The consequences of a criminal conviction can go beyond jail time and fines. A conviction can result in the loss of your gun rights in Ohio. Sometimes, completing your sentence might not be sufficient to restore your gun rights. If you want to restore your gun rights, experienced legal advice is where you need to start.
Our criminal defense lawyers at Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers have over 100 years of combined experience. We fight for the rights of the accused. Our legal team includes a former prosecutor and police officer.
Contact us at today at (513) 333-0014 to schedule a free consultation with one of our Cincinnati gun rights attorneys.
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How Our Criminal Defense Lawyers at Suhre & Associates Can Help You Protect Your Gun Rights
You served your sentence and are ready to move forward. However, your desire to live a normal life might be hampered by your criminal history. Some consequences of your criminal conviction could be permanent. For example, if you were convicted of certain violent crimes, you may lose your gun rights permanently.
At Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers, our lawyers fight to prevent convictions that could result in the loss of gun rights. When you hire our Cincinnati criminal defense attorneys, you can expect us to:
- Thoroughly investigate the circumstances that led to your arrest
- Analyze the evidence the prosecution has gathered to prove your guilt
- Explain your legal options, including the potential penalties if you plead or are found guilty
- Demand full disclosure of exculpatory evidence that could prove your innocence
- Negotiate for a fair plea bargain if going to trial is not the best strategy for your case
- Fiercely advocate for you during all aspects of your case
Our lawyers have top ratings, including a perfect 10.0 rating with Avvo. They have received recognition and awards from The National Trial Lawyers, Super Lawyers, and other national legal organizations.
Call Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers today to schedule a free case review with an experienced Cincinnati gun rights lawyer.
Criminal Convictions and Your Gun Rights in Ohio
A conviction of specific misdemeanor or felony crimes could cause you to lose your right to own or possess a firearm. However, you could lose your gun rights in some situations without a criminal conviction.
Reasons you could lose your gun rights include:
- Felony Convictions – Any conviction for a felony in Ohio results in the loss of gun rights.
- Protection Orders – Generally, a domestic violence protection order includes a ban on owning or possessing firearms.
- Drug Crimes – Many drug crimes will result in the loss of gun rights, including trafficking, possessing, and manufacturing illegal and controlled substances.
- Probation and Parole Conditions – Judges often include a ban on owning and possessing firearms when granting a person parole or probation.
- Mental Health Adjudications – A court order finding someone incompetent because of a mental illness generally results in the loss of gun rights.
Other crimes could result in losing your gun rights. Some people might be able to restore their gun rights, but it can be challenging.
Who Can Restore Their Gun Rights After a Criminal Conviction in Ohio?
Not all individuals with a criminal conviction are eligible to restore their gun rights. A criminal defense lawyer can help you determine if you are eligible for restoration of gun rights in Ohio.
Generally, you cannot have your gun rights restored until you complete your sentence, including probation. You also need to demonstrate that you have been rehabilitated and have no subsequent criminal convictions.
Seeking Court Approval for Restoration of Gun Rights
If you are eligible to have your gun rights restored, you must file a petition with the court. The petition should include the details of your rehabilitation and evidence you completed all terms of your criminal sentence.
Proving rehabilitation can be the most challenging aspect of having your gun rights restored. Reference letters from community leaders, employers, co-workers, and other character witnesses are essential. A letter stating you completed probation with no violations can also help prove your rehabilitation.
You need an experienced attorney to prepare your petition and represent you at the hearing. Petitions are denied for many reasons.
An attorney ensures that your petition does not have errors or mistakes. Your attorney also gathers evidence proving you have been a law-abiding citizen since your release and drafts a compelling argument to convince the judge of your rehabilitation.
The court schedules a public hearing. Interested parties can object to the restoration of your gun rights, including the prosecutor in your case, a victim, the victim’s family members, or a government entity. Your attorney can argue that proof of your rehabilitation refutes the objections.
If you convince the judge of your rehabilitation and eligibility for gun restoration rights, the judge may grant your petition. Then, you could own and possess a firearm.
Learn More About Gun Rights in Ohio During a Free Consultation
You need legal advice as soon as possible if you are facing criminal charges. Call us today to schedule a free case review with a Cincinnati gun rights lawyer. We handle all matters related to gun crimes.
