It is common knowledge that when you are convicted of a felony in Virginia, you lose the right to purchase and possess a firearm. This includes not only handguns, but also shotguns and hunting rifles, ammunition and stun guns. Many people feel like after they have paid their debt to society for their criminal behavior, they should be able to enjoy hunting and target shooting again, or be able to protect themselves and their family.
The Code of Virginia allows for someone convicted of a felony to petition a court for restoration of his or her rights to possess a firearm. In order to do so, a person must have completed their sentence and probation, and had their civil rights restored by the Governor.
The process requires a petition be filed in the Circuit Court which the person resides, or if they don’t reside in Virginia, where they were last convicted. The Court will then conduct a hearing where the petitioner must put on evidence to show good cause as to why his or her rights should be restored.
As with any legal matter, it is important to have an experienced attorney at your side. If you have any questions or want assistance in petitioning the Court in Henrico, Richmond, Hanover, Chesterfield, Powhatan or any other central Virginia jurisdiction, contact the attorneys at Winslow, McCurry & MacCormac.
