Does a conviction of delivery or possession with intent prohibit gun possession or purchases?
Felony Conviction = Lifetime Firearm Ban
A Pennsylvania charge of drug delivery or possession with intent to deliver is a felony. Under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g), federal law prohibits firearm possession by anyone convicted of a felony. If a convicted felon is found in possession of a gun, they can face new felony charges and severe prison time. Prosecutors often seek aggressive sentencing, including mandatory jail terms for violations of this federal law.
Can a Felon in Pennsylvania Restore Gun Rights?
Yes—but only through a pardon. Under federal law, anyone convicted of a felony is prohibited for life from owning, possessing, or attempting to purchase a firearm. This lifetime gun ban does not expire with time and is not automatically removed from your record.
Some websites falsely claim that felony convictions disappear from Pennsylvania criminal records after a few years. That is not true. In Pennsylvania, felony convictions remain on your record permanently unless you take legal action to remove them.
The Pardon Process: What to Expect
Restoring your rights through a pardon takes time, effort, and planning.
⏳ Timeframe: The pardon process takes approximately 3 years from submission to final approval.
💼 Preparation: A strong application with detailed personal statements, supporting documents, letters of recommendation, and a clear explanation of need (like restoring gun rights) is essential.
💰 Cost: Preparing a persuasive and complete pardon request often requires the assistance of an experienced Pennsylvania pardon attorney.
The stronger the application, the higher the likelihood of success.
Free Consultation With an Experienced Pardon Attorney
For a free case review, contact JD Law by email or leave a message at (814) 689-9139. Email is the preferred method of communication, as phone calls are directed to voicemail due to the high volume of spam and unsolicited calls.