Expert: n/a - 9/28/2008

Question
QUESTION: I was convicted of non violent felony in Illinois in 1979. applied for hearing w/ state police in about 1989 and was given gun rights back [foid card].  Moved to Arkansas in 2002, was told Ar honored other states ror, but can't find it anywhere in statutes.  Have expired [2003 Il foid card] and have contacted Il State Police for copy of letter giving me decision to ror.  Am I legal in Ar?  Thank you so much!!!

ANSWER: According to Federal Laws (not Ar laws) if you have full restoration of rights from the state in which you was convicted you do not fall under the firearm ban law.  Now if you don't have a firearm permit that has reciprocity in Ar then you better not get caught carrying any weapons.  My advice is to apply for an Ar firearm permit submitting your Ill ROR letter and wait to see what happens or apply for a non resident virginia or Florida permit I beleive both have reciprocity in Ar.  Both states definately respect full restoration of rights as long as its from the state you was convicted in.

Good Luck

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I had found a statute via the computer a few years ago that basically said Ar honored other states ROR. I had assumed it meant all states, but apparently it's just limited to the two in your answer?  Thanks again!

Answer
I don't understand what you are saying about only two states recognize Ar restoration of rights.  I just mentioned two states that have non-resident firearm permits with reciprocity in Arkansas.  I didn't say these are the only two states that recognize ror.  But there are a lot of state that will not give a convicted felon a firearm permit unless you had a pardon or expungement meaning it is not on your records any longer.  States like North Carolina, Utah and Arizona etc.  Even NY will recognize restoration of rights for their firearm permit in certain cases.


Good Luck