A felony is not the only conviction that can restrict gun rights. Federal law also prohibits firearm possession after a qualifying misdemeanor crime of domestic violence, and state laws can disqualify people for specified violent, weapons, drug, stalking, DUI, or other misdemeanors.
Misdemeanor vs felony
The distinction usually reflects offense seriousness and authorized punishment, but classifications differ by jurisdiction. Firearm consequences are created by separate statutes, so a misdemeanor can sometimes produce a firearm disability while a particular record-relief order can change the effect of a felony.
Federal misdemeanor domestic violence rule
18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(9) applies to qualifying misdemeanor crimes of domestic violence. Whether a conviction qualifies depends on statutory elements, the relationship requirement, and federal case law.
State misdemeanor restrictions
States may impose firearm restrictions for domestic violence, stalking, weapons offenses, repeat DUI, or other enumerated misdemeanors. The state pages on Gun Felony identifies notable prohibited-person and restoration differences.
Do not rely on the label alone
The safest research method is to obtain the judgment and charging statute, identify the maximum possible penalty and elements, and then compare the conviction with current federal and state firearm law.
Use the 50-state directory
Firearm eligibility is unusually dependent on jurisdiction. Review the individual page for every state and the District of Columbia for restoration rules, carry and acquisition policy comparisons, official code links, and state-specific keyword FAQs.
Read the major court cases
Current firearm law is changing through litigation. The 25-case library covers Bruen, Rahimi, Hemani, Wolford, recent § 922(g)(1) circuit cases, ACCA sentencing, purchaser licensing, sensitive places, magazine limits, ghost guns, age limits, and other decisions affecting the answer.