June 29, 2026 | News
Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers was recently featured by Spectrum News 1 to discuss an important Ohio Supreme Court decision involving firearm rights restoration for individuals with certain domestic violence convictions. During the interview, attorney Joe Suhre explained what the ruling in State v. Heffley means—and, just as importantly, what it does not mean.
Since the decision was released, we’ve seen considerable confusion about its impact. Some headlines have led people to believe that anyone with a qualifying conviction can automatically regain the right to own or carry a firearm. That is not what the Ohio Supreme Court decided.
Below is a closer look at the issues discussed during the interview and why the distinction matters.
What Was the Ohio Supreme Court Asked to Decide?
The case before the Ohio Supreme Court involved whether a man with a decades-old felony domestic violence conviction could ask an Ohio court to restore his state firearm rights, despite an existing federal firearms prohibition.
The Court ultimately held that Ohio courts may consider these petitions under state law. However, the ruling did not restore the individual’s firearm rights, nor did it guarantee that his petition would ultimately be granted.
Instead, the decision clarified that Ohio trial courts retain the authority to evaluate each petition on its own facts.
The Biggest Misconception We’ve Heard Since the Decision
One of the most common misunderstandings following the ruling is that firearm rights are now automatically restored for anyone with a qualifying felony domestic violence conviction.
That simply is not the case.
The decision creates an opportunity for some individuals to ask a court for restoration. It does not create automatic eligibility, nor does it remove the court’s responsibility to carefully evaluate every request.
Every applicant must still satisfy the legal requirements before restoration may be considered.
Why Rehabilitation Still Matters
During the Spectrum News 1 interview, Attorney Joe Suhre emphasized what may be the most important takeaway from the decision. Firearm rights restoration is not presumed.
Instead, the person seeking restoration must demonstrate that they have earned it. As discussed during the interview, rehabilitation must be shown through the evidence presented to the court rather than assumed because many years have passed since the conviction.
Depending on the circumstances, a judge may consider factors such as:
- The amount of time since the conviction
- Whether the individual has committed additional offenses
- Compliance with prior court orders
- Evidence of rehabilitation
- Community involvement
- Whether restoring firearm rights would present a public safety concern
Each case is evaluated individually, which is why no two petitions are exactly alike.
Why the Decision Is Still Significant
Although the ruling is narrower than many headlines suggest, it remains an important development in firearm rights and Ohio law.
For some individuals, it confirms that Ohio courts have the authority to hear restoration petitions that previously may have been viewed differently. At the same time, it preserves the trial court’s discretion to determine whether restoration is appropriate based on the evidence presented in each individual case.
In other words, the ruling opens a door—but it does not guarantee that every person who walks through it will receive the same outcome.
Contact the Cincinnati Firearm Rights Lawyers at Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers for a Free Consultation Today
At Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers, our attorneys regularly monitor developments in Ohio firearm law so we can provide clients with current and accurate guidance.
The recent interview with Spectrum News 1 provided an opportunity to explain the important Ohio Supreme Court decision in State v. Heffley and to clarify the biggest misconception that has emerged since the ruling.
If you have questions about restoring your firearm rights after a criminal conviction or would like to discuss whether you may be eligible to file a petition under Ohio law, contact our Cincinnati firearm rights attorneys to schedule a free, confidential consultation today.
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