What Disqualifies You From Owning a Gun in Arkansas?

If you own a firearm or are thinking about purchasing a firearm in Arkansas, it can be helpful to have a working knowledge of gun laws throughout the state. One easy way to ensure you have the knowledge you need is to work with an Arkansas gun law attorney. However, it’s also helpful to know what disqualifies you from owning a gun in Arkansas.

3 Things That Disqualify You From Owning a Gun in Arkansas

Under federal law, people generally are not allowed to buy or possess a firearm if they have been convicted of a felony or certain domestic violence misdemeanors. The Arkansas government has incorporated some of the federal laws for gun ownership and created its own. In Arkansas, you cannot own or possess a firearm if you are:

• Convicted of a felony
• Determined to be mentally ill by the court
• Involuntarily committed to a mental institution

In Arkansas, you can expect to lose your gun rights if you’re convicted of most crimes. That said, there are rules and exceptions that may affect the outcome of your case, depending on the situation.

By working with an Arkansas lawyer, you can improve your chances of a more favorable outcome in a legal case regarding your gun rights. Your attorney can help you understand your rights and answer any questions you may have along the way.

Penalties for Illegally Possessing a Firearm in Arkansas

Under Arkansas gun law and penalties, illegal possession of a firearm can be considered either a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the circumstances of the case, such as prior convictions, intent, or location of the offense. Here’s a closer look at common gun charges and their crime classifications in Arkansas:

• Possession of a machine gun in the commission of a crime: Class A felony
• Possession of a firearm with a violent felony: Class B felony
• Furnishing a handgun to a minor or a felon: Class B felony
• Possession of a defaced firearm, a firearm with a non-violent felony, or a firearm on or near school grounds: Class D felony
• Unlawful procurement of a firearm: Class D felony
• Possession of a firearm after involuntarily being admitted into a mental institution or after being diagnosed with a mental illness: Class A misdemeanor
• Illegal possession of a handgun by a minor: Class A misdemeanor

If you’re facing federal criminal charges in Arkansas, it can be beneficial to work with a criminal defense attorney from our firm. In addition to protecting you from the criminal justice system, your attorney can negotiate deals, represent you in court, and work toward the lightest possible sentence.

In some cases, they may even be able to get your case dismissed altogether. At Lemley Law Partners, that’s always our goal. Otherwise, we work to ensure that you at least get a fair outcome in your case.

A Bit About Gun Crime in Arkansas

As per the Arkansas crime rate, it is ranked 4th in the country for high violent crime rates and 10th for high property crime rates. Guns play a significant role in gun crime in Arkansas. In recent years, they were the leading cause of death among young victims aged one to 17 years old.

In the last decade, the overall gun death rate has increased by about 30 percent. At the end of 2024, Arkansas had 60,916 guns in the National Crime Information Center’s file. This file houses records of recovered weapons that were abandoned, found, lost, missing, seized, or stolen, as well as weapons that were used while committing a felony.

Gun laws in Arkansas are known to be among the weakest in the nation. Moreover, the state has one of the highest rates of gun deaths in the nation. That’s why it’s important to work with a weapons lawyer if you’re experiencing issues with gun rights in Arkansas.

FAQs

Q: What Types of Guns Are Illegal to Own in Arkansas?

A: It is illegal to own defaced firearms and machine guns in Arkansas, in addition to other arms like bombs and metal knuckles. To legally possess a machine gun in the state, you must be qualified under federal law and have it registered properly. Possession of illegal arms is almost always classified as a felony in Arkansas.

Q: Who Can’t Own a Firearm in Arkansas?

A: People who cannot own a firearm in Arkansas include those who are considered mentally ill, have been committed involuntarily into a mental institution, or have been convicted of a felony. Under certain circumstances, the Governor can restore gun rights after a person loses them. It can be beneficial to work with an Arkansas gun rights attorney to help you with this process.

Q: What Felonies Prevent You From Owning a Gun?

A: In Arkansas, all felonies prevent you from owning a gun. In fact, it’s likely for a person to lose their gun rights if they are convicted of most crimes. A felony conviction typically suspends a person’s gun rights unless the case is dismissed or expunged, or if the person is granted a full pardon. You can still expect to lose gun rights even if you are placed on probation or if your sentence is suspended.

Q: Do I Need a License to Purchase or Own a Gun in Arkansas?

A: You do not need a license to possess, purchase, or own a gun in Arkansas. Additionally, you are not required to have a concealed handgun carry license (CHCL). Once you meet the required age and any other requirements, you can purchase and carry a handgun without any other documentation. Arkansas law also does not require background checks to purchase a firearm.

Talk to an Arkansas Gun Rights Attorney to Learn More About Your Rights

If you’re worried about losing your gun rights, it’s wise to reach out to an Arkansas gun rights lawyer to evaluate your situation and develop a legal strategy to ensure you maintain your rights. Navigating Arkansas’s laws can be complicated on your own, and a skilled professional can guide you through any challenges.

At Lemley Law Partners, we have experience handling complex legal cases involving weapons charges and restoring gun rights. If you’re ready to discuss your case in more detail, reach out to our team to set up an appointment with an Arkansas gun law attorney.