One of the most serious and long-lasting consequences of a felony conviction in North Carolina is the loss of your right to purchase, own, or possess a firearm. This isn’t just a theoretical issue—it affects employment, recreation, personal protection, and everyday life for residents of Hickory, Catawba County, Burke County, and neighboring areas.
If you’re facing a felony charge or already have a felony conviction on your record, understanding how state and federal law treat firearm rights is critical to protecting your future. If you’re facing a misdemeanor charge, check out our blog “Will a Misdemeanor Affect my Gun Rights in North Carolina”.
North Carolina’s Felony Firearms Ban: A Lifetime Prohibition
Under North Carolina’s Felony Firearms Act (G.S. § 14-415.1), it is unlawful for anyone convicted of a felony to:
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Purchase
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Own
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Possess
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Have a firearm in their custody, care, or control
This prohibition applies to:
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Convictions in North Carolina
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Convictions in other states
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Federal convictions
Even if the felony occurred many years ago, the ban typically remains in place. Antique firearms are the rare exception. North Carolina General Assembly+1
Violating this prohibition is itself a Class G felony, punishable by significant prison time if you are found in possession of a gun.
How Federal Law Intersects With State Law
In addition to North Carolina’s statute, federal law (under the Gun Control Act of 1968) also prohibits anyone convicted of a crime punishable by more than one year in prison from possessing firearms. This means that even if a state were to restore firearm rights, federal prohibitions might remain in effect. Wikipedia
This dual restriction makes the loss of firearm rights one of the most consequential effects of a felony conviction.
Are There Any Exceptions for Certain Felonies?
North Carolina law includes very limited exceptions, such as for convictions involving:
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Antitrust violations
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Unfair trade practices
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Restraints of trade
If your felony is solely in one of these unusual categories, firearm prohibitions might not automatically apply—but this is rare and legally complex.
Can You Regain Gun Rights After a Felony Conviction?
Yes—but not automatically and only in very specific circumstances under N.C.G.S. § 14-415.4. North Carolina allows some people convicted of a single nonviolent felony to petition the court to restore their firearm rights, but strict criteria apply: North Carolina General Assembly
To qualify for restoration:
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You must be a resident of North Carolina for at least one year.
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You must have been convicted of only one nonviolent felony (with certain consolidated cases counting as a single conviction).
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Your civil rights must have already been restored under North Carolina law.
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Typically, 20 years must have passed since the end of your sentence or release before you can file a petition.
If the court grants your petition, your gun rights can be restored under state law—but your record is not “expunged,” and federal restrictions may still apply unless additional relief (such as a federal pardon) is obtained. North Carolina General Assembly
It’s important to note that a felony conviction does not automatically become expunged just because rights are restored, and restoration may trigger a background check and court hearing procedures. North Carolina Courts
What If You Don’t Qualify for Restoration?
If you are convicted of a violent felony or have multiple felony convictions, the chances of restoring firearm rights under the statute are extremely limited. In some cases, individuals pursue:
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Expungement (if eligible)—which, in some circumstances, can open the door to firearm rights restoration.
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Pardons from the Governor—rare but possible under extraordinary circumstances
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Civil rights litigation—arguing constitutional grounds (complex and case-specific)
None of these options are guaranteed, and each involves detailed legal requirements.
Local Perspective: Why This Matters in Hickory and Surrounding Areas
In Western North Carolina—Hickory, Catawba County, Burke County, and beyond—gun rights are deeply valued by many residents. A felony conviction affecting those rights can impact everything from hunting and sport shooting to self-defense and job opportunities.
If you are charged with a felony—or already have one on your record—early legal guidance from an experienced criminal defense attorney can make a critical difference in:
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Reducing or avoiding felony charges
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Understanding how convictions will affect your future rights
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Planning a strategy for potential restoration
A proactive approach can prevent further legal complications and help protect your constitutional rights where possible.
Contact King & Rowe, Attorneys at Law
If you’re facing felony charges or have questions about how a conviction affects your firearm rights in Hickory, NC or surrounding communities, reach out for trusted legal guidance:
King & Rowe, Attorneys at Law
📍 Serving Hickory, NC and surrounding communities
📞 Phone: 828-466-3858
📧 Email: kingrowelaw@gmail.com
🌐 Website: www.kingrowelaw.com
