Expert: n/a - 1/23/2009

Question
QUESTION: how do i go about and find out if i have had my gun rights restored? i was convicted almosted 15 years ago i did all my time which was a year...  if i go and look at the old case it says closed-convesion for it.. i can not find any where that it says i have no gun rights so how do i find out if i do.. i have tried calling the Atf, county court and being givin the run around can you please help point me in the right direction

ANSWER: There is no time limit on firearm restoration of rights.  If you are a convicted felon you cannot own, possess, transport or purchase firearms.  You will have to apply for restoration of rights with no restrictions in the state of Ohio.  You can also apply for an expungement or a pardon.  As of now you are restricted from firearms until you are approved for one of the above restoration of rights.  Your restrictions after you receive restoration of rights will depend on the crime you was convicted of and what you have done since your conviction.  For instance if you have a drug conviction they may restrict you from working around prescription drugs, If you have a violent crime or a crime where you was found carrying an illegal firearm then you will most likely lose your firearm rights for good.

Good Luck

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

QUESTION: the case says closed conversion... what about the unless law.. the time served was less than 1 year

Answer
The case is closed because you have been convicted already that does not mean your felony is erased.  There are felons who have never served jail time with 1 year probation but the fact remains they are still convicted felons and cannot have a firearm until they receive full restoration of rights (no restrictions).