Expert: n/a - 5/3/2009

Question
QUESTION: Hello, I live in CT. I have Total of 12 Arrests All from NYC
Arrest Charges are 17 Felonies, 6 violet Felonies, 14 Misdemeanors. Total Convictions are : 4 misdemeanors & 4 Violations. Sentence 15 days Max.


Every time I was locked up in NYC the NYPD charged me with : displays what appears to be a firearm. That was NOT the case b/c those charges were always dropped.  

Convictions are :

1- Jan 25 1993
Criminal Possesion Controlled Substance 7th degree
Class A misdemeanor

2- November 4 1993
Unauthorized Use of Vechicle w/o owners Consent
Class A misdemeanor

3- May 9 1994
Attempted Criminal Possession Controlled Substance 7th degree. Class B misdemeanor

4- July 8 1997
Unlawful Possession of Marihuana
Violation..

the other 4 convictions are Disorderly Conduct from feb. 17  1993 thru May 13 1996. No Felonies or DV.

will these offences keep me from owning a firearm and will i be able to have my full rights restored ?

ANSWER: No felonies and no domestic violence, yes you can own a firearm. Maybe not in NY or CT but Virginia, Florida and Utah you can.  Some other states will restrict you as well for disrespect for the law but as far as the Federal Gov't is concerned you are not restricted from firearms.  A lot of States will restrict you for the drug possession misdemeanors, and some just because you have too many convictions.  If you are talking about CCW Permits remember that is at the discretion of the issuing agency and is not guaranteed by law even if the state is a shall issue state.  If I were you I would apply for a Virginia Non-resident permit to prove I'm legally allowed to own a firearm, then apply for a CT Permit. VA will give you a permit as long as you did not have a misdemeanor conviction within the last 5 years.  If you need the CCW class for VA e-mail me with your e-mail address and I will send you the application and the online class website.  

Good Luck

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

QUESTION: Thanks for your Quick response Mr. Reed..

I have 2 more questions...

I spoke with a lawyer on Friday, He's charging me $750 to file the motion for a Certificate of relief from Civil Disabilities for one of the Drug possession misdemeanor. It's probably going to cost me around $1500 to file motions for  both drug convictions. The lawyer said, that He cannot guarantee anything but will file the motion. DO you think if Im able to get the CRD this will improve my chances
of obtaining a CT CCW after I apply for the VA non resident
CCW or am I wasting my time b/c my charges are not felony
convictions

Also On the application for VA CCW, Should I write all
my arrests and the outcome of each case on a separate piece of paper even for the cases that were dismissed???

Question #2 on application ask> have you been convicted of a misdemeanor offense within the Five-Yr period immediately preceding this application?
I have not been convicted of any crime in 12 yrs which was the unlawful possesion of Marihuana which was a violaton.
My last misdemeanor conviction was on May 8 1994,
for the attempted criminal possession controlled substance. Drugs found were not mines, nor where they found on me. Thats why they charged me with the Attempted criminal possesion.

Thanks..

Answer
Just answer each question truthfully, if they ask you about an arrest answer it if they dont ask dont volunteer any information.

IF YOU HAVE NO CONVICTIONS IN THE PAST 5 YEARS THEN THE ANSER IS NO.

You can also call VA State Police they are ery helpful with the application process.

You don't need a Lawyer for a Certificate of Relief from Disabilities.