Are you ready to regain your freedom and protect what matters most?

When Your Gun Rights Disappear: Firearm Rights Restoration

Have you lost gun rights for a:

  • Involuntary mental-health commitment
  • Non-violent felony conviction
  • Adjudication of incompetence
  • Domestic violence misdemeanor or protective order

Without the right to bear arms, you may feel stuck—unable to protect your home or fully exercise your rights.

Find out how to regain your firearm rights. Call us now at (919) 457-1954 to get started.

Regaining Firearm Rights in North Carolina

Losing the right to purchase, own or possess firearm affects your sense of independence, your safety, and even your identity.

But there is hope.

Under North Carolina statute N.C.G.S. § 14‑415.4 you may petition the court for firearm rights restoration — giving you a legal path to owning and possessing firearms once more.

Call us now at (919) 457-1954 to find out more about your next steps to regaining your right to bear arms.

The Real Pain of Losing Gun Rights — And How to Fix It

Every day you live without the ability to possess firearms under North Carolina law you may be:

  • Feeling vulnerable in your home, because you cannot legally own or use a gun for protection.
  • Worrying that a mental-health episode or diagnosis, past conviction, or protective order continues to define your future.
  • Unable to enjoy recreational or sporting activities you once loved

But at Scharff Law, we help you find solutions.

We work with you to file a petition for restoration of firearms rights under N.C.G.S. 14-415.4. We ensure your petition is complete and includes what the court evaluates:

  • Your eligibility.
  • Your behavior since the disability began.
  • Whether you pose any risk

If granted, you may then purchase, own, possess, or have in your custody or control a firearm.

It’s about reclaiming your freedom to live with security, dignity, and the full rights you deserve.

Call us at (919) 457-1954 to find out how we can help you make the next move.

Unlock the Benefits of Restoring Your Gun Rights

Benefit #1: Legal Authority to Own & Possess

Once your petition is granted under state law, you regain the legal right to purchase, own, or control firearms in North Carolina—removing the barrier imposed by N.C.G.S. 14-415.1.

Benefit #2: Improved Security & Peace of Mind

With your firearms rights restored, you can exercise control over your own protection, defend your property, and participate in firearm-related activities without the feeling of being second-class.

Benefit #3: A Clearer Path Forward

Restoration provides closure. Whether your restriction stemmed from a conviction, a protective order, or mental disability, you move from limitation to possibility—opening doors to rights you thought lost.

Why Choose Us for Your Firearm Rights Restoration

1. In-Depth Knowledge of NC Law

We understand the detailed requirements under N.C.G.S. 14-415.4 — from eligibility for nonviolent felonies to the 20-year waiting period for out-of-state convictions.

2. Customized Strategy Tailored to Your Situation

No two histories are identical—whether you’re dealing with a low-level non-violent felony conviction, domestic violence restriction, or mental-health-based firearm disability, we craft your path accordingly.

3. Transparent Communication

From what triggers disqualification to what evidence matters most, you’ll know what we’re doing, why it matters, and where you stand—every step of the process.

4. Focus on Restoration & Relief

Our goal is straightforward: help you petition the court, present your case, and seek the order that restores your firearm rights and lifts the legal bar.

5. Commitment to Your Future

We view firearm rights restoration not as a quick fix but as a turning point—so your regained rights help you live with dignity, safety and a restored sense of justice.

What Our Clients Say

I must have searched about 30 law offices in my area before finding the Scharff Law Firm’s website. I knew immediately I would be in good hands.  Amily was such an amazing person to work with.  Not only did we get the outcome we were hoping for, but she walked me through every step in detail to make sure I understood the process and felt safe while doing so.  The care and attention she takes cannot be matched!  Anyone needing representation should 100% call.  I cannot thank her enough!

-Britain Hayhurst

I can’t say enough good things about Amily McCool at Scharff Law. Amily was tremendous in helping a loved one fight charges for an accident where she wasn’t driving. Law enforcement had it wrong, but Amily helped make it right. Her dedication and expertise were evident throughout the process. In another instance, Amily successfully helped a family member reduce a reckless driving charge. Her professionalism and commitment to us was truly outstanding. We felt calm because we knew we were in good hands the entire time! I highly recommend Amily McCool and Scharff Law for anyone in need of exceptional legal support. Thank you, Amily, for your incredible work and support!

-Sally Price

Amily McCool is smart, compassionate, and highly professional. My case took months to run its course. Talk with her. Follow her advise from day one. She will ensure the best outcome, but you must listen and follow her advise. Don’t try to navigate the law on your own. She provided me with advise I really needed and the compassion to help keep me level headed. Amily was successful in my case. I assure everyone she will do everything she can to help you get the best outcome.

-Stuart Fraser

I highly recommend Amily McCool from the Scharff Law Firm. I was unsure about what lawyer I should choose and like most people I googled law firms. After doing my due diligence I decided on the Amily of the Scharff Law Firm.

From the start to finish Amily was personable, professional and very easy to work with. Always there if I had questions or concerns right up to my court date.

She was able to get my case dismissed! I was very very happy. Thank you Amily!

-Gene Million

Amily is extremely intelligent, thoughtful, caring, compassionate and thorough. I am incredibly grateful for her diligence in working on my case, the time she spent helping me, and the resources she made available to me. She really cares about her clients and their success. I would give her 10,000 stars if I could!

-Krystal Callicutt

Are You Eligible for Firearms Rights Restoration?

If you’re ready to move beyond restrictions and reclaim your full rights, you’re in the right place. We help those who:

  • Had their gun rights removed due to a low-level non-violent felony conviction, a domestic-violence misdemeanor, a protective order, or a civil mental-health commitment.
  • Have completed their sentence, probation or parole — or otherwise meet the requirements under N.C.G.S. 14-415.4.
  • Are ready to gather documentation, uphold lawful behavior, and take the strategic step toward firearm rights restoration.

