DUI and Handguns in NC

As is often the case with the law, the answer to this question is “it depends.” Generally, you must have either a North Carolina Concealed Handgun Permit or a North Carolina Handgun Purchase Permit to purchase a handgun. The Concealed Handgun Permit allows you to carry a handgun concealed in certain situations, while the Handgun Purchase Permit simply allows you to purchase a handgun.

In North Carolina there are many requirements you must meet in order to obtain one of the handgun permits mentioned above, as well as many reasons to deny you from obtaining one of these permits. This FAQ does not address all these requirements and reasons for disqualification, just those that pertain to DWI convictions. So let’s take a look at the requirements to obtain each type of permit as it concerns DWI.

North Carolina Concealed Handgun Permit and DWI Convictions

As hinted at, the North Carolina General Statutes (N.C.G.S.) dictate who qualifies for a North Carolina Concealed Handgun Permit. As these statutes pertain directly to DWI, you cannot be granted such a permit if you have been convicted of an impaired driving offense listed below within three years prior to the date your application is submitted. Those impaired driving offenses include the following:

This essentially means that if you have been convicted of one of these three offenses, you must wait three years from the date of your conviction to submit your application for your North Carolina Concealed Handgun Permit.

To read more about the other requirements to obtain a North Carolina Concealed Handgun Permit, see N.C.G.S. 14-415.12.

a dui is not the end of the road

North Carolina Handgun Purchase Permit and DWI Convictions

Even if you don’t qualify to get your North Carolina Concealed Handgun Permit because of an impaired driving conviction, you may still be able to purchase a handgun by obtaining your North Carolina Handgun Purchase Permit. As it pertains to DWI, the relevant law indicates that such a permit may not be issued to you if you are under an indictment for or have been convicted in any state, or in any court of the United States, of a felony. Since DWI related convictions are typically classified as misdemeanors and not felonies, North Carolina law does not seem to prohibit you from purchasing a handgun by obtaining your North Carolina Handgun Purchase Permit when you are convicted of DWI.

To read more about the other requirements to obtain a North Carolina Concealed Handgun Permit, see N.C.G.S. 14-404.

Although North Carolina law does not seem to prohibit it, the better inquiry may regard federal law; that is, under federal law does a DWI conviction prohibit you from possessing a handgun?

Have You Been Arrested for a DWI in Charlotte, NC?

If you are facing DWI charges, you need to speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. Please contact us online or call our Charlotte office directly at 980.207.3355 to schedule your free consultation.

 

C. Todd Browning
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Charlotte Criminal Defense and DWI Lawyer