AboutDean Speir Expertise I can answer questions about Handguns, Rifles, Ammunition, the Firearms Industry, the "gunzine game," practical accessories for self-defense (CCW) handguns; rumor control on firearms myths, errata on the "gunshop grapevine."
I am NOT an Attorney, and nothing I provide here should be relied upon as legal advice.
Nor do I do "Private Consultations." Want to made it "private," retain an attorney.
Experience 25 years practical and competitive hangunning; 26 years in the firearms industry; 15 years writing for the gunzines, including 4˝ years as Industry Editor for The New Gun Week; maintainer of www.thegunzone.com.
Organizations Life Member, NRA
Publications Guns Magazine, Combat Handguns, Petersen's Handguns, American Handgunner, The New Gun Week, Gun & Shooter, American Handgunner, Shooting Industry, American Firearms Industry, Machine Gun News, Practical Shooting International, Law Enforcement Techology, Police Product News, The American Guardian, The Shotgun News, Visier (Germany) and various DBI Books.
Expert: Dean Speir Date: 4/28/2008 Subject: getting my right to possess a firearm restored
Question hello, i was convicted 18 years ago for trafficing in drugs, carrying a concealed weapon,plead to a domestic violence charge so they would dismiss 3 other felonies. i also have an expunged conviction from 1972 for ccw. i have not been in trouble since i was released from prison and served 3 years of a 5 year probation sentence following my 18 month prison term. can you advise me on how i can get my right to possess firearms again as i'm an avid target shooter and before i got into trouble 18 years ago i would go to the local target range and target practice with a variety of handguns. thank you
Answer It remains a mystery to me why people come here to ask this type of question. It's not a Second Amendment issue, it's a criminal justice issue, and I have unambiguously and repeatedly stated that I am not an Attorney and do not give legal advice.
That said, in my view, Charles Jetter, I don't care how long ago it was… in 1972 or 1990, whenever, you're a criminal, and a prohibited person ineligible to possess firearms, no matter the purpose, being it "target shooting" or personal protection "trafficking in drugs," said to be a high risk enterprise.
Additionally, the domestic violence conviction, under the Draconian section of code universally known as the (ex post facto) "Lautenberg Law," your ineligible to possess firearms for all time.
Given your track record, in this case, I could not argue that this is a bad thing.
