Expert: n/a - 8/15/2009

Question
Hi Don, Thanks for answering my question. I was arrested for Domestic violence in 1993. I plead guilt to a misdemeanor with a deferred sentence and than charges dismissed according to paperwork. I have been in the navy reserves for 14 years, deployed in 2008 carrying a fire arm and purchased some firearms after the arrest with no issues. I thought I was cleared and that dismissal meant dropped. I hold a secret clearance as well. The issue has re-surfaced, last week I purchased a hand gun and brought it home after the FFL released it to me because the NICS was delayed but never got back to the ffl. I received a visit from ATF stating I had to transfer the firearm to a 3rd party(my father). The issue no is, how do I restore my rights or expunge my arrest, remain in the Navy with a clearance and deploy to Iraq and carry a firearm. I live in New Mexico which is where the arrest took place. I need both State and Federal rights back. Please help! Thank You.

Answer
As of now the Gov't has passed a law that any one convicted of a domestic violence offense
cannot own a firearm.  They also state that no one can get restoration of rights for a firearm after a domestic violence conviction even if its a misdemeanor charge.  The last I heard about 6 months ago the NRA was trying to convince the Gov't to revise this law as far as restoration of rights and being restricted from firearm for good.