Legal Question in Criminal Law in California

Certificate of rehabilitation / governor's pardon

The only way to restore your firearms rights following a straight felony conviction is to obtain either a California certificate of rehabilitation or a California governor's pardon.

If you successfully obtain either of these forms of relief, your gun rights will be restored subject to one final limitation: if you have suffered any felony conviction that involved the use of a dangerous weapon, there is no way to restore your firearms rights.20 California law defines "dangerous weapon" as any weapon, instrument, or object capable of being used to inflict great bodily injury or death.21

To really figure out which of these laws apply to a specific individual, what's a person to do?

I got a Certificate of Rehabilitation from orange county superior court i found this information on Shouse Law Group in California can you explain why i can't get my rights back...


Asked on 11/08/11, 10:09 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
Michael Stone Law Offices of Michael B. Stone Toll Free 1-855-USE-MIKE

Why didn't you say you had a certificate of rehabilitation? Is there still more to the story you're holding back? Contact the Cal Dept of Justice. Maybe you do have the ability to purchase a firearm.

Read more
Answered on 11/08/11, 10:13 pm
Terry A. Nelson Nelson & Lawless

Because federal law does not recognize the CA certificate as affecting or removing your conviction, and federal law prohibits any felon from possessing firearms.

Read more
Answered on 11/09/11, 2:16 am


Related Questions & Answers

More Criminal Law questions and answers in California