Expert: Dean Speir - 1/12/2011

Question
when i was 15 i was found with a stolen handgun. i was convicted of an f4 or f3, completed probation without a problem. i plan on going into the military. what do i have to do to regain my gun rights back. i really enjoy hunting and hope one mistake i made as a child will not end that. obviously i was charged as a juvenile. i plan on keeping my nose clean for ever. can i get my gun rights restored by expungement since it was juvenile? also can i ever own a handgun?(after the military i want to be a police officer) by the way i live in Ohio. also i know you are not a lawyer, i just want have an idea.

Answer
As a volunteer (pro bono publico) here, I don't "do" private consultations. For that you would need the services of an attorney at his or her standard rates.

#2, you carefully couch your information very much in the passive mode. "I was found with a stolen handgun." Really? You and the police and the stolen handgun all converged independently of one another at the same location? Is that the impression you are attempting to convey?

You may have been a "juvenile" at age 15, but you certainly weren't any "child."

You want an idea? Start with contacting the attorney who represented you in that juvenile proceeding and ask his or her counsel. He or she should be familiar with the details of you case, and can better advise you.

G'luck to you, and thank you for your anticipated service.