North Carolina Certificate of Restoration of Citizenship

One way for felons to once again own a firearm is to have their records expunged. The process depends on whether their felony conviction was from the state or the federal government.For example, federal law prohibits individuals that are convicted of a misdemeanor domestic violence from ever owning a firearm.

As your lawyer, there are three possible ways that I could have your gun rights restored if you have a North Carolina felony conviction on your record: Expunge a nonviolent felony conviction.We can apply for restoration of rights 20 years after the end of your active sentence or the end of your probation.

All firearms rights lost for felony conviction; may be regained from the court through a set-aside, if the conviction was for a non-violent offense, or from the court two years after discharge. Persons convicted of a dangerous offense must wait ten years.

Expunge a nonviolent felony conviction.If you do not qualify for expunction, I may still be able to restore your right to own a gun, even though the conviction will stay on your record. We can apply for restoration of rights 20 years after the end of your active sentence or the end of your probation.

Completion of a felony sentence alone does not lift the federal firearms ban. Although North Carolina law restores a person's civil rights after the person completes his or her sentence, it continues to impose a firearms ban.

A certificate of relief is a court order. It reflects the court's determinationafter notice to the prosecutor and victim and, if requested by the court, investigation by a probation officerthat the petitioner should be granted relief.

Can my right to own a firearm ever be restored?It allows a North Carolina resident with one single nonviolent felony conviction to petition in district court for the restoration of their right to possess a firearm, if they had their civil right restored after serving their sentence at least 20 years ago.