In the U.S., the Second Amendment is considered by many to be an indispensable safeguard of our national and personal security. It is important for Americans to have the right to bear arms or be allowed to protect themselves using a firearm. When you lose your right to own or use a gun due to legal issues, you need a strong defense. Hire a skilled Leland gun rights restoration lawyer to help you protect your Second Amendment rights.

The W. James Payne Law Firm is your local Leland gun rights restoration attorney, committed to defending residents in North Carolina when they need it most. Our legal team is passionate about protecting liberty and the right to bear arms. Let us leverage our 40 years of experience with gun rights restoration laws to help you regain your Second Amendment rights.
The debate over guns, gun rights, and public safety concerns continues to be a contentious issue in the U.S. and North Carolina. In North Carolina, there were 1,767 firearm deaths in 2023. In 2024, gun-related deaths increased by 33% in North Carolina.
There are various reasons a North Carolina resident may lose their gun rights, including:
Currently, gun rights restoration laws are stated in the legislative N.C. Statute §14-415.4 – Petition for Restoration of Firearms Rights. Generally, the statute states that a person convicted of a non-violent felony whose civil rights have been restored for the required number of years can petition the district court in which they reside to restore their gun rights.
A petitioner must meet the following criteria:
A petitioner who does not meet any of the disqualifying actions set in N.C. Statute §14-415.4 (e) Disqualifiers Requiring Denial of Petition may be granted a restoration of gun rights by the court.
Every person seeking gun rights restoration must attend a hearing along with the District Attorney. For residents of Leland, NC, the hearing is held at the Brunswick County Courthouse at 310 Government Center Drive in Bolivia. It is recommended due to the complexity of the gun rights restoration laws and the need to submit appropriate forms and attend a hearing that you seek the legal advice of a Leland gun rights restoration attorney.
The W. James Payne Law Firm is passionately committed to defending the rights of those seeking to restore their right to bear arms. Mr. Payne has over four decades of legal experience with North Carolina law and gun rights, and has also served as a Colonel and Judge in the United States Marine Corps. Attorney Payne is highly respected and well-known for working tirelessly for a positive outcome for his clients.
The cost to hire a lawyer to restore your gun rights in North Carolina varies depending on the complexity of your gun rights restoration case. If you have a criminal record with a non-violent felony and no recent charges, then costs will likely be lower, and the case can likely be settled out of court. Costs increase when a court hearing is required, and the hearing requires legal documentation such as a character affidavit.
Yes, a convicted felon can get gun rights restored in North Carolina if they have lived in the state for a year and meet all the criteria under § 14-415.4. for restoration of firearms rights. The restoration of gun rights only applies to the state of North Carolina. Consider consulting with a local gun rights restoration lawyer who is familiar with this complex legal statute and how it applies to the state versus federal laws.
The length of time it takes to restore your gun rights depends on the county court scheduling and the time it takes to file a petition, fill out forms, and pay court fees. Your eligibility will have to be determined, as well as whether or not you are deemed to be a threat to the public. In Leland, NC If your petition is denied, you will have to wait a year to reapply.
The actions that can cause a person to lose gun rights in North Carolina include a felony conviction for a violent crime or domestic violence, or if you are under a restraining order for domestic violence, have been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of violence, or are caught using illegal drugs. Also, if you receive a mental health adjudication or are committed to a mental health institution, you lose gun rights in the state of North Carolina.
Gun rights and public safety laws result in a complicated set of legal issues that overlap between the state and the federal government. The W. James Payne Law Firm pursues your case aggressively and gives it the personal attention you deserve. Our legal team is honest and straightforward, so you will know where your case stands at all times.
Contact us today to get started on restoring your right to bear arms. We can schedule a consultation to discuss the details of your circumstances.