Can a Convicted Felon Get His Gun Rights Back in North Carolina?

Q: Can a Felon Restore Gun Rights in NC?

In certain limited circumstances, a person with a felony conviction may be able to restore firearm rights in North Carolina. Eligibility depends on factors such as the nature of the conviction, the individual's criminal history, and compliance with applicable state laws. Because restoration requirements are complex and may also involve federal law, it is advisable to consult a criminal defense attorney to determine whether you qualify.

Q: What Is the Second Chance Program for Felons in North Carolina?

North Carolina law provides certain opportunities for eligible individuals to seek expunction of qualifying criminal records under statutes such as G.S. 15A-145.5. Depending on the circumstances, expunction may help remove barriers to employment and housing. The state also offers various reentry and workforce programs to assist formerly incarcerated individuals with successful reintegration.

Q: Can a Convicted Felon Go to the Gun Range in North Carolina?

Generally, individuals who are prohibited from possessing firearms under North Carolina or federal law may not lawfully possess or control a firearm at a gun range. Because firearm possession laws and exceptions can be complex, anyone with a felony conviction should consult an attorney before handling or using a firearm.

Q: What Weapons Can a Felon Legally Own?

The types of weapons a person with a felony conviction may legally possess depend on both North Carolina and federal law. While certain non-firearm items may be lawful in some situations, restrictions vary based on the nature of the conviction and other legal factors. Because unlawful possession can result in additional criminal charges, it is important to seek legal advice before acquiring or possessing any weapon.

By J. Scott Smith

Criminal Defense

Last Modified on Jul 31, 2026

The consequences of a felony conviction can be far-reaching, following you long after you’ve completed your sentence. Under state and federal law, you may have been barred from owning firearms following your felony conviction. The question is, can a convicted felon get his gun rights back in North Carolina? The answer is complicated.

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Restoration of Gun Rights to Certain Felons

In some cases, your right to own a firearm can be fully restored in North Carolina if enough time has passed following an eligible nonviolent felony and you have not gotten into any further trouble with the law.

You’ll need to meet certain criteria under G.S. 14-415.4, including:

Residency. You must be a resident of North Carolina for at least a year before you file your petition to get your gun rights back.
One felony. You must have only one felony conviction on your record. If multiple felony convictions arose from the same event and were consolidated during sentencing, they may still count as only one conviction.
Non-violent. Your felony conviction must have been for a nonviolent crime.
No further record. You cannot have been convicted of any federal or State misdemeanor or felony offense since your first nonviolent felony conviction.
Background check. You must undergo a criminal background check prior to receiving your gun rights back.
20-year waiting period. You’ll have to wait for 20 years following the completion of your sentence before you can apply to restore your gun rights.

There are some people who are not eligible to have their gun rights restored under North Carolina law. You may not be able to take advantage of this program if you:

Are ineligible to possess a gun under another North Carolina law.
Are currently charged with a felony.
Are a fugitive from justice.
Unlawfully use a controlled substance.
Were dishonorably discharged from the military.
Have a no-contact order against you that remains in effect.
Have a protective order against you in any state.
Have had an entry for prayer for judgment filed in a felony case.

Should your petition be denied, you can file another petition one year later. If it is approved, your gun rights are restored. If you receive another felony conviction, your rights could be automatically and permanently revoked.

Expungement Can Help You Get Your Gun Rights Back Sooner

You may be eligible for an expungement of your felony conviction under certain circumstances. The conviction must have been for a nonviolent, lower-level offense. It can’t have involved stalking or registration with the Sex Offender Registry. North Carolina’s Second Chance Act allows eligible felons to have one nonviolent felony conviction expunged ten years after completing their sentences.

If you can get your conviction expunged, you’ll be eligible to have your gun rights restored.

North Carolina Is Firearms-Friendly

North Carolina has 45.7 guns for every 100 residents, placing North Carolina firmly in the middle of the pack when it comes to gun ownership per capita by State. It should thus come as no surprise that the Tar Heel State is relatively firearms-friendly.

North Carolina is an open-carry state that allows open carry without a permit and has a system in place for concealed carry permits for handguns. The State has strong Stand Your Ground and Castle Doctrine laws.

Unfortunately, gun crimes are also relatively common in North Carolina. There were 1,767 people killed in firearm-related deaths in 2023, including suicides, homicides, unintentional discharges, and legal interventions involving the discharge of a firearm.

Hire a Gun Rights Restoration Lawyer

If you’re one of the many people who have lost their gun rights in North Carolina due to a nonviolent felony, there is hope. A North Carolina firearms rights restoration attorney can help you explore viable legal options for getting your gun rights back following a felony conviction so that you can hunt, target shoot, and keep a gun for your protection.

FAQs

Can a Felon Restore Gun Rights in NC?

A felon can restore gun rights in NC under certain strictly limited conditions. The process is generally reserved for those with a single, nonviolent felony conviction not involving drug trafficking or sexual offenses who have maintained a completely clean record for 20 years. Federal and out-of-state felonies don’t generally qualify for this process.

What Is the Second Chance Program for Felons in North Carolina?

The second chance program for felons in North Carolina is generally codified under G.S. 15A-145.5. This Act allows for the expunction of eligible felony convictions and dismissed charges so that they won’t bar you from employment or housing. The State also offers reentry and workforce programs for formerly incarcerated people.

Can a Convicted Felon Go to the Gun Range in North Carolina?

A convicted felon cannot go to the gun range in North Carolina. Both federal and State gun rights laws prohibit felons from possessing, owning, or having a firearm in their control or custody. Possession covers holding a rental gun or touching ammunition, so going to a gun range to shoot is considered illegal possession. This applies even if the firearm is unloaded and belongs to someone else.

What Weapons Can a Felon Legally Own?

A felon can legally own non-firearm weapons for personal defense, including pepper spray, baseball bats, and legal folding pocketknives. In North Carolina, felons can own archery equipment, air guns, BB guns, and antique firearms in addition to knives and swords. Some felons convicted only of antitrust violations, restraints of trade, or unfair trade practices may also be allowed to carry guns.

North Carolina Gun Rights Restoration Lawyer

If you’re a convicted felon who is eligible to get your gun rights back, you can hire a gun rights restoration lawyer to assist you with this process. The team at LAWSMITH, The Law Offices of J. Scott Smith, PLLC, can help. We’re committed to protecting our clients’ rights, including the right to bear arms, and helping them get their lives back to normal following nonviolent felony charges.

About the author: J. Scott Smith

Founder of LAWSMITH, The Law Offices of J. Scott Smith, PLLC

J. Scott Smith is the Founder of LAWSMITH, The Law Offices of J. Scott Smith, PLLC, with offices in Winston‑Salem and Greensboro, North Carolina. Practicing since 2005, he handles criminal defense, DWI/DUI defense, and family law matters. He is admitted to North Carolina state courts, the U.S. District Courts for the Western and Middle Districts of North Carolina, and the U.S. Supreme Court. J. Scott earned his J.D. from Florida Coastal School of Law and his B.A. in English from Guilford College.

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