Vermont Gun Laws & Firearms Safety Practice Exam

Can individuals convicted of a felony own a firearm in Vermont?

1. Yes, after a waiting period

2. No

3. Yes, if the conviction is not firearm-related

4. Yes, but only after reinstatement of rights

The correct answer is: No

In Vermont, individuals convicted of a felony are generally prohibited from owning or possessing a firearm. This is consistent with both state and federal laws that restrict gun ownership for those who have been convicted of serious crimes. The legal rationale behind this prohibition is aimed at reducing the potential for gun violence by preventing access to firearms for individuals who have demonstrated a disregard for the law through their felony convictions. Other options suggest various conditions under which a felon might regain the right to firearm ownership, such as waiting periods or specific circumstances of the conviction. However, Vermont law does not provide for exceptions that would allow felons to own firearms based solely on certain conditions or circumstances surrounding their conviction. Thus, the blanket prohibition on firearm possession for individuals with felony convictions is the foundational legal standard in this context.