CA-FSC Prohibited Persons and Restrictions 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under California law, which of the following persons is prohibited from owning or possessing firearms?
- A person convicted of any felony (Correct answer)
- A person who has received a parking citation
- A person who is self-employed
- A person over the age of 65
Correct answer: A person convicted of any felony
Any person convicted of a felony is permanently prohibited from owning or possessing firearms under both California and federal law.
Question 2: For how long is a person prohibited from possessing firearms after a misdemeanor domestic violence conviction in California?
- 10 years (Correct answer)
- 5 years
- 1 year
- Permanently
Correct answer: 10 years
A California misdemeanor domestic violence conviction results in a 10-year firearm prohibition, though federal law may impose a lifetime prohibition.
Question 3: What is a Gun Violence Restraining Order (GVRO) in California?
- A court order temporarily prohibiting a person from possessing firearms when they pose a danger (Correct answer)
- A license required to purchase firearms
- A permit for concealed carry
- A registration requirement for assault weapons
Correct answer: A court order temporarily prohibiting a person from possessing firearms when they pose a danger
A GVRO allows family members, law enforcement, and others to petition a court to temporarily remove firearms from a person who poses a significant danger of harm.
Question 4: Can a person with a mental health hold (5150) under California law possess firearms?
- No, they are prohibited for five years from the date of the hold (Correct answer)
- Yes, there is no restriction after release
- No, they are permanently prohibited
- Only if a doctor provides clearance within 30 days
Correct answer: No, they are prohibited for five years from the date of the hold
A 72-hour involuntary mental health hold (Welfare & Institutions Code 5150) results in a five-year prohibition on firearm possession in California.
Question 5: Under California law, are there restrictions on firearm possession near schools?
- Yes, firearms are prohibited within 1,000 feet of school grounds with limited exceptions (Correct answer)
- No, California has no school zone restrictions
- Only handguns are restricted near schools
- Restrictions apply only during school hours
Correct answer: Yes, firearms are prohibited within 1,000 feet of school grounds with limited exceptions
The Gun-Free School Zone Act prohibits firearm possession within 1,000 feet of school grounds, with exceptions for concealed carry permit holders and other specified persons.
Question 6: What happens when a prohibited person is found in possession of a firearm in California?
- They can be charged with a felony carrying up to three years in state prison (Correct answer)
- They receive a warning for the first offense
- They pay a small fine only
- Their firearms are confiscated with no criminal charges
Correct answer: They can be charged with a felony carrying up to three years in state prison
Possession of a firearm by a prohibited person is a felony in California, punishable by up to three years in state prison.
CA-FSC Prohibited Persons and Restrictions 1
Under California law, which of the following persons is prohibited from owning or possessing firearms?