How to Exercise Your Gun Rights as a Felon in Florida

If you have been convicted of a felony in Florida, you may have lost your right to bear arms. This can be difficult to process, especially if you enjoyed target shooting or hunting prior to your conviction. Despite this clear-cut ban, you may be able to exercise your rights in certain ways. This may be something worth discussing with a lawyer, especially if you already face gun violations in Fort Myers.

Try to Get Your Gun Rights Back

If a certain amount of time has passed since your conviction, you may be able to restore your gun rights. You must meet certain requirements, and you’re generally ineligible if your crime was violent or particularly heinous. This could be something worth exploring with legal professionals.

Choose an Antique Firearm 

One of the most notable gray areas of Florida law involves antique firearms. Florida does not consider many of these antiques as “firearms” under the letter of the law. As a result, it may be possible to possess an antique firearm as a felon in Florida with no additional legal steps.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission openly states that felons may hunt in the Sunshine State with antique firearms. The Commission notes that these antiques include firearms manufactured before 1918. These firearms often operate using matchlock, flintlock, percussion cap, and other systems. These firearms can be enjoyable to use and legal to hunt with.

Even if you do not plan to hunt, you can also engage in target shooting with these antique firearms (providing you are in an area where it is legal to shoot). You can also possess an antique firearm and keep it in your home, although you may want to review your legal situation if you live with children or other adults.

Once you use the antique firearm during a crime, it becomes a legal firearm. This means that you will face the full penalties associated with possessing a firearm as a felon, in addition to any other offenses related to the underlying crime.

Felons might also consider using alternative weapons for hunting or target practice. An obvious example is a crossbow. These powerful weapons are popular among certain hunters, and they are also silent. The same logic applies to bows.

Check the Conditions of Your Parole 

With all that said, it is important to review the specific conditions of your parole before you purchase any weapons. Sometimes, parole prevents felons from owning any weapons, including antique firearms or crossbows.

Can a Gun Violation Lawyer in Fort Myers Help Me? 

A gun violation lawyer in Fort Myers may be able to help if you face charges due to your past felony conviction. A lawyer can also offer advice if you’re searching for ways to hunt or target shoot without breaking the law. For more information, feel free to contact The Foley & Wilson Law Firm at your earliest convenience.

Sources:

 nraila.org/gun-laws/state-gun-laws/florida/

myfwc.com/hunting/regulations/felony/