Vermont § 4017 - Persons prohibited from possessing firearms; conviction of violent crime

Full text of Vermont Vermont Statutes Online § 4017 — Persons prohibited from possessing firearms; conviction of violent crime, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 4017. Persons prohibited from possessing firearms; conviction of violent crime

  • (a) A person shall not possess a firearm if the person has been convicted of a violent
    crime. (b) A person who violates this section shall be imprisoned not more than two years or
    fined not more than $1,000.00, or both. (c) This section shall not apply to a person who is exempt from federal firearms restrictions
    under 18 U.S.C. § 925(c). (d) As used in this section: (1)(A) “Firearm” means: (i) any weapon (including a starter gun) that will or is designed to or may readily be
    converted to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive; (ii) the frame or receiver of any such weapon; or (iii) any firearm muffler or firearm silencer. (B) “Firearm” shall not include an antique firearm. (2) “Antique firearm” means: (A) Any firearm (including any firearm with a matchlock, flintlock, percussion cap, or
    similar type of ignition system) manufactured in or before 1898. (B) Any replica of any firearm described in subdivision (A) of this subdivision (2) if
    the replica: (i) is not designed or redesigned for using rimfire or conventional centerfire fixed ammunition;
    or (ii) uses rimfire or conventional centerfire fixed ammunition that is no longer manufactured
    in the United States and that is not readily available in the ordinary channels of
    commercial trade. (C) Any muzzle loading rifle, muzzle loading shotgun, or muzzle loading pistol that is
    designed to use black powder or a black powder substitute and that cannot use fixed
    ammunition. As used in this subdivision (C), “antique firearm” shall not include a
    weapon that incorporates a firearm frame or receiver, a firearm that is converted
    into a muzzle loading weapon, or any muzzle loading weapon that can be readily converted
    to fire fixed ammunition by replacing the barrel, bolt, breechblock, or any combination
    thereof. (3) “Violent crime” means: (A)(i) A listed crime as defined in subdivision 5301(7) of this title other than: (I) lewd or lascivious conduct as defined in section 2601 of this title; (II) recklessly endangering another person as defined in section 1025 of this title; (III) operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or other substance with either
    death or serious bodily injury resulting as defined in 23 V.S.A. § 1210(f) and (g); (IV) careless or negligent operation resulting in serious bodily injury or death as defined
    in 23 V.S.A. § 1091(b); (V) leaving the scene of an accident resulting in serious bodily injury or death as defined
    in 23 V.S.A. § 1128(b) or (c); or (VI) a misdemeanor violation of chapter 28 of this title, relating to abuse, neglect, and
    exploitation of vulnerable adults; or (ii) a comparable offense and sentence in another jurisdiction if the offense prohibits
    the person from possessing a firearm under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1) or 18 U.S.C. § 921(a)(20). (B) An offense involving sexual exploitation of children in violation of chapter 64 of
    this title, or a comparable offense and sentence in another jurisdiction if the offense
    prohibits the person from possessing a firearm under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1) or 18 U.S.C. § 921(a)(20). (C) A violation of 18 V.S.A. § 4231(b)(2), (b)(3), or (c)(selling, dispensing, or trafficking cocaine); 4232(b)(2) or (b)(3)(selling
    or dispensing LSD); 4233(b)(2), (b)(3), or (c)(selling, dispensing, or trafficking
    heroin); 4234(b)(2) or (b)(3)(selling or dispensing depressants, stimulants, and narcotics);
    4234a(b)(2), (b)(3), or (c)(selling, dispensing, or trafficking methamphetamine);
    4235(c)(2) or (c)(3)(selling or dispensing hallucinogenic drugs); 4235a(b)(2) or (b)(3)(selling
    or dispensing Ecstasy), or a comparable offense and sentence in another jurisdiction
    if the offense prohibits the person from possessing a firearm under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1) or 18 U.S.C. § 921(a)(20). (D) A conviction of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance other
    than cannabis in another jurisdiction if the offense prohibits the person from possessing
    a firearm under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1) or 18 U.S.C. § 921(a)(20). (Added 2015, No. 14, § 1; amended 2017, No. 83, § 161(3).)

Source: official Vermont text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Vermont § 4017

What does Vermont Statutes Online § 4017 cover?

Section 4017 ("Persons prohibited from possessing firearms; conviction of violent crime") is part of the Vermont Statutes Online, the codified statutory law of Vermont. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Vermont § 4017?

A common citation format is "Vermont Statutes Online § 4017" (Vermont). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Vermont law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Vermont official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Vermont attorney.

How does Vermont § 4017 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Vermont can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Vermont.