The state offers two different types of certificates that can restore gun rights in some cases. Those seeking to regain their firearm rights must apply for a Certificate of Good Conduct from the New York State Board of Parole or a Certificate of Relief from Disabilities is granted by the court.
You will be disqualified for a firearms permit if you have a NYS felony or "serious offense" conviction as defined below. It is advised you disclose your convictions from any jurisdiction as accurately as possible. Convictions from out- of-state may require additional evaluation.
The Second Amendment Permits The Disarming of “Dangerous” Felons. Each year, more than 8,000 people are convicted for unlawful possession of a firearm under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g). About 90% of those cases arose from gun possession by a felon.
A Certificate of Relief from Civil Disabilities is a Certificate issued by a Court or the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision which restores a person's civil right following a conviction. It can also be used to restore a person's firearms rights.
For those with more than one conviction, the court may restore firearms rights two years after completion of sentence for most felonies, or after 10 years for a serious felony (such as murder or sexual assault). For a person convicted of a “dangerous felony” firearms rights may only be restored by pardon.
The Second Amendment does not protect any right, it prohibits government from infringing on a right. The idea is that a felon has lost his rights, thus government is not infringing on any right by denying felons lawful ownership of guns.