If it sounds like this could be your next move, we’re here for you.

Call us at (919) 457-1954 to find out how we can help you make the next move.

How We Work With NC Courts to Grant Relief

We offer a comprehensive service designed to deliver results:

  1. Case Eligibility Review — We analyze your conviction, record, protective orders, and disability triggers so you know if and when you can qualify.
  2. Documentation Gathering — We help collect the necessary filings: record of civil rights restoration (if applicable), residency proof, criminal-history review, and fingerprinting.
  3. Petition Preparation & Filing — We prepare and file your petition under N.C.G.S. 14-415.4, including addressing disqualifiers and meeting filing criteria (residency, conviction type, etc.).
  4. Court Hearing Support — We prepare you for the hearing: what to expect, how to present your evidence, and how to show rehabilitation and fitness to regain rights.
  5. Notification & Process Management — We handle the required notices, procedural steps, and ensure compliance with both state and any applicable federal law.
  6. Post-Decision Support — Once your firearm rights are restored, we advise you on how to act moving forward: carrying, purchasing, possessing—not as a guarantee, but as a well-informed next step.

How It Works

We take you through a smooth and simple process so you can reclaim your firearm rights with clarity and confidence.

  • Step 1: Schedule a free consultation, and we’ll determine your eligibility and map out your path.
  • Step 2: We gather records, prepare your petition, check for any protective orders or other disqualifiers, and file in your district court.
  • Step 3: We support you through the hearing, present your case, handle objections, and work toward the court granting the order restoring your firearm rights under N.C. law.

Don’t let yesterday’s mistakes define tomorrow’s freedom.

Call us at (919) 457-1954 to find out how we can help you make the next move.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does a non-violent felony conviction affect my firearm rights in North Carolina, and what must I show to petition for restoration?

In North Carolina, a single non-violent felony conviction results in the automatic loss of your right to possess firearms. However, state law allows you to petition the court for restoration if you meet strict eligibility requirements.

To qualify, you must be:

  • A North Carolina resident for at least one year
  • Have only one non-violent felony conviction
  • Have had your civil rights restored
  • Have remained free from further disqualifying crimes.

The court will also consider your conduct since the conviction and whether restoring your rights poses any risk to public safety.

Call us at (919) 457-1954 to find out how we help you make the next move.

FREE Consultation

What kinds of firearm disabilities beyond felony convictions can prevent me from owning or possessing firearms in North Carolina?

North Carolina law recognizes several types of firearm disabilities.

You can lose your firearm rights for reasons beyond a felony conviction, such as being subject to a current domestic violence protective order, having an active civil no-contact order, or being found ineligible because of a mental or emotional disability under other state laws.

For example, an involuntary mental health commitment or an adjudication of incompetence can also prevent you from lawfully possessing firearms. These disabilities must be lifted or resolved before you can pursue firearm rights restoration.

At Scharff Law, we help you remove the barriers to owning firearms so that you can move forward.

Call us today at (919) 457-1954 to learn more about your eligibility for firearm rights restoration and begin the process of regaining your rights.

FREE Consultation

If I had a protective order or emergency order issued against me, can I ever restore my firearm rights?

Yes, but not while the order is active. If you are subject to a protective order under Chapter 50B or a civil no-contact order under Chapter 50C, you cannot lawfully possess firearms in North Carolina.

Once that order expires, is vacated, or is no longer in effect, you may pursue restoration if you meet the other eligibility criteria under state law. The court will review your case to ensure that all disqualifying conditions have been resolved before granting firearm rights restoration.

Call us today at (919) 457-1954 to learn more about your eligibility for firearm rights restoration and begin the process of regaining your rights.

FREE Consultation

Does a mental health commitment or finding of incapacity automatically bar me from restoring my firearm rights?

If you have been involuntarily committed for mental health reasons or adjudicated as lacking mental capacity, you are temporarily prohibited from possessing firearms in North Carolina.

Before filing for firearm rights restoration, you must first resolve or overturn that disqualification. This might involve showing that you have recovered and are no longer under a disqualifying mental health order.

Once that disability is lifted, you may proceed with a petition for firearm rights restoration if you otherwise qualify.

At Scharff Law, we help you go through the process of removing any disability from your records so that you firearm rights may be restored fully.

Call us today at (919) 457-1954 to learn more about your eligibility for firearm rights restoration and begin the process of regaining your rights.

FREE Consultation

What happens if my petition is denied or if I later commit another felony?

If your petition for firearm rights restoration is denied, you may file again after one year, provided you continue to meet eligibility requirements.

However, if your rights are restored and you are later convicted of another felony criminal conviction or a disqualifying offense, your restored firearm rights will be automatically revoked. You would not be eligible to petition again for restoration under state law.

Call us today at (919) 457-1954 to learn more about your eligibility for firearm rights restoration and begin the process of regaining your rights.

FREE Consultation

Your Next Step Toward the Freedom to Possess Firearms

You’ve faced the restrictions. You’ve completed what was required.

Now imagine receiving the court order restoring your firearm rights in North Carolina. You can lawfully purchase or possess firearms, participate in shooting sports, protect your home and family, and move forward without the weight of past restrictions defining you.

If you’re ready to reclaim your firearm rights and restore your full place in North Carolina society. We understand the law, we know the process, and we’re here for you.

Call us today at (919) 457-1954 and let’s begin restoring your rights for your future.

Get In touch

"Amily McCool with Scharff Law Firm is a lawyer with true passion for what she does for who come seeking help. From the initial conversation, first court appearance and final verdict of a full dismissal. Thank you again for helping me get my life back on track you were a true blessing in my difficult time."
- Dell J.