
In regard to use of firearms by felons: It is illegal in Florida for convicted felons to possess firearms, including muzzleloading guns, unless they have had their civil rights restored or the gun qualifies as an antique firearm under Florida statute 790.001(1).
What can felons not do? ›A person may not vote, serve on a jury, obtain commercial driver's licenses, possess a gun or join the U.S. armed forces.
Can a felon get a passport? ›According to USA Today, most felons can get a passport without a problem. This is assuming a person is not currently awaiting trial, on probation or parole or otherwise banned from leaving the country.
Can a felon own a black powder gun? ›The short answer is no, felons cannot possess or hunt with black powder or muzzle loading firearms.
What kind of weapons can a felon have in Arizona? ›In Arizona, state law (as well as federal law) prohibits the ownership of a firearm or even ammunition by convicted felons.
Can a felon own a Taser in Arizona? ›
The felon in possession of a weapon charge means that anyone convicted of a felony cannot own or possess a switch-blade, a butterfly knife, a clubbing instrument, a Taser or a stun gun.
When can a felon own a gun in Arizona? ›The person is under 18 years old. The person is under indictment for, or has been convicted of, a felony offense in any jurisdiction, unless that conviction has been expunged, set aside, or vacated, or the person's rights have been restored and they are not currently a prohibited possessor under federal or state law.
What year did felons lose the right to bear arms? ›Since the Gun Control Act was passed in 1968, anyone convicted of a felony – whether or not it involved violence – loses his or her firearm rights.
Can a felon vote? ›As of 2018, most U.S. states had policies to restore voting rights upon completion of a sentence. Only 3 states — Iowa, Kentucky, and Virginia — permanently disenfranchised a felony convict and 6 other states limited restoration based on crimes of "moral turpitude". The US Supreme Court in Richardson v.
Can a felon have a BB gun in VA? ›The definition does not include fireworks. So you can still possess fireworks if you've been convicted of a felony under Virginia law.
Can felons own pellet guns? ›Just because it has the word gun in its name doesn't make a pellet gun a firearm. A firearm uses pressure from a burning powder to fire, and it fires a projectile from a metal tube. As you already know, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to own or use a firearm because of the Gun Control Act.
Can a felon be around a pellet gun? ›Because pellet rifles and other air-powered weapons are not considered firearms under state law, felons can own and use them in California.
Can felons own crossbows in Florida? ›In Florida, can a convicted felon hunt with a bow? During hunting seasons when such equipment are lawful, properly licenced convicted felons may hunt with bows, crossbows, and airguns. Convicted convicts, like any other hunter, are allowed to use a bow, crossbow, or airgun while hunting.
Can felons be around bullets? ›Convicted Felon, 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1) See Statute
It is against federal law for a convicted felon to possess [a firearm; ammunition] that was connected with interstate [or foreign] commerce.
Can a felon's spouse own a gun in Florida? No, a felon's spouse cannot own a gun in Florida. The spouse can own a gun, but it's considered constructive possession if it's in the house with the convicted felon. Even things like keeping it in a car or the garage are illegal.
Can a felon own an air rifle in Texas? ›
“Felons can't own guns in Texas” is an overarching statement that comes with several exceptions and stipulations. State laws only apply to “convicted” felons. This does not include felony convictions the courts have subsequently expunged, pardoned, annulled, invalidated, voided, or sealed.
What rights do you lose as a felon? ›Most jurisdictions deny convicted criminals specific rights rather than all civil and constitutional rights. The rights most often curtailed include the right to vote and hold public office, employment rights, domestic rights, and financial and contractual rights.
What countries will not allow a convicted felon to enter? ›- Argentina.
- Australia.
- Canada.
- China.
- Cuba.
- India.
- Iran.
- Israel.
Any American that has a felony conviction on their criminal record may not be permitted entry into Canada unless they have received special permission from the Canadian Government.
Can a felon go on a cruise? ›Short Answer: Yes, a felon can go on a cruise but not all types of cruises. It depends on the type of cruise and what the destinations, or ports you will be visiting while on the cruise ship. Not all ports and countries will allow US felons on their soil or waterways.
Can you go to Mexico with a felony? ›Can you go to Mexico with a felony? Yes, as a felon, you are not automatically denied access to Mexico but there are some exceptions. Mexican authorities will deny your entry if you have committed a serious crime, such as murder, terrorism, or drug trafficking.
