Expert: Dean Speir - 9/18/2009

Question
QUESTION: Is there anything that can be done in TN to restore rights to have a gun?  Also is there anything that can be done proactively to voice opinion on overturning the laws on non-violent felons?  You can do your time and pay your debt to society but a felon is never forgiven.  I think that non-violent felons should be restored. I was charged with submitting false documents to HUD 9 years ago. I have never even had a parking ticket but was charged with a felony.  I have paid my restitution and just want my life back. I really wanted to work in the schools but I dont see that ever happening. My husband would like to hunt and someoene said he could have a gun in the house but I did not want it because I was not sure of the rules here.  If it is not mine can he keep it somewhere in the home? Thank you for your time. It is so hard to get any information on the rights and rules.

ANSWER: As this time is all given on a pro bono publico basis, Private Responses are not provided. For that, you would need to consult an attorney and pay his fee.

#1: This is a Second Amendment topic, not one of Criminal Justice.

#2: As you are asking questions specific to one state, why haven't you contacted one of your elected representatives about this issue?

#3: Your assertion is incorrect. Felons are indeed "forgiven," and the best known process is applying for a Certificate of Relief from Disabilities. Learn about it.

#4: I know a non-violent felon whose firearms rights were retains as part of his plea bargain. Of course, he's still as big a crook as he ever was, but he's smarter about how he does it... and he still has his Second Amendment rights.

#5: I dismiss anyone who acts on a "someoene{sic} said" basis as a low-grade fool; it's easy enough to obtain an authoritative answer. Have you inquired of your Probation or Parole Officer as to whether your husband can keep a firearm under the same roof as you? Want to be sure of the rules? Talk to someone who knows them!

#6: It's not that difficult "to get any information on the rights and rules." You're just being lazy... and from the tone of your inquiry here, feeling a little sorry for yourself at the moment.

You tried to cheat the taxpayers, you got caught and now have a Felony conviction. Talk to an attorney in your state about your options.

And stop sniveling.



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

QUESTION: Well, well look who is showing their ostentatious side.  I wrote to this forum expecting a professional response. I did not expect to have some pretentious prick talk to me like a two year old by counting out his gripe.

#1 You must be having some personal issues to act so sour.  You should hold off on responses until you have a better day.

#2 If you would have taken the time to read my question without being blinded by formulating your cantankerous response you would have noted that I disclosed the State in question.

#3 My assertion is very correct and my question was not about being forgiven or not.  I have lived it along with many others and society is anything but forgiving of a felony.  The Certificate of Relief from Disabilities is granted by New York State parole board and is useless to me but I realize it was just another snide remark .

#4 Isn't the reason for this forum to get information? I did not take time to write to have you tell me to ask someone who knows.  I thought that is what I was doing.

#5 It is interesting how out of all the questions in this forum you decided to attack me by telling me about your crook friend who got a plea bargain.

The definition of sniveling is to weep while sniffling or to whine. I think you should go back and read your response before being so accusatory.
Do me a favor and stop being so pompous and save your verbal assault for someone else.  It was very uncalled for in this forum.

Answer
Dear Madam;

Please learn the proper use of words such as "ostentatious" or don't use them. (You did okay with "cantankerous," however.)

My sole "personal issue" is people to come to the Second Amendment topic expecting a "professional" response to a Criminal Justice question. By definition, "professionals" get paid, professionally. Note my profile which without equivocation states that I am NOT an attorney! SEE AN ATTORNEY IN YOUR STATE and pay his fee.

Your #2 is germane to nothing under discussion. (i.e., so what?!?)

Yes, the Certificate of Relief from Disabilities is a New York "thing," but similar mechanisms exist in other jurisdictions, so it was not "just another snide remark" at all. SEE AN ATTORNEY IN YOUR STATE.

You took the time to write because you were feeling sorry for yourself at that moment, and were looking for some encouragement and free legal advice. SEE AN ATTORNEY IN YOUR STATE and pay his fee.

I have no "crook friend," just a former associate who was smart enough to retain a good attorney. Your inference is unwarranted.

What was "uncalled for" was your asking that type of question in this topic.

The bottom line is that you were caught and convicted of being a "welfare cheat," and are distressed that you feel that you are still suffering societal opprobrium. O, and also that I "assaulted" you.

Okay, but you still have yet to address the issue of why you have not sought guidance as to your options, from a local attorney, or the Parole or Probation Department which oversaw your post-conviction progress.

Sincere g'luck to you. Now, please get on with your life and stop trying to play the victim.