Virginia Gun Rights Restoration

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If you have been convicted of a felony or certain misdemeanors then both federal and state law prohibit you from purchasing, possessing, or transporting firearms.

However, in many cases it is possible for Virginia residents to have their gun rights restored.

§ 18.2-308.2(C) of the Code of Virginia provides for certain convicted persons to petition the circuit court of the jurisdiction in which he or she resides for a restoration of their right to possess firearms.

Am I eligible?

To determine whether you should consider pursuing a restoration of your gun rights, let’s walk through a few questions:

Is your disability based upon a state or a federal conviction?

If your disability is based upon a federal conviction, then there is currently no way to have your gun rights restored except a presidential pardon.  There is statutorily an administrative process, however, since 1992 Congress has denied ATF funding to process the necessary applications.

If your disability is based upon a Virginia state conviction, then you may be eligible to petition the court for a restoration of your gun rights.

But first …

Have you had your political rights restored?

Under Virginia law, your political rights must be restored before you may petition the Circuit Court for a restoration of your gun rights.

Political rights include the right to vote, to run for and hold public office, to serve on juries, and to serve as a notary public.

If your political rights have not been restored then you must submit an application for political rights restoration.  If you are eligible to have your political rights restored but have not yet done so, I will be happy to assist you in doing so as part of the gun rights restoration service.

So … if your political rights have been restored or if you are eligible to apply then you are ready to put together your petition for restoration of your gun rights.

Shouldn’t I just use a local attorney?

If you are trying to get representation regarding a patent filing then you call a patent attorney.

If you are trying to get representation regarding an adoption then you call a family law attorney.

The same should be true where gun rights restoration is concerned.  Not everyone understands the level of complexity involved in firearms law and this can lead to disastrous consequences.

I have encountered a number of purported gun rights ‘restorations’ which do not, in fact, restore the rights of the petitioner and can lead to state or federal charges against the person who believes that his or her rights have been restored.

What does your representation cost?

If you qualify, I will assist you in applying for restoration of your political rights (if necessary), petition the Circuit Court in the jurisdiction where you reside for relief from the disability imposed by your conviction, appear with you for your hearing, and prepare the necessary order for the judge to sign.  I offer this service for a flat fee of $1,900 which includes any necessary travel expense for your hearing (local cases may receive a discounted rate).

Please note however that this is not a guarantee of success … only a promise to work diligently on your behalf.  Ultimately, the judge will take the totality of your situation into account in making his or her decision.

The factors the judge will consider include: the seriousness of the crime, any other criminal history, the length of time since the conviction, and your community involvement.

If you made a mistake and have turned your life around, isn’t it time that you took the steps necessary to recover all of your rights?

Contact me for a free, private, and confidential consultation.

What previous clients are saying

I hired john on for a case that was unjust. He represented me and provided all my evidence to the prosecuting attorney and was able to convince the judge and prosecutors with a nolle prosequi in my favor. During the case, he was very courteous, prompt and knowledgeable. I really appreciate his help, and would definitely recommend him to friends and family.

Shayan Avatar Shayan
October 19, 2021

John made the process of having my gun rights restored so easy - He really understands the people, jurisdictions, and processes. I never felt in the dark as to what was going on as he explained everything both up front, as well as along the way. John is ALWAYS available to take a call, answer questions, etc. I really can't overstate how pleased we are with John and the entire process - It was actually a pleasant experience (not something I ever expected to say regarding a court appearance!). Thanks again, John. We really appreciate all you did for us!

James Cleland Avatar James Cleland
September 28, 2022

Great service. Attentive to my needs and answered all my questions. Was highly recommended by a friend. Despite being on the other side of the state we had no problems communicating with each other. Easy to get a hold of on the phone or in email. Along with great service the cost was very reasonable. I would seek his services and recommend him to anyone if the need arrise in the future.

Michael Creegan Avatar Michael Creegan
October 26, 2019

Spoke by phone only. Listened very well and referred us to another attorney who handles such cases as he did not. Very thankful for his referral! Remain well Mr. Pierce!

D. Colbert Avatar D. Colbert
August 30, 2021

I hired John to represent me for a firearms restoration case. My hearing was this morning, October 22nd of 2020 and I won my petition and now have my firearm rights back. Excuse my French but John is one hell of an attorney. He was extremely diligent, wise and professional. He never led me astray and was absolutely up front with every possible outcome. I'm leaving this review so other people who may be in the same situation as me can have a clear path and John is that path. If you want the best chance to get your rights back, hire John. He knows what he's doing my friends.

Michael Thompson Avatar Michael Thompson
October 30, 2021