Can felons go to Jamaica? ›Jamaica encourages felons to travel to the country with a clean record and a valid passport. Felons must follow all rules and guidelines while their stay in the country. Anyone with mental illness cannot seek entry in Jamaica. Felons can travel to Jamaica after they meet specific conditions of their probation.
Can a felon own a bow and arrow? ›A traditional bow or crossbow is not considered a firearm and may be possessed by a person with a felony conviction. Unless a person's hunting privileges have been revoked, an individual with a felony conviction may purchase a permit for the archery season and/or gun deer season and use a crossbow.
What kind of muzzleloader can a felon own? ›Since the muzzleloader is an antique firearm, it is not illegal to carry it, even for felons. That is true for any muzzle-loading gun as long as it cannot use fixed fire ammo. So you can freely use a muzzleloader for hunting purposes even if you have a felony record.
Are cap and ball revolvers considered firearms? ›While it is true that C&B revolvers are not categorized as firearms under the provisions of the Gun Control Act of 1968…to be called GCA 68 from here forward, so you don't need to buy them through a Federal Firearms Dealer, they rarely have any special standing under state laws.
Can a felon restore gun rights in Arizona? ›
To restore the right to possess a weapon the person must file an application with Superior Court in the county where you were convicted. A person with two or more Arizona felony convictions must file the applications to restore their civil liberties with Superior Court in the county where you were convicted.
Can felons hunt in Arizona? ›It is a felony for prohibited possessors such as convicted felons to possess a gun. But it may be possible to regain gun rights through a set aside, a restoration of firearm rights, or a pardon. In this article, our Arizona criminal defense attorneys answer: 1.
Is a BB gun considered a firearm in Arizona? ›Airsoft (BB) guns are not considered firearms in AZ. ARS§13-3101.
Can a felon own a pepper ball gun in Arizona? ›The Basics: Pepper spray is LEGAL to buy/carry/use/ship in Arizona. Must be a minimum of 18 years old. Cannot have any convicted felonies on record.
What self defense weapons are legal in AZ? ›...
Legal References
- Arizona Revised Statutes 13-3117.
- Same.
- ARS 13-3117; ARS 13-701; ARS 13-704.
Restrictions. Convicted felons may not possess any firearm or muzzleloading firearm while hunting unless that individual's right to carry has been restored (OCGA § 16-11-131). This does not apply to archery equipment, air bows or air rifles.
Are suppressors illegal in AZ? ›Are Silencers Legal in Arizona? You bet they are! Most states allow silencer ownership and use in hunting. In Arizona, you can use your silencer for target shooting, home defense, hunting, or any other legal use.
What is a Class 6 felony in Arizona? ›What is a Class 6 “Open” Felony? A class 6 “open” felony, also called a class 6 undesignated felony, is a crime that has the possibility of being designated a misdemeanor. If a person is convicted of a class 6 undesignated felony offense, that crime is treated as a felony during the probation period.
How do I restore my rights in Arizona? ›To restore the right to possess a weapon the person must file an application with Superior Court in the county where you were convicted. A person with two or more Arizona felony convictions must file the applications to restore their civil liberties with Superior Court in the county where you were convicted.
Can felons be drafted? ›It is a violation of the law not to report. Just because you might have a felony conviction on your record would not prevent you from receiving a draft notice in times of war and when the draft is active.
Does 2nd Amendment apply to felons? ›
Pursuant to recent US Supreme Court precedent, the Second Amendment protects an individual's right to possess a usable handgun in the home for self-defense. This protection does not cover felons, the mentally ill, firearm possession near schools and government buildings, or the commercial sale of firearms.
Can a convicted felon own a gun after 10 years in California? ›Being convicted of a crime under California State law can impact your Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms under both California and federal law. In general, a conviction for any felony offense will result in a lifetime ban on your ability to possess or own a gun.
What percent of felons are black? ›Key Statistics: Percent of Black Americans in the general U.S. population: 13% + Percent of people in prison or jail who are Black: 38% +
How many felonies are there? ›...
