Trusted Gun Rights Restoration Attorney in Manassas, VA
Virginia restricts the gun rights of many individuals, including those charged with felonies or even certain misdemeanor offenses. This can be frustrating for many people, especially when felony charges are nonviolent or from many years prior. There are options for restoring your firearm rights, although you have to meet several requirements. A Manassas gun rights restoration lawyer can help you assess your situation and file the right petition for restoration.
Hire an Experienced Gun Rights Restoration Lawyer at Morrison Brown PLC in Manassas
At Morrison Brown PLC, our attorneys have over 30 combined years of legal experience, and we have spent years working for the interests of those who are navigating criminal and civil courts. Our team is made up of former military service members, prosecutors, and public defenders, and we offer tailored solutions for your unique circumstances. We also have experience assisting clients with prior Drug Crimes convictions. We help you assess your options for restoring your gun rights and advocate for you throughout the process.
When Do You Lose Your Gun Rights in Virginia?
When you are convicted of a felony on the state or federal level, you can lose several civil rights, including the right to vote, the right to run for office, and the right to own or carry a firearm. Even lesser offenses, like Drug Possession, can trigger firearm restrictions.
Violating firearm restrictions can have serious consequences. Law enforcement agencies in Virginia reported 13,985 weapons law violations in 2024, including 10,455 possession or concealment offenses and 1,784 use offenses. State law makes it a class 6 felony for a felon to intentionally possess or transport a firearm or firearm ammunition.
Federal law makes it unlawful for anyone who has been convicted of an offense that is punishable by over a year of imprisonment. Other parties are also prohibited under federal law, such as fugitives, illegal aliens, unlawful users of a controlled substance, and those convicted of a misdemeanor domestic violence offense. Convictions for Drug Manufacturing are also considered when evaluating firearm eligibility.
How Do You Restore Your Firearms Rights in Manassas?
There are four main ways you can restore your gun rights in Manassas, depending on where you were convicted and other facts of your case. Cases involving Sex Crimes often require detailed review before restoration. These include:
- Full pardon. When your gun rights were restricted by a state felony conviction, a full or absolute pardon issued by the Governor could restore them. You also petition the circuit court of your city or county for restoration. Absolute pardons are rare and require you to have pleaded not guilty throughout your criminal case and to have tried all other forms of judicial appeals first. Individuals with prior Sexual Assault charges may face additional considerations during this process.
- Simple pardon. A simple pardon occurs when your civil rights are restored, but the conviction is not removed from your record. After a simple pardon, you must get permission from your city or county circuit court to request the removal of your restrictions on firearms.
- Out-of-state restoration. If your conviction was in a state other than Virginia, then your firearm rights have to be restored in that state without restrictions.
- Federal restoration. If your felony conviction occurred in federal courts, then restoring your state-level firearm rights does not restore your federal firearm rights. The only way to restore your federal firearm rights is if the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) removes your firearms disabilities. Gun Crimes convictions are closely evaluated during this federal restoration process.
In Manassas, your case is likely to be handled by the 31st Judicial Circuit Court for Prince William County. To get a simple pardon, you must have completed or be free of conditions for your convictions, like probation. You must also have been granted the restoration of your rights before requesting the pardon.
You need to reinstate both your federal and state gun rights to restore your ability to carry and own firearms. When you hire a gun rights restoration lawyer, they can review your unique charges or circumstances for gun rights removal and determine if one of these options applies to you.
FAQs
How Much Does a Lawyer Charge to Restore Gun Rights in Manassas?
The cost of a lawyer to restore gun rights in Manassas depends on factors like the attorney you work with and your unique case. A lawyer may charge a flat fee or an hourly rate, depending on how complex your case is expected to be. More experienced lawyers may have higher fees, although they may also be able to resolve your case more effectively. Always discuss fees with an attorney up front.
How Much Does It Cost to Restore Gun Rights in Virginia?
The cost to restore your gun rights in Virginia depends on your jurisdiction and other factors, such as whether you work with an attorney. There is a fee in the Prince William Circuit Court to review the restoration of your gun rights, as well as a fee for a felony restoration of your gun rights, as of mid-2026. There may be other fees throughout the process depending on your case, and an attorney can help you assess these costs.
Can I Get My Gun Rights Restored in Virginia?
Yes, you could get your gun rights restored in Virginia if you have been granted a full pardon without restrictions, secured a simple pardon through rights restoration and approval by your circuit court, your firearm rights were restored in the state where you were convicted, or the ATF removed your firearm restrictions from a federal court conviction. The method needed relies on whether you were convicted at the state or federal level, how you pleaded, and other factors.
Can a Pardon Restore Gun Rights in Virginia?
Yes, a pardon could restore gun rights in Virginia, as long as it is a full pardon, unless the pardon explicitly provides conditions that limit your gun rights. A full or absolute pardon is granted by the Governor and requires you to have pleaded not guilty to your charges. A simple pardon could also result in the restoration of gun rights, when there is additional permission by your jurisdiction’s Circuit Court or the criminal court you were convicted in.
Find a Top Rated Manassas Gun Rights Restoration Attorney
It is much easier to navigate the rights restoration process with an experienced attorney. At Morrison Brown PLC, we can help you file and advocate for you in court. Get in contact with our firm today.
