I was recently granted a 17(b) and had my felony burglary charge (459.5) dropped a misdemeanor. The judge also granted informal probation, removing me from formal probation. I’m still subject to search and seizure, however. When I was on formal probation, I was not allowed to possess a firearm. Am I able to purchase a firearm now that my conviction was reduced and I was placed on informal probation?
No. Once convicted of any felony, you become, under both federal and state law, a 'prohibited person' permanently barred from owning or possessing any firearm, Expungement under 17b or other process does not change that.