how do you get your gun rights restored without getting a lawyer in virginia

by Elenor Nader 4 min read

To restore your gun rights, you must petition the Commonwealth of Virginia; your rights will not be automatically restored after probation. There are four situations in which the court may grant your petition: You were pardoned

Full Answer

How do I restore my gun rights in Virginia?

The basic process for restoration of your gun rights in Virginia is as follows: You secure from the Governor of Virginia an official pardon for your crimes, or you regain your civil rights that were removed through political disabilities by petitioning the Governor through the Secretary of the Commonwealth.

How do I restore my firearm rights in Florida?

This restoration may include petitioning the Office of the Governor about your civil rights and petitioning the Circuit Court of the jurisdiction in which you reside for the restoration of your firearm rights.

What happens if I file a petition to restore gun rights?

If the court grants the petition, the individual’s rights to purchase, possess, and transport firearms and ammunition within Virginia are restored.

Can I get my gun rights back after a felony conviction?

If you are convicted of a felony, then you automatically lose your right to have a firearm in the United States. To restore your gun rights, you must petition the Commonwealth of Virginia; your rights will not be automatically restored after probation.

Do I need a lawyer to restore my gun rights in Virginia?

If you are convicted of a felony in the Commonwealth of Virginia, you civil rights are not automatically restored. However, having a Virginia gun lawyer working for you means having extra help in correctly answering the petition and being prepared to use that restoration of civil rights to take the next step.

How much does it cost to get your gun rights back in VA?

Instructions: Fill out Petition (PDF) Include a copy of your letter from the Governor and letter to the Judge. Filing Fee of $98.00.

What are the requirements to get your gun rights restored in Virginia?

If you have been granted restoration of your political rights from the Governor of Virginia, you may petition circuit court of the county or city in which you reside or of the county or city in which you were convicted, for a hearing to request restoration of your firearm rights.

How hard is it to get gun rights restored in VA?

Yes, but there is no need to wait to start the process for getting your gun rights restored. In this context, civil rights include the right to vote, the right to serve on a jury, and the right to hold public office. Currently, it is very easy to have your civil rights restored by the Governor of Virginia.

How long does it take to get your rights restored in Virginia?

1-3 monthsHow long does it take to get my rights restored? The review process usually takes 1-3 months after an individual has contacted the office requesting restoration of rights. Click here to contact the office and request your rights be restored.

Can felons have guns in VA?

Possession of Firearm by Felon. Anyone convicted of a felony is prohibited from possessing a firearm in Virginia. Possession of a firearm by a felon in Virginia is a separate felony that could be punished with mandatory minimum prison time under Va. Code §18.2-308.2.

Can you get a gun in Va with a misdemeanor?

In addition, Virginia prohibits the: The knowing and intentional purchase, possession, or transportation of any firearm following a misdemeanor conviction for assault and battery against a family or household member that occurred on or after July 1, 2021 for three years following the conviction.

Can a felon have a BB gun in VA?

The definition does not include fireworks. So you can still possess fireworks if you've been convicted of a felony under Virginia law.

Does Virginia allow felons to vote?

Felony disenfranchisement in Virginia is a provision of the Virginia Constitution: "No person who has been convicted of a felony shall be qualified to vote unless his civil rights have been restored by the Governor or other appropriate authority".

Can a felon own a muzzleloader in Virginia?

A convicted felon is not permitted to possess a firearm which includes a black powder muzzleloader.

How do I restore my civil rights in Florida?

Those wishing to restore their rights must submit a Restoration of Civil Rights Application accompanied by certified court documents for each felony conviction. Every application that meets the requirements may be referred to the Florida Parole Commission for an investigation, report and recommendation.

What does the process look like? "Measure twice, so we only have to cut once."

Once you hire my office, we begin the prep work. When you call my I office I will tell you that I want to “measure twice so we only have to cut once.” Gun rights restoration is important. It is so important that we take the time to prepare your case the right way.

Preparing for and attending the hearing in court: "Prepare for the worst. Hope for the best."

The hearing in court can unfold in many different ways. If everything goes our way, it could be fairly short and easy. If we encounter some obstacles, it could be long and difficult. Very often, it falls somewhere between the two.

