media | January 16, 2026

Can my wife own a gun if I'm a felon in California?

California gun laws prohibit individuals from owning, possessing, or purchasing a gun if they have been convicted of certain offenses. Though California Penal Code 29800 is commonly known as the “felon with a firearm law”, the law also applies to those who have been convicted of certain misdemeanor offenses.

Can a felon live with someone who has guns in California?

Penal Code Section 29800 states that any person who has been convicted of, or has an outstanding warrant for, a felony under the laws of the United States, the State of California, or any other state, government, or country, or of who is addicted to the use of any narcotic drug, may not own, purchase, receive, or ...

Can a felon get gun rights back in California?

Under California law, a person may request a pardon and certificate of rehabilitation to restore their firearm rights provided the offense did not involve a firearm. If a felony is reduced to a misdemeanor, that will restore a person's firearm rights under federal law unless it was for a domestic violence offense.

What rights do felons lose in California?

In California, convicted felons will lose the following rights:

  • Voting rights.
  • Ability to travel abroad.
  • Gun ownership.
  • Jury service.
  • Employment in certain fields.
  • Public assistance and housing.
  • Parental rights.

What disqualifies you from owning a gun in California?

Purchase, possession, or receipt of a firearm or deadly weapon by a person who has been adjudicated to be a mentally disordered sex offender or found to be mentally incompetent to stand trial, or not guilty by reason of insanity, and individuals placed under conservatorship (Welf.

Can my spouse own a gun if I am a convicted felon?

What is the sentence for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon in California?

Under California law, felons caught in possession of a firearm could face up to three years in prison. That sentence could be reduced by half for good behavior. Some felons caught with guns end up doing time in county jails.

Can I keep a gun in my house in California?

Unless otherwise unlawful, any person over the age of 18 who is not prohibited from possessing firearms may have a loaded or unloaded firearm at his or her place of residence, temporary residence, campsite, or on private property owned or lawfully possessed by the person.

How long till a felony is off your record in California?

A typical timeframe to complete the expungement of a felony in California is about 4-5 months. Cases are heard by the courts in the order in which they were filed.

How long does a felony stay on your record in California?

If you've been convicted of a felony in Los Angeles, that will remain on your criminal record indefinitely. That is, unless, you file a petition to have your conviction expunged. Certain felonies in California can be expunged – or removed – from your record.

How much does it cost to expunge a felony in California?

Including Court Costs, ALL Legal Work and Court Appearances:

Felony Expungement $915* (includes a reduction to a misdemeanor when eligible) Sealing of Juvenile or Diversion Records: $2,250.

Does felony expungement restore gun rights in California?

Once again, California residents are unlucky as Penal Code 1203.4, the expungement provision, explicitly states that it does not restore gun rights to those whose cases are dismissed pursuant to its provisions. Therefore, the federal exception for expunged convictions does not apply.

Can a felon get a passport?

According to USA Today, most felons can get a passport without a problem. This is assuming a person is not currently awaiting trial, on probation or parole or otherwise banned from leaving the country.

What is a wobbler felony in California?

A California "wobbler" felony is a felony that can be charged and punished as either a misdemeanor or a felony. Typically this will be an offense that has a prescribed sentence of either time in county jail or time in state prison, and the degree of punishment is left up to the discretion of the judge.

Can an ex felon be around guns?

Generally speaking, felons are still allowed to associate with or be around someone who owns a gun. However, things can get tricky if the gun is around or if the person lives with them. There are some instances where a convicted felon may be found guilty of “constructive possession” of a firearm.

Can a felon possess ammunition in California?

Penal Code 30305(a)(1) PC – Felon in Possession of Ammunition. California Penal Code 30305(a)(1) PC makes it a crime to own, possess, or have in your custody any ammunition if you are a person prohibited from owning or possessing a firearm.

What is the penalty for having an unregistered gun in California?

Just possessing a loaded or unloaded gun that is not registered is not illegal, but you may face punishment if you take it into a public space. California P.C. 25850 c 6 and California PC 25850 c 7 states that those who carry a loaded firearm that is not registered may face up to one year in county jail and a fine of ...

Does your criminal record clear after 7 years?

The Seven Year Rule

Under federal law, the consumer reporting agencies cannot report an arrest that is over seven years old. However, they may report a conviction no matter how old it is.

Can you do a self expungement in California?

File a DIY Petition for Expungement in California

  1. Obtain a copy of your criminal record. You can get a copy of your record from the superior court.
  2. Complete probation. ...
  3. Pay all fines, fees, and restitution.
  4. In the case of a felony, petition the court to reduce charges. ...
  5. In the case of a misdemeanor, complete and submit CR-180.

How do I get a pardon for a felony in California?

PARDON – NEW APPLICATION

  1. Submit a completed Pardon Application (2 pages) to the Governor's Office. ...
  2. Submit a completed Notice of Intent to Apply for Clemency (1 page) to the district attorney(s) in the county or counties of the conviction(s) for the offense(s) for which you are requesting a pardon.

Does California allow felony expungement?

If you have a felony conviction in California you are in luck, as California has one of the best expungement laws in the country. California Penal Code 1203.4 allows a person with a felony conviction to petition the court to have them re-open the case, set aside the conviction and dismiss the case.

Who can see expunged records in California?

Criminal records are “public records.” So anyone can access a criminal record even after a PC 1203.4 expungement — unless the record is sealed. People who often access criminal records includes potential employers, landlords, and licensing agencies.

What can felons not do?

In addition to not being allowed to serve on a jury in most states, convicted felons are not allowed to apply for federal or state grants, live in public housing, or receive federal cash assistance, SSI or food stamps, among other benefits.

Can you give a gun to a family member in California?

Yes, as long as the adult child receiving the firearm is not in a prohibited category, pdf and the firearm is legal to possess (e.g., not an assault weapon). The transfer of a firearm between a parent and child or a grandparent and grandchild is exempt from the dealer transfer requirement.

Can you carry a gun hiking in California?

Licensed concealed carry is legal generally on BLM land. Unlicensed concealed carry may be legal in your campsite. Loaded and unloaded open carry are illegal in "prohibited areas" including the campground. Loaded and unloaded open carry is legal in "prohibited areas" in your campsite.

Can I carry a gun while camping in California 2021?

Unless otherwise unlawful, any person over the age of 18 who is not prohibited from possessing firearms may have a loaded or unloaded firearm at his or her place of residence, temporary residence, campsite, or on private property owned or lawfully possessed by the person.