Expert: n/a - 7/8/2008

Question
QUESTION: 20 years ago, I stole some money from an employer. I had never been in trouble before or since.  The employer lied about the amount, I didn't want to argue that fact since what I did was wrong, so I just settled for the trouble I was in quickly and quitely.  I received probation and paid restitution. Now my problem is, I would like to feel safe and have protection on me incase I ever need it.  Crime is on the rise and due to gas prices, the police in our city are not patrolling they are parking, safety is not 911 anymore.  Many violent criminals possess firearms.  I have investigated online all the situations a person can be prohibited from possessing a firearm and many are reasonable, but there are many many more that appear to be the governments way to disarm as many citizens as possible.  I would very much like to request a pardon for my felony committed 20 years ago when I was 21.  Is there any suggestion or advice.  I do not want to get in trouble for carrying, but I don't want my right to feel safe in an increasingly growing violent society.

ANSWER: What you have to do is get Restoration of Rights from the State you were convicted in.  You did not say what state you were convicted in but most state Parole Dept. handles Restoration of Rights.  They may also have an Executive Clemency Board similar to Florida and Virginia.  Your offense is non-violent and old so you should have no problem getting your firearm rights restored.  Once you get Restoration of Rights you can then apply for a firearm permit either in your state or a non resident permit from Florida or Virginia as long as they have reciprocity agreements with the state you are living in.

Good Luck

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

QUESTION: In answer to your question, it is very difficult to get your civil rights restored in the State of Colorado.  

Colorado does not have an expungement statute that allows for the expungement of a felony conviction.  Some States do.  I have successfully gotten a man's civil rights restored in Oregon for a 20 year old felony conviction he had in that state.  Colorado, however, does not have such a law for an actual conviction - only for arrest records and court records in which the case was dismissed or the defendant was acquitted.  

If you would like to make an appointment and have me review your file, I would be glad to do that for you and see if there is anything I might be able to do for you.  There are certain ways to clear one's record, such as a pardon, but that is something we need to discuss in more detail, the likelihood of success, etc.


Answer
Well, what can you do you have to follow State laws. The only suggestion I have for you is to relocate and get restoration of rights in your new State or seek the services of a Lawyer. States like Florida, Virginia and Pennsylvania will give you restoration of rights for an out of state conviction if you show that you have been a law abidding citizen since your conviction.

Good Luck