Firearm Rights Restoration in North Carolina


I am often asked if you can obtain a North Carolina Concealed Carry Handgun Permit or Purchase Permit in North Carolina if you have a Criminal Record. My first advice is to seek legal representation. In North Carolina, if you have been convicted of a felony you may petition the district court where you reside to have your firearms rights restored. Your civil rights must have been restored for a period of at least 20 years and you must have been charged with a non-violent felony.

An offense that includes an assault.The term nonviolent felony does not include a felony classified a Class A, Class B1, Class B2, or a Class C through Class I felony that is one of the following:

  • An offense that includes the possession or use of a firearm or other deadly weapon.
  • An armed offense that includes a firearm or deadly weapon.A
  • An offense for which the offender must register under G.S. Article 27A of Chapter 14.

Prior to petitioning to have your firearm rights restored, you must meet the following criteria:

  • You must be a resident of North Carolina at least one year or longer.
  • You must have only one felony conviction, and, it must be for a nonviolent felony. Multiple felony convictions from the same event with consolidated sentencing count as one felony in the State of North Carolina.
  • Your rights of citizenship must have been restored pursuant to Chapter 13 of the General Statutes for a period of at least 20 years before filing the petition.
  • You have not been convicted under the laws of the United States, the laws of North Carolina, or the laws of any other state of a misdemeanor since the conviction of the nonviolent felony.
  • You agree to submit your fingerprints to the sheriff of the county in which you reside for a criminal background check
  • You are not disqualified under the conditions above.

As stated initially, you are strongly urged to seek legal counsel for fair representation as I am not a lawyer, affiliated with any legal agency or authorized to give legal advice regarding laws and the restoration of firearm rights in North Carolina.

Source: NC DOJ


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