Expert: n/a - 3/20/2009

Question
Hi, don't know where else to turn so please help. 30 years ago I was with someone who committed a serious crime. In the end, I was arrested and subsequently charged in NY with a Class C felony (Criminal facilitation). The Judge and the PB officer knew I was not a criminal and was simply a young kid that was used and unaware of what was going on. They both helped me obtain a certificate of release from Civil Disability. Today I live in FL and would like to excercise my 2nd amendment right. Do I need to apply for restoration of firearms or  does the certificate of Civil Disability automatically resore that privelage? There is no way to check before buying a gun. Plese help.

Answer
You must get a CCW permit first.  You cannot own a firearm with a NYS restoration of rights Certificate (CRD) without a CCW permit.  That is a NYS law.  If your CRD does not state you can't own, transport or possess firearms/weapons then you are cleared to receive a Florida CCW permit.  Box A or B should be checked on your CRD.  You can also fax the paperwork to Florida Dept. of Agriculture explaining your situation and they will give you an answer on receiving the ccw permit using your CRD.

Good Luck