Can You Get Your Gun Rights Back After a Felony in Kentucky?
A felony conviction can affect many parts of your life long after you have completed your sentence. One question that often comes up is whether you can legally own or possess a firearm again. In Kentucky, the answer is possible in some circumstances, but restoring your gun rights is not as simple as completing your sentence or having your voting rights restored.
What happens to your gun rights after a felony?
Under Kentucky law, a person convicted of a felony generally cannot possess, manufacture, or transport a firearm. Kentucky Revised Statutes § 527.040 provides an exception when the person has received a full pardon from the Governor of Kentucky or the President of the United States, or certain federal relief.
This means that simply finishing probation, parole, or incarceration does not automatically restore your right to possess a firearm.
Kentucky’s restoration of civil rights process also does not restore firearm rights. The state specifically explains that restoration of civil rights, such as the right to vote or hold public office, is separate from the right to possess a firearm. A criminal defense lawyer can help you understand whether you may qualify for an exception or other form of relief.
Can a pardon restore your firearm rights?
A full pardon may provide a path to restoring firearm rights under Kentucky law. Kentucky’s Governor accepts applications for pardons and commutations. The application requires information about previous and pending charges and convictions, employment history, an explanation of why a pardon should be granted, and at least three letters of recommendation. Applying does not guarantee that a pardon will be granted.
The distinction between a full pardon and a partial restoration of civil rights is important. A partial pardon that restores voting or other civil rights does not, by itself, restore firearm rights.
What about federal law?
Even if you receive relief under Kentucky law, federal law may still prohibit you from possessing a firearm. Federal law generally prohibits people convicted of qualifying felonies from possessing firearms under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1).
There is now a federal restoration process under 18 U.S.C. § 925(c). The U.S. Department of Justice has announced a phased launch of its Federal Firearm Rights Restoration program. Applications are scheduled to open to invited candidates on September 25, 2026, with a broader public opening planned for November 4, 2026.
The federal process is separate from Kentucky’s procedures. Federal relief does not automatically remove a state-law firearm prohibition, so both sets of laws may need to be considered.
Talk to a Kentucky criminal defense attorney
If you have a felony conviction and want to know whether you can legally possess a firearm, do not assume that your rights have been restored simply because you completed your sentence or received a civil rights restoration. The specific conviction, the jurisdiction where it occurred, any pardon or other relief, and applicable federal law can all matter.
At Hoffman Walker & Knauf, we can help you understand your legal options and determine what steps may be available in your circumstances. Before purchasing, possessing, or handling a firearm, it is important to make sure you are legally permitted to do so. Contact us today to discuss your situation.
