Expert: n/a - 11/22/2008

Question
I have one class E felony in NY from 1993 and I have 3 older felonies from CA. ALL these are for non violent offenses As a matter of fact when sentenced in NY my lawyer made the point that MY CA felonies would not qualify in NY  as Grand Theft in Ca was anything over $400 and that would still be a misdemeanor in NY. I was sentenced in NY as a First time offender.  Since my release I have married, Brought a home and have been steadily employed with my present employer for over seven years. What would you recommend as my first steps in getting my gun rights restored.  and Will I have to go back to CA or can it be done in NY only.  Thanks for your help.

Answer
Remember the federal gov't make the firearm laws.  If you have 3 felonies in CA you are going to have a dificult time getting your firearm rights back from them alone,  NY is also a state with strict firearm laws.  If you can get CA to give you FULL restoration of rights with NO retrictions then you may have a chance in NY with just one felony there.  I dont know if your sentence was a state bid or probation in NY but the process is different. If you was sentenced to probation in NY then you need to return to the probation Dept. and get a certificate of relief from disabilities.  If you was sentenced to state time then you need to go online for the state Dept of Parole certificate of good conduct or certificate of relief.  NY can't restore your firearm rights for an out of state felony conviction.


Good Luck