Expert: n/a - 12/17/2008

Question
QUESTION: I am a little confused.  I am on felony probation to Feb. 14, 2013.(dwi)  Do I go to the court of conviction for restoration of firearms rights or do I have to petition the governor for a pardon first?  Please help!!  Can a judge give me my firearms rights back or does it have to be the governor?

ANSWER: Before you can get restoration of rights you must be off probation.  So you are talking 2013 unless you get an early release.  Laws change so you may want to check back when you are released from probation.  

Good Luck

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: O.K., so once I'm off probation, do I have to go to the judge who conicted me or do I go petition the governor for a pardon to get my firearms rights back? I don't want to waste my time and money so I need some clarity.

Answer
You will need to make an appliction to the Texas Board of Pardons and Parole they handle restoration of firearm rights.  You will have to prove why you want restoration of firearm rights.  I don't know your situation but I would say to work Armed Security instead of saying for protection.  They will need your work history also.  

Good Luck