People convicted of felonies and serious offenses can no longer possess muzzle-loading weapons, according to the State Police Gun Investigation Unit from Troop B Headquarters in Ray Brook.

Revised regulations took effect Jan. 30 making it a misdemeanor for those convicted of felonies and serious offenses to possess those type weapons.

In August 2011, the state Penal Law was amended to include antique firearms, black powder rifles, black powder shotguns, and any muzzle-loading firearm in the list of weapons that a person convicted of a felony or serious offense is prohibited from possessing.

Prior to the law becoming effective, people convicted of felonies and serious offenses were allowed to possess muzzle-loading weapons. The new law removes that right and will affect all prohibited persons, regardless of when their conviction occurred, as the new law contained no Grandfather clause.

The only option available to a prohibited person who would like to continue possessing muzzle-loading weapons is to apply for a Certificate of Relief with the court of conviction requesting that he or she be relieved from this disability.

This holds true for all convictions, except those in which a person was sentenced to a term of imprisonment with the state Department of Corrections. Relief from these convictions would have to be sought from the New York State Parole Board.

For more information, visit www.criminaljustice.ny.gov/opca/faq.htm.