Expert: n/a - 12/15/2008

Question
In 1994 I was charged with domestic violence, even though I did not physical touch my wife, we were arguing and I threw a ashtray and a neighbor called the police, dumb thing I know, but I would never lay a hand on her.  Went to court, in 9/94, was represented by counsel that has now been disbarred, was to complete counseling and come back to court in 12/94, I did all that I was asked, when we went back to court, the judge dismissed it, I thought all was well and fine until my wife and I went to purchase a handgun, I was denied, I got in touch with the state police and they told me what it was, I called the courthouse in Henrico, VA and they pulled my record, and on the final order it says "No further action" how would I go about restoring my rights to gun ownership?  I have filed a misc motion with Henrico County VA Juvenile courts to have it reviewed because its not right, but what else can I do.
Thank you for your time
Sam

Answer
YOU HAVE TO APPLY FOR VIRGINIA EXECUTIVE CLEMENCY,  IT TAKES ABOUT SIX MONTHS FOR THE PROCESS AND YOU CAN DOWNLOAD THE APPLICATION ONLINE.  THE CONTACT PERSON WILL BE MR. WOMACK.  AFTER YOU RECEIVE THE EXECUTIVE CLEMENCY YOU MUST GO TO COURT TO GET YOUR FIREARM RIGHTS RESTORED.  THEN YOU MAY APPLY FOR A FIREARM PERMIT AND YOU WILL BE FREE TO PURCHASE A FIREARM.  IF WOULD'VE HAD YOUR DISPOSITION PAPERS SAYING YOUR CASE WAS DISMISSED AND SEALED YOU COULD HAVE APPEALED THE NICS DENIAL AND WON.  OR YOU COULD HAVE APPLIED FOR A FIREARM PERMIT.  EVEN AFTER YOU GET YOUR FIREARM RIGHTS RESTORED YOU WILL STILL CONTINUE TO FAIL THE NICS CHECK UNTIL YOU OBTAIN A FIRARM PERMIT. MAKE SURE YOU SEND A COPY ALL YOUR COURT PAPERS RESTORING YOUR RIGHTS TO THE VIGINIA STATE POLIE SO THEY CAN HAVE YOUR RESTORATION OF RIGHTS CERTIFICATE IN THEIR FILES.

GOOD LUCK