Getting your gun rights back can feel out of reach, but the right legal help can make all the difference. Your Westerville gun rights restoration lawyer from Koffel | Brininger | Nesbitt will explain where you stand and what steps you can take to move forward.
Our Westerville gun crime lawyer brings more than 30 years of experience, 300 5-star reviews, and a team that is always just One Call Away From Feeling Better. Contact us now to learn how we can help you reclaim your rights.
Types of Firearm Rights That Can Be Restored in Ohio
Getting your firearm rights back can feel complicated, especially when the laws seem confusing or inconsistent. The good news is that real options are available, depending on factors like:
- Your past charges
- Your record
- The steps you have taken to move forward.
Our firm helps people across Ohio sort through the details and determine what kind of restoration might apply to their situation.
Restoration After a Non-Violent Felony Conviction
If you were convicted of a non-violent felony, you may be eligible to restore your firearm rights after meeting certain conditions. People with qualifying convictions can petition the court once they have completed their sentence, paid fines and restitution, and maintained a clean record for a set period.
The waiting period and requirements can vary, but the goal is to show that you are no longer a risk to public safety.
Firearm Rights After Mental Health-Based Restrictions
Some people lose their gun rights after being hospitalized or found mentally incompetent by a court. That does not mean the restriction has to be permanent.
If you have completed treatment and no longer meet the criteria for disqualification, you may be able to file a petition to restore your rights. These cases are handled with care, and the court will want to see medical documentation affirming your recovery and a clear pattern of stability.
For a free legal consultation with a gun rights restoration lawyer serving Westerville, call (614) 884-1100
Factors That Can Affect Whether You Qualify For Gun Rights Restoration
Restoring your firearm rights is not automatic. The court will want to know exactly what happened, what your record looks like now, and whether anything might still prevent you from legally owning a gun.
Your full history matters, and our Westerville criminal defense lawyer takes the time to look closely before helping you move forward. Here are a few of the factors that can complicate the process or lead to a denial:
- Active protection orders
- Pending criminal charges
- Prior felony convictions
- Current parole or probation status
- Incomplete civil rights restoration
- Use of a firearm during the original offense
- Documented drug dependency
- Past arrests involving domestic violence
Some of these issues can lead to an automatic denial. Others might not stop the process, but they do require extra explanation or documentation to show why you should still qualify. Under Ohio Revised Code § 2923.14, the court can grant relief from weapons disability if certain conditions are met. Your criminal defense lawyer can help you identify those.
Westerville Gun Rights Restoration Lawyer Near Me (614) 884-1100
Questions That Often Come Up in Gun Rights Restoration Cases
It is normal to have questions before starting the gun rights restoration process. You might not know what qualifies, whether old charges still matter, or what to expect if the petition does not go your way. Our firm answers these questions every day, and we are here to help you sort through the details.
Can I Restore My Rights If I Was Convicted in Another State?
You may still be eligible for restoration of your firearms rights in Ohio even if the conviction happened somewhere else. What matters is whether the original offense would disqualify you under Ohio law and whether you meet the criteria for relief here.
In situations with layered sentencing or long-term probation, it helps to speak with someone who knows how the state treats out-of-state convictions. Your Westerville gun rights restoration attorney with Koffel | Brininger | Nesbitt can explain how consecutive sentencing requirements in Ohio might affect your timeline.
Sometimes, those sentences can stretch eligibility windows or delay how soon you can file. We carefully examine your whole history and clarify what the court will expect to see.
Can I Still Qualify If My Charges Were Dropped Or Dismissed?
You may still qualify, yes, but you need to take a few extra steps. Many assume that a dropped or dismissed charge disappears independently, although that is not always true. That kind of record can still affect background checks and gun rights unless officially sealed or expunged. You should not have to deal with old charges that never led to a conviction.
Under Ohio Revised Code § 2953.32, you may be able to seal or expunge certain types of dismissed cases. That process is separate from gun rights restoration, but often works hand in hand. Your gun rights restoration attorney in Westerville with Koffel | Brininger | Nesbitt will guide you through the expungement of dismissed charges to avoid unnecessary barriers.
What Happens If I Am Denied Gun Rights Restoration?
A denial does not always mean the process is over. The court will often explain what was missing or why the request was rejected. You can refile later, submit new documentation, or show that more time has passed since your last offense. Denials can feel frustrating, but they are not always final.
We also talk with clients about the collateral consequences of a conviction and how those may still be in play. Things like parole, restitution, or prior violent charges can all affect how the court sees your case. Knowing what to expect gives you a better chance of preparing a strong petition the next time around.
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Trust In Your Gun Rights Restoration Attorney In Westerville Today
Our team takes the time to evaluate your eligibility, prepare your petition, and advocate for your rights at every stage of the process. If your rights were unfairly denied or revoked, we are ready to help you take action.
When you are able to move forward, contact us to speak with your gun rights restoration lawyer in Westerville with Koffel | Brininger | Nesbitt and learn more about your next steps.
Call or text (614) 884-1100 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