After the hearing and beyond

After the hearing, your job is done. My job is not. I will communicate with the Virginia State Police to ensure the proper records are updated. Most importantly, you and I will discuss all of the “dos and don’ts” for how you proceed in the future. We will review what happens when you try to buy a gun from an FFL dealer.

How to get your gun rights back in Virginia?

The basic process for restoration of your gun rights in Virginia is as follows: You secure from the Governor of Virginia an official pardon for your crimes, or you regain your civil rights that were removed through political disabilities by petitioning the Governor through the Secretary of the Commonwealth.

What is the Second Amendment?

Virginia Restoration of Gun Rights. The Second Amendment protects people’s right to carry a firearm. It is easily one of the most hotly-debated and staunchly-defended rights enshrined by amendment to the United States Constitution. However, despite how respected and important it may be, it can be revoked by the criminal justice system .

Can the Governor restore your firearms rights?

As a matter of practice, the Governor typically excludes your firearms rights when restoring civil rights . You can then petition the Circuit Court in the county or city where you live to restore your firearms rights .

Can you bear arms in Virginia?

In Virginia, anyone convicted of a felony crime will lose their right to bear arms. This is not open for interpretation, as it is a default penalty for any felony conviction, whether a person is convicted of felony driving under the influence (DUI) , felony assault, or any other felony.

Is a felony conviction permanent?

The removal of your firearm rights by a felony conviction is not necessarily permanent. There is always a chance the rights could be restored by following the appropriate legal channels. Understanding the process and completing it correctly can be complex, and it is recommended you speak to a Virginia firearms rights attorney before you begin.

How to restore your rights to own a gun?

Four Ways to Restore Your Gun Rights. To legally own a firearm, you could either expunge your felony, appeal the ban, restore your civil rights, or obtain a pardon. On the federal level, regaining your rights via restoration isn’t an option. The two main routes are through an expungement or a presidential pardon.

How long does it take to get a gun back after a felony?

In some states, you can still purchase a gun even if you have a felony on your record. Others require felons to wait a few years, usually between five and ten, before their firearm rights are restored.

Why is expungement important?

An expungement removes the felony charge from your criminal record all together. This is important because it gives you back your gun rights and makes it easier to find employment, housing, and a loan/credit card . Only first-time felons are eligible for an expungement.

What are the rights of the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments?

The Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments protect you before, during, and after the trial. If any of these rights are violated, the case against you will be dismissed. Subsequently, so will any prohibitions on your right to buy a gun. Firstly, police officers need to obtain a warrant to search your belongings.

Can felons dispute their criminal record?

Alongside the NCIC system, felons can dispute errors on their criminal record with the FBI. Since the Bureau assembles all state-level information, they offer a comprehensive background check that many entities, including gun sellers, rely on. To submit a correction request, you would first contact the state or law enforcement agency that prosecuted/accused you of wrongdoing.

Does the federal government lift gun rights?

However, if the state restores all of your civil rights, the federal government automatically lifts any firearm prohibitions against you . Felons should note, though, that this isn’t the case when state authorities only give you back your gun rights without fully restoring other civil entitlements.

Which amendment gives the right to bear a firearm?

Regaining Gun Rights: Brief Overview. The Second Amend ment of the United States Constitution gives individuals the right to purchase and bear firearms. In fact, it was one of the first laws that the Founding Fathers put in place.

How long does it take to get your firearm rights back?

It can take several months. The circumstances of your firearms rights loss will determine how your firearms rights are restored. This restoration may include petitioning the Office of the Governor about your civil rights and petitioning the Circuit Court of the jurisdiction in which you reside for the restoration of your firearm rights.

What is the timing issue in Virginia?

The most common timing issue is that the petition has to be served upon the Commonwealth of Virginia and that they should be given an opportunity to answer that petition. If they finally answer it, the court may require information and the process may be dragged out for several months.

How to get your gun rights back after conviction?

Apply for an expungement. Before applying for the restoration of your gun rights, you need to receive post-conviction relief. An expungement is a form of relief that will seal your arrest and conviction records, thereby making them disappear.

How to get your gun rights back?

