Shallotte Gun Rights Restoration Lawyer

Gun Rights Restoration Attorney in Shallotte, NC

Many people consider gun rights to be a fundamental aspect of their individual freedom. The right to keep and bear arms is often rooted in a respect for sovereignty and limited government, as well as the right to defend oneself from aggression. But when your gun rights have been lost due to legal issues, you need a different type of defense. A skilled Shallotte gun rights restoration lawyer can help you regain this valuable and fundamental right.

Choose W. James Payne Law Firm

The W. James Payne Law Firm is committed to defending the life, liberty, and property of clients. Mr. Payne has been practicing law since 1984 and served as a judge for 5 of his 30 years in the United States Marines. This background, coupled with a deep knowledge of gun rights restoration laws, positions this law firm as a valuable resource for anyone fighting to reclaim their right to bear arms. Our team can also explain the difference between a felony and misdemeanor in North Carolina to clarify how different convictions impact your eligibility.

How Can a Person Lose Their Right to Own a Firearm?

While the right to own a firearm is constitutionally protected, certain legal convictions or personal circumstances can suspend or even revoke this right. According to 18. U.S.C. 922(g), these conditions include if the individual is:

• Convicted of a felony, punishable by more than one year in prison
• A fugitive from justice
• An unlawful user of or addicted to controlled substances
• Adjudicated as mentally defective or placed in a mental institution
• An illegal or unlawful alien in the U.S. under a non-immigrant visa, with limited exceptions
• Dishonorably discharged from the Armed Forces
• Someone who has renounced U.S. citizenship
• Subject to certain domestic protection orders
• Convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence
• Under indictment for a felony

If any of these apply to you, you should hire a skilled Shallotte misdemeanor criminal defense lawyer to address the underlying charges affecting your record. Drawing on extensive knowledge of state and federal legislation, we can help you confront even the most serious legal issues and present a strong case to protect and restore your rights.

Understanding Gun Rights Restoration Laws in North Carolina

A gun rights restoration case in North Carolina may cite North Carolina General Statute 14-415.4. This important legislation details the process by which an individual may pursue the restoration of their rights under certain conditions. It generally requires a waiting period after a prison sentence and probation. In addition, anyone petitioning for these rights to be restored may not have criminal charges at the time, and the court must determine they are no longer a threat to public safety.

When you hire a gun rights restoration lawyer from our firm, we can help you understand the process you must follow and guide you every step of the way. Whether your rights were lost because of a mistake or a miscarriage of justice, our team can work to understand your situation and pursue a favorable outcome on your behalf. We can also help you understand what is considered criminal intent in North Carolina to strengthen your petition for restoration.

Why Our Law Firm Is Passionate About Gun Rights Restoration

Gun deaths have increased by 33% in 2024 over the past decade, nearly twice the national average. During the first half of 2025, firearms were used in 73% of homicides, 45% of robberies, and 39% of aggravated assaults.

Many people call on The W. James Payne Law Firm because of our passion for protecting the liberties of clients. About 45.8% of individuals in North Carolina are estimated to own firearms, which shows how many people in our state value this precious Constitutional right. We believe that even those who have had legal troubles can restore this right in the correct circumstances.

FAQs

Can Gun Rights Be Partially Restored?

Yes, gun rights can be partially restored in some cases. Depending on the case’s circumstances, North Carolina can restore a person’s firearm rights, though restrictions may still be in place from federal authorities. When you hire a gun rights restoration lawyer, they can help you understand how your rights may be impacted at the state and federal levels.

What Court Handles Gun Rights Restoration in Shallotte?

Gun rights restoration cases in Shallotte are typically handled by the District Court of Brunswick County. This is where you could appear before a District Judge based on the petition filed for the restoration of your gun rights. Your attorney can provide more insight into court schedules, expectations, and processes.

How Long Does the Gun Rights Restoration Process Take?

The gun rights restoration process can vary in length depending on several factors. Filing petitions is usually the first task, and then the court must review your criminal history, eligibility in accordance with the law, and any supporting documents to prove your character or support your case. The state may object to your original petition, which can lengthen the process.

What About People With Multiple Felonies?

People with multiple felonies can still apply for gun rights restoration, though their legal history can complicate the process. The court can consider the nature of the offenses, whether they’re violent, and their potential overlap. They may also consider how much time has passed since each felony, as well as your record of behavior since then.

Schedule a Consultation With a Gun Rights Restoration Lawyer Today

Gun rights and restoration pursuits can create a complex overlap of legal issues and community concerns. There’s a mixture of federal and state regulations, as well as the ever-present debate between individual rights and public safety. Our law firm understands these complexities, and our mission is to pursue your case with the seriousness and conviction it deserves, because we understand how important gun rights are to our clients.

Our firm has received many awards and positive reviews for our deep commitment to justice. With over 40 years of experience and thousands of cases defended, we bring the type of legal knowledge you can feel confident in. We can offer honest, straightforward advice, translating our extensive case-specific experience into custom counsel to serve each client’s needs. When you’re ready to make a case for reclaiming your gun rights, reach out to us.

Shallotte, NC Gun Rights Restoration Resources

• Learn about the statute of limitations for federal crimes
• See examples of the most common federal crimes
• Find out if you can go to jail for a misdemeanor in North Carolina