After an initial felony conviction, civil rights may be automatically restored, with the exception of the right to own a firearm. After all judgment requirements have been met (including any fines and redress), rights are automatically restored.
In these cases, the US Bureau of Prisons or the Arizona Department of Corrections grants full parole to first-time offenders. This relief means a restoration of civil rights only if all payments and requirements have been met. If fines or remedial payments have not yet been paid in full, first-time offenders must seek restoration of their civil rights through the same process as anyone with a criminal conviction.
What can cause you to lose your right to bear arms in Arizona?
Arizona’s gun laws are relatively lax. It is seventh in the list of states with the highest number of registered guns. However, when it comes to gun ownership for convicted felons, Arizona takes a tougher stance. Anyone convicted of a felony in Arizona automatically loses the right to own firearms and ammunition. Crimes include theft of $2,000 or more of property, burglary, drug offenses, aggravated domestic violence, aggravated assault, fraudulent use of a credit card, forgery, and certain dangerous crimes against children.
As someone convicted of a crime (and whose rights have not been restored), if you are found in possession of a firearm, you risk severe penalties, even if the gun is not yours. This is an additional felony charge under Section 13-3102 of the Revised Arizona Statutes. This law states that the unlawful possession or possession of a deadly weapon as a felon is known as gun-related misconduct and is a Class 4 felony. This offense is generally punishable by 4.5 years in prison for those with felony convictions.
Housing
Ex-offenders may have difficulty finding housing. Criminal reviews are part of most rental and lease agreements. Since the apartment or house is private property, the property manager has the right not to accept your application.
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employment
Q: What is the minimum sentence for a crime in Arizona?
The minimum sentence for a Class 6 felony in Arizona is 6 months in prison. Under certain circumstances, the judge can reduce this to a milder sentence of 4 months imprisonment or, if necessary, a suspended sentence.
Yes, first time offenders are eligible for parole in Arizona if they do not have a criminal record in Arizona or any other state where conviction would be considered a felony in Arizona. That being said, sentencing rests with the judge, so parole isn’t always guaranteed for first-time offenders.
Arizona also recognizes valid permits from other states if the following conditions are met:
- The permit or license is recognized as valid in the issuing state.
- The permit or license holder is a lawful resident of Arizona.
- There is no law prohibiting the possession of a firearm in Arizona for a permit or license holder.
- The person is under 18 years old.
- The person is charged with a felony in any jurisdiction, or has been convicted of a felony, unless that conviction is vacated, vacated or vacated, or the person’s rights have been restored and is not currently an possessor ban under federal or state law.