In order to get your firearm rights back, you will need permission of both the federal government and your state. To begin the process, you need to research your state law and then apply for a pardon, expungement, or restoration of your civil rights. Getting back your gun rights can be very difficult. For this reason, you should employ the ...

How do I get my gun rights back after being expunged?

Get the application. Once you have received your expungement, restoration of civil rights, or pardon, you then need to apply to have your gun rights restored. Your state should have an application. Many states have uploaded their applications onto the web.

How to get an expungement?

Generally, the more serious the offense, the more time you must wait. Get an application. You will need to fill out an application or a petition in order to apply for an expungement. In it, you will need to list the dates of your convictions. You also will need to provide certified copies of your court papers.

What to do instead of an expungement?

2. Petition for the restoration of your civil rights. Instead of an expungement, you could apply for restoration of your civil rights. Your civil rights include your right to vote, to serve on a jury, and to run for public office. As with an expungement, states have different requirements.

What to do if you are convicted of a crime?

Read your state law. If you were convicted of a state crime, then you can seek a pardon, expungement, or restoration of your civil rights from your Governor. You must find out whether or not you can get this post-conviction relief along with the right to possess a firearm.

When will civil rights be restored?

In many states, your civil rights will be automatically restored after the completion of your sentence if you are a first-time offender. In other states, only some rights (such as the right to vote) will be automatically restored; you must apply for restoration of the others.

Who restored your rights in Virginia?

The Governor of Virginia (or the Governor of the state that convicted you) restored your political rights and the reinstatement included firearm rights or the Circuit Court restored your firearm rights or the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms removed your federal disabilities. Have questions about your eligibility ...

How to get a pardon in Virginia?

There are four situations in which the court may grant your petition: 1 You were pardoned 2 You have had your political disabilities removed ( Article V, Section 12 of the Constitution of Virginia) & there are no conditions related to the reinstatement of your firearm rights 3 The Circuit Court granted your right to possess a firearm and the Governor restored your political rights or the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms removed your federal disabilities 4 The Governor of Virginia (or the Governor of the state that convicted you) restored your political rights and the reinstatement included firearm rights or the Circuit Court restored your firearm rights or the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms removed your federal disabilities

How long can you petition for a pardon?

You can only petition for this type of pardon 10 years after your conviction and after any suspension or probation time is over. Simple pardons are usually only granted in exceptional circumstances. Conditional pardon: early release for inmates.

What are the circumstances in which a court may grant a petition?

There are four situations in which the court may grant your petition: You were pardoned. You have had your political disabilities removed ( Article V , Section 12 of the Constitution of Virginia ) & there are no conditions related to the reinstatement of your firearm rights.

What happens if you are denied a gun permit?

And if your application is denied, then you can seek judicial review in federal court . But since 1992, Congress barred ATF from spending money to review and investigate a felon's application to restore gun rights.

What are the rights of a felon in Washington?

A felony conviction three important rights: (1) the right to vote; (2) the right to serve on a jury; and (3) the right to hold public office. In Washington, felons regain their civil rights after completing their sentence. This typically requires serving all jail time and paying all court costs.

Can you buy a gun with a domestic violence conviction?

A felony conviction or a domestic violence conviction results in a state and federal firearm ban. To buy a gun, you have to pass a state and federal background check. Therefore, to fully restore your gun rights, you have to restore your firearm rights under both state and federal law.

Can you have a gun in Washington state?

In that case, you would be eligible to possess a gun under state law but could still be prosecuted under federal law.

Can you be prosecuted for possessing a gun in Washington?

You cannot be federally prosecuted for possessing a firearm. Keep in mind, however, that under Washington state law, a Certificate of Discharge does not restore your right to possess firearms. You have to file a separate motion to restore your state gun rights in superior court.

Can you get a pardon for a felony?

Because you can't go to federal court (see above), a presidential pardon is essentially the only way to restore your federal firearm rights if you've been convicted of a federal felony. In practice, therefore, you have very little chance of ever fully restoring your gun rights with a federal felony.

Can you still be prosecuted for a felony in Washington?

Because you still owe money, you have not completed your felony sentence, which means you are not entitled to a Certificate of Discharge, which means you have not restored your civil rights in Washington, which means that you can still be prosecuted under federal law. Additionally, if you have felony convictions in multiple states, ...