The right to bear arms is not a universal right. Although our gun trust attorneys serve firearms owners in North Carolina, Florida and Tennessee, there is federal gun legislation that affects gun ownership across the entire nation. State laws can add additional requirements.

Who can’t own a gun? It is illegal for individuals to own a gun if they:
  • Were once a United States citizen, but have renounced their citizenship.
  • Are residing illegally in the US.
  • Are a fugitive.
  • Were convicted of a crime with a prison sentence of at least one year. Unless the individual was pardoned, the conviction was expunged, or their civil rights were restored—they will not be legally permitted to own or be in a receipt of a firearm.
  • Were dishonorable discharged from the military.
  • Are subject to an order of protection or convicted of a crime of misdemeanor domestic violence.
  • Are under indictment in a court for a crime with the potential for imprisonment for over a year.
  • Are addicted to, or illegally use, any controlled substances, such as: Marijuana, narcotics, depressants or stimulants.
  • Were committed to a mental institution.
What happens if someone breaks the law and illegally owns or possesses a gun? Federal sentencing includes punishment of up to 10 years in prison. If the convicted criminal has a history of three or more similar convictions, the minimum sentence is 15 years. If the convicted individual was illegally carrying a firearm while committing a drug offense, 5 years in prison are added to their sentence.