If a felony conviction is expunged can the person own a handgun?

Answer 1

Normally as long as the person has no felony record, they can own a firearm. A case sealed or expunged has the same effects as not having occurred in the first place. So, in short, the answer is yes.

Answer 2

Expunged only? No. A felon must have his rights restored.

Explanation added: An expungement only removes the offense from being viewed by the general public - law enforcement, the courts, and government agencies still have access to it.

Answer 3

If an otherwise felon's case is expunged, they may own a firearm, provided there are no other felony records. Expunction of a case gives it the same effects as no case to begin with. The same is true if a case is sealed vs. expunged. A sealed case means that only certain law-enforcement or Government agency can view it. Another type of conviction is known as adjudication withheld, meaning that if the otherwise felon successfully completed their probation and other sanctions, there would be no record of guilt, though the case may still be viewable by the public. However, an adjudication withheld case allows the person to own or possess firearms, barring any other types of firearm restriction, such as a domestic violence offense.

Answer 4

I am not a lawyer.

What can be expunged depends on your state. For example, your state may only allow Class C felonies to be expunged, and not Class A or B. The nature of the crime may also be a factor (regardless whether it is a misdemeanor or a felony). For example, sex related crime may not be expungeable.

Answer 5

No. An expungement does not absolve your felony - it just makes it less visible to the general public. Under federal law, a convicted felon may not purchase, possess, or be allowed access to firearms, ammunition, or ballistic armor. Expunged or not, a felon in possession of any of those things is a federal felony, and will get them a ten year sentence.

Answer 6

If it's has just been expunged, no. In order to own a gun after a felony, you must petition to have your rights restored, which is not the same thing as an expungement.