Offering Legal Guidance to Restore Your Firearm Rights
If you were convicted of a felony in Virginia, you automatically lost your civil rights. Fortunately, the loss of these rights is not always permanent, as you can often get them restored through a simple process if you meet specific requirements. The exception to this is your right to own a firearm, as restoring gun rights is more complex than restoring your other civil rights in this state.
That’s why it’s recommended that you hire a Richmond gun rights lawyer to guide you through the firearm rights restoration process in Virginia. The legal team at Jurach, Tacey&Quitiquit, PLC has helped several clients restore gun rights years after they were convicted of a felony or misdemeanor crime. Call our law office in Richmond, VA to schedule a free initial consultation with our skilled team.
How Can You Get Your Civil Rights Restored in Virginia?
A felony conviction leads to the immediate loss of civil rights, as does a misdemeanor conviction for domestic violence. This means after you’re convicted of certain crimes, you no longer have the right to:
- Vote
- Run for or hold public office
- Serve on a jury
- Become a notary public
- Carry a firearm
The good news is that you can get all but one of these civil rights restored by calling or writing a letter to the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s office in Richmond, VA. As long as you’re no longer incarcerated for the crime you were convicted of committing, you should be eligible for automatic restoration of your civil rights.
However, if you want to get your gun rights restored, you need to petition the circuit court for a chance to prove that you’re a good candidate for the restoration of gun rights. If you’re unsure how to prove this, you should contact gun rights lawyers in Richmond, VA, for help preparing for your hearing with the Virginia Circuit Court. At Jurach, Tacey&Quitiquit, PLC, we fully understand state and federal law regarding weapons rights, so we’re confident we can lead you toward the best possible outcome in your firearm rights case. Contact us to learn more about getting your rights restored.
Are You Eligible to Get Your Gun Rights Restored?
Before you petition the circuit court to restore your firearm rights, you should ensure you’re eligible for this legal process. To qualify, you must first get your civil rights restored. Once this occurs, you have a good chance of having your gun rights restored if you were convicted of a non-violent felony.
If your felony conviction was due to a violent offense, you might also qualify to restore your firearm rights if you completed your sentence at least five years ago and have not been charged with another crime since then. If you’re not sure about your eligibility based on the crime you were convicted of, you should discuss your case with experienced Virginia gun rights lawyers.
While most people convicted of a felony eventually qualify to restore gun rights, there are some exceptions, since certain offenses can keep you from being allowed to bear arms for the rest of your life. For instance, the Virginia Circuit Court cannot restore firearm rights to people with federal felony convictions. So, if the federal court convicted you of breaking a federal law, you’re ineligible for restoration of your firearm rights. Similarly, if you were convicted of the misdemeanor crime of domestic violence, you won’t be able to restore your right to own a firearm.
If you have questions about your eligibility to restore civil rights, contact a Virginia law firm that has helped numerous clients regain their rights after a felony conviction. Call our Richmond law office to talk to skilled Virginia gun rights lawyers who truly care about the outcome of your case.
What Can You Expect from the Gun Rights Restoration Process?
If you’re eligible to restore your rights, you should hire a lawyer to help you file a petition with the circuit court. They will schedule a hearing during which you will have the chance to explain why you should be able to purchase and carry a gun.
During the hearing, the judge will consider several factors, including:
- The nature of the crimes you were convicted of
- Whether you used firearms to commit the crimes
- How long ago your felony conviction was
- How your behavior has been since then
- The reason you’re seeking to restore your firearm rights
While preparing for the hearing, your lawyer will help gather and present evidence in your favor. This might include proof of your recent work history, contributions to society, and letters from loved ones describing why they believe you have good character and should have your civil rights restored. Contact our Richmond, Virginia law firm to learn more about how a trusted attorney can help with your petition to the court.
How Can Richmond Gun Rights Restoration Attorneys Assist You?
If you’re ready to petition the court for your right to buy and carry firearms in Virginia, reach out to Jurach, Tacey&Quitiquit, PLC for legal advice. Our lawyers will consider your criminal history and let you know if you qualify to get your rights restored. If you do, we will begin doing the research necessary to prove to the court that you deserve to be able to bear arms once again, despite your convictions in the past.
We understand the importance of having the right to own a gun, especially in a state where this right is highly valued. That’s why we’re committed to helping our clients petition the court to restore their gun rights. If you want to learn more, call our Richmond, VA law firm at 804-531-5524 for a free consultation.