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Firearm Restoration and NICS

The Juvenile Justice Services Division provides data to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) to report juveniles who have been adjudicated for a felony—once the person reaches 18 years of age. In legal terms, they are considered a “prohibited possessor,” which means they are a person who has lost their right to possess or carry a firearm.

 

What You Should Know:

Who is considered a prohibited possessor?

A.R.S. § 13-3101(7)(b) defines the term Prohibited Possessor as any person “who has been convicted within or without this state of a felony or who has been adjudicated delinquent for a felony and whose civil right to possess or carry a firearm has not been restored.”

 

What happens when a juvenile becomes a prohibited possessor?

Juveniles must comply with the requirements to restore their firearm rights. This depends on the adjudicated offense.
  • If an individual’s adjudication was for a dangerous offense under A.R.S. § 13-704 or serious offense under A.R.S. § 13-706, they may not apply for the restoration of their firearm rights until they are 30 years of age or older
  • If an individual was adjudicated for any other felony offense, they may apply two years from the date of their discharge (A.R.S. § 8-249(C)
Frequently Asked Questions >

 

How to Restore Your Rights:

Individuals who were charged with felonies as juveniles must apply for the restoration of their firearm rights. If they do not apply for firearm rights restoration, they could face additional felony charges for the illegal possession of a firearm.
  1. Identify the superior court in the county where you were adjudicated
  2. Confirm whether you successfully completed your terms of probation and were released
  3. Court will confirm if you qualify for restoration of firearm rights
  4. Apply to restore your firearm rights
Instructions: How to Apply for Restoration of Firearm Rights

Application: Restoring Your Firearm Rights

Court Locator >


 

Related Statutes:

  • A.R.S. 8-249: Restoration of civil rights; persons adjudicated delinquent
  • A.R.S. 13-904: Suspension of civil rights and occupational disabilities
  • A.R.S. 13-3101: Definitions
 

What Is NICS?

The National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) was established as a result of the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act of 1993 (Brady Act) requirements. The Brady Act required a national namecheck system for federal firearms licensees (FFL).

Learn more about NICS >