Category Archives: Criminal Law

Does putting a bipod on a pistol make it an AOW?

I received an email this morning from a client asking whether or not they could add a bipod to their pistol without making it an AOW. As I have pointed out on more than one occasion, the answer to almost … Continue reading

Posted in Administrative Law, AOW, AR Pistols, ATF, ATF Guidance Letters, BATFE, Criminal Law, Firearms Technology Branch, Stabilizing Brace | Comments Off on Does putting a bipod on a pistol make it an AOW?

Virginia Gun Rights Restoration Failures

If you call me with a tax law question, I am going to refer you to an attorney who practices tax law.  The same is true with all the other areas of law that are outside my wheelhouse. The reason … Continue reading

Posted in ATF, BATFE, Criminal Law, Federal Law, Gun Rights Restoration, US Supreme Court, Virginia Law, Virginia State Police | Comments Off on Virginia Gun Rights Restoration Failures

Purchasing a firearm after your gun rights have been restored following a mental health adjudication

UPDATED JANUARY 2023 TO ACCOUNT FOR UPDATED LANGUAGE IN THE 4473 AND SP-65  In Virginia, there are a number of mental health adjudications that can lead to a prohibition on the right to purchase, possess, and transport firearms. These include … Continue reading

Posted in 4473, ATF, BATFE, Criminal Law, Federal Law, Gun Rights Restoration, Mental Health, Virginia Law | Comments Off on Purchasing a firearm after your gun rights have been restored following a mental health adjudication

Can you own body armor after having your gun rights restored?

Because of the imperfect intersection of local, state, and federal laws, there are a number of legal questions that arise when a felon has their gun rights restored. Today’s question is whether a person who was convicted of a felony and … Continue reading

Posted in Body Armor, Criminal Law, Federal Law, Gun Rights Restoration, Virginia Law | Comments Off on Can you own body armor after having your gun rights restored?

The old wives’ tale about black powder firearms and felons

UPDATE:  As of July 1, 2017 this article no longer accurately reflects current Virginia law. See my updated article for more details. It seems like I hear the question at least once a week. “Can convicted felons possess black powder firearms?”  … Continue reading

Posted in Criminal Law, Federal Law, Gun Rights Restoration, Purchasing Firearms, Virginia Law | Comments Off on The old wives’ tale about black powder firearms and felons