Various Classes of Felonies.
| Crime Class | Maximum Sentence | Fine |
|---|---|---|
| Class “A” Felony | Up to 20 years | Up to $375,000 |
| “Unclassified” Felony | Penalties are specific to the crime |
“Preclearance” refers to an arrangement between two countries that allows customs and immigration officials from the country of destination to be located in the country of origin in order to clear or deny the admission of travellers or goods to the destination country.
Can a felon own a crossbow in VA? ›In summary, it appears that, in Virginia, there are no statutory bars to the lawful purchase or possession of crossbows by convicted felons. This would include their use for lawful hunting.
Can a felon own an air rifle in VA? ›Yes, a convicted felon may possess an airgun under Virginia law.
Can a felon own a muzzleloader in VA? ›Possession of Firearm by Felon. Anyone convicted of a felony is prohibited from possessing a firearm in Virginia. Possession of a firearm by a felon in Virginia is a separate felony that could be punished with mandatory minimum prison time under Va. Code §18.2-308.2.
Can a felon buy a house in Florida? ›Even Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loans are available to those with a felony conviction on their record. FHA loans generally approve people who do not have a perfect credit history and may be a good choice for someone whose felony occurred at least a decade ago.
What can felons not do? ›A person may not vote, serve on a jury, obtain commercial driver's licenses, possess a gun or join the U.S. armed forces.
Can a convicted felon live in a house with guns in Florida? ›
Yes, it is possible for you to live with a felon and a firearm in the same house. However, the convicted felon cannot possess the firearm. In Florida, there are two types of possession: actual and constructive. Actual possession is when someone has exclusive control or custody over the firearm.
Can a felon get a liquor license in Florida? ›Florida law clearly says that convicted felons cannot hold liquor licenses.
Can a felon vote? ›As of 2018, most U.S. states had policies to restore voting rights upon completion of a sentence. Only 3 states — Iowa, Kentucky, and Virginia — permanently disenfranchised a felony convict and 6 other states limited restoration based on crimes of "moral turpitude". The US Supreme Court in Richardson v.
Can you refuse to rent to a felon in Florida? ›The Fair Housing Act does not specifically deny a landlord the right to reject an applicant based on a prior conviction; however, HUD has issued a statement saying a blanket policy to deny felons can have an impact on minority populations under “disparate impact.”
Can a felon get a passport? ›According to USA Today, most felons can get a passport without a problem. This is assuming a person is not currently awaiting trial, on probation or parole or otherwise banned from leaving the country.
What rights do you lose as a felon? ›Most jurisdictions deny convicted criminals specific rights rather than all civil and constitutional rights. The rights most often curtailed include the right to vote and hold public office, employment rights, domestic rights, and financial and contractual rights.
What countries will not allow a convicted felon to enter? ›- Argentina.
- Australia.
- Canada.
- China.
- Cuba.
- India.
- Iran.
- Israel.
Any American that has a felony conviction on their criminal record may not be permitted entry into Canada unless they have received special permission from the Canadian Government.
How many rounds can you carry in Florida? ›Florida does not have a restriction on magazine size.
How does a convicted felon restore their gun rights in Florida? ›In Florida, restoration of your firearms rights is a type of clemency. Restoring your gun rights or obtaining a Pardon in Florida requires a application to be filed for the restoration of your gun rights or pardon. The restoration and / or pardon must be filed with the Florida Office of Executive Clemency.
Can I carry a gun without a concealed weapons permit in Florida? ›
To put it in simple terms, people can carry a gun without having a concealed weapon permit as long as such weapon is in the interior of a private conveyance, is securely encased, or is not accessible for immediate use.
Can a felon get an insurance license in Florida? ›The Florida Department of Financial Services does not issue consents under 18 U.S.C. § 1033. Under 18 U.S.C. § 1033, an individual who has been convicted of a crime involving dishonesty or breach of trust is prohibited from engaging in the insurance business.
Can a felon be a private investigator in Florida? ›Felony convictions do not bar people from getting hired as a PI. PI is under the Private Investigator, Private Detective and Security Guard license category, and as such, these kinds of agencies are not regulated by any public agency.
Can a felon become a real estate agent in Florida? ›It all depends on the specific crimes on your record and how much time has passed since them. If you have a capital or first-degree felony, for example, your application will be denied. But if you committed a felony like tax evasion or breaking and entering and it's been 15 years, your application might get approved.