A lot of people hear that Arizona has a law that automatically restores firearm rights in some cases and assume that means they can finish probation, walk into a gun store the next day, and legally buy a firearm.
But that is not how it works in real life. Under A.R.S. 13-907, there are a few hurdles, but the most important rule is this: the case must have been completed after September 24, 2022.
The Most Important Rule: The Case Must Be Completed After September 24, 2022
Arizona’s automatic restoration statute applies when a person is a first-time offender, and the case was completed after September 24, 2022.
If you have any questions, please contact me at derronw@msn.com
Completed means you were discharged from probation and paid all fines, fees, and restitution, or received an Absolute Discharge from prison.
If all of the above were completed before 2022, you do not fall under this automatic restoration law.
That means Arizona’s Automatic Restoration law is not really for every person with an old felony. It is for a much narrower group of people:
- first-time felony offenders
- non-dangerous cases
- completed after September 24, 2022
- all fines, fees, and restitution paid.
If one of those pieces is missing, you will not qualify for automatic restoration. However, you may be able use a different law and process. Here
What Is Arizona’s Automatic Restoration Law?
A.R.S. 13-907 automatically restores firearm rights and civil rights in Arizona for qualifying first-time offenders whose cases were completed after September 24, 2022. The law restores more than just firearm rights. It can restore civil rights, such as the right to serve on a jury, hold elective office, and vote.
Short answer
Arizona automatically restores firearm rights only for certain first-time felony offenders whose cases were completed after September 24, 2022.
It does not apply to everyone with a felony record, and it does not mean the person can immediately buy a gun without proof.
Who Qualifies for Automatic Gun Rights Restoration in Arizona?
An Arizona citizen generally needs to meet all of the following:
1. It must be the person’s first felony
A first-time offender means a person who does not have a prior felony conviction. Misdemeanors in the past do not automatically disqualify someone. A person can still have prior misdemeanor cases and still be considered a first-time offender for this statute, as long as this is the first felony.
2. The case must be non-dangerous
Your case cannot be designated dangerous. Cases involving murder, dangerous crimes against children, and other serious cases. Basically, any case you did significant prison time for.
3. The case must be completed after September 24, 2022
Your case must be completed after 2022, not charged, sentenced, etc. – completed.
4. Everything must be completed
That includes probation, fines, fees, and restitution. Normally, a probation discharge or “absolute discharge” means everything is done.
What Does “Absolute Discharge” Mean?
Absolute discharge means the person has done everything required in the case. That includes paying all fines, paying restitution, paying fees, and completing all terms of the sentence. In some early termination situations, probation officers make sure those financial obligations are cleared before ending probation early.
Short answer
Absolute discharge means the case is fully over. Probation is over, restitution is paid, fees are paid, and all sentence obligations are complete.
If the Law Is Automatic, Why Can’t You Just Go Buy a Gun?
Even if someone qualifies, the restoration does not happen in a way that immediately updates every database the moment probation ends. A person can finish the case, go to a gun store, and still get denied because the old felony may still appear in the systems checked during the firearm purchase process.
This is why even if your case was completed after 2022, you still need to gather court records showing:
- the sentencing date
- discharge from probation
- payment of fines and restitution
- proof the offense was non-dangerous
- proof that it was the first felony.
That proof needs to be submitted to the Arizona Department of Public Safety, which can then notify the federal systems so the record can be updated.
Short answer
Because “automatic” does not mean every background-check system updates instantly. A person may still need court records, background checks, and DPS processing before trying to buy a firearm.
What Happens if the Case Was Completed Before September 24, 2022?
Most of the people who call my office do not qualify under the automatic restoration statute because their cases were completed before 2022 or because they have more than one felony.
There was a recent appellate clarification that the law does not apply backward to people who finished their cases before the effective date. In that case, the defendant tried to argue that the law should apply retroactively, and the court rejected that.
Frequently Asked Questions About Arizona Automatic Gun Rights Restoration
Does Arizona automatically restore gun rights for every felony after probation?
No. It only applies to certain first-time, non-dangerous felony cases completed after September 24, 2022.
Can I qualify if I had misdemeanors in the past?
Yes, prior misdemeanors do not disqualify a person as long as this is the first felony.
Can I buy a gun the day probation ends?
Usually not in practice. You may still be denied until proof is submitted to the Department of Public Safety and your records are updated in the Federal system (NICS).
What does “absolute discharge” mean?
It means everything is complete: probation, fines, restitution, fees, and all sentencing requirements.
Does this law apply if my case finished before September 24, 2022?
No. This automatic restoration rule applies only to qualifying cases completed after 9/24/2022.
Final Thoughts
Arizona’s automatic gun rights restoration law can help some people, but it is a narrow rule, not a blanket restoration for everyone with a felony. The biggest mistake is skipping the threshold question:
Was this a first-time, non-dangerous felony case completed after September 24, 2022?
If the answer is yes, the next step is not to assume the system already knows. The next step is to make sure your records are updated before trying to buy a firearm.
If you have any questions, please contact me at derronw@msn.com