Expert: n/a - 10/21/2008

Question
I turn 21 in two months and I was wondering if I could legally purchase a handgun and a CCW.  I have a 4 and a half year old misdemeanor conviction for injury to personal property ($800) and a 3 year old dismissed simple assault (also a misdemeanor, it was dismissed because of a deferred prosecution agreement), both of these occurred before my 18th birthday (I was tried as an adult in both) and have not affected my purchase of a shotgun and a rifle.  I also have a general discharge from the Marines for fraudulent entry (I've asked several people about this and they said it wouldn't affect my buying any kind of gun).  I've looked into whether or I can buy a handgun and get a CCW permit in NC and I couldn't understand the way the laws were written.  Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Answer
North Carolina has very strict laws when it comes to firearms.  A felon is definately restricted in the state of NC even with restoration of rights.  You should be cleared with a misdemeanor there is nothing restricting you from getting a firarm but I would try for the CCW first.

You may want to call NC Dept. of Law Enforcement they will give you a straight answer.  According to federal laws you are not restricted from firearm purchases as long as you don't have a domestic violence conviction or an order of protection.

Good Luck