Reply #19: I think that it depends on the crime. [View All]

Someone who's completed their sentence deserves back as many of their rights as is practical. That includes the right to vote, and--in the case of non-violent offenders--the right to own a firearm.

Violent offenders are another story; not only is their crime of a different type, but violent felons disproportionately represent the perpetrators of gun violence. Having a clear, unambiguous law that such people are not allowed firearms makes it easier for the police to nail down when a felon is carrying illegally, without having to bring the question of permits into the picture.

That said, there should be a legal process for someone with a violent felony conviction, or a violent misdemeanor, to go before a court and argue that they are no longer a threat to the community and should have their right to ownership restored. Every law needs oversight and balances.