Firearms Rights Restoration

This video from the Masters of the Law series on ReelLawyers.com

If an old criminal conviction is affecting your firearms rights, you need the assistance and guidance of an experienced firearms attorney.  Attorney Guida knows all of the avenues of relief available to firearms owners and he can work to quickly restore your rights.  Contact Attorney Guida for assistance with:

Firearms Licensing Review Board Petitions – You only get one chance to ask the Board to restore your right to possess a firearm.   Don’t go it alone! Attorney Guida served as Counsel to the Board for over 4 years. His clients rely on his experience to guide and support them through every step of the review process.

Criminal Record Corrections – If an old criminal record is keeping you from getting your license, you need a firearms attorney with experience in the criminal court system. Attorney Guida is that attorney. As a former prosecutor, Attorney Guida knows the rules and procedures that are used to correct errors, overturn old convictions and update criminal records.

Sealing Drug Convictions – A special provision of the law allows certain drug offenders to seal their convictions in a way that restores their firearms rights.  Attorney Guida has extensive experience sealing drug cases and restoring his clients LTCs.

332 thoughts on “Firearms Rights Restoration”

  1. Jeremy benz

    Have a fid card, but ltc was denied because of a charge over 15 years ago. Don’t believe criminal charges, just a fine and found guilty.

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  2. Had my FID card taken reissued then taken again all based on phony made up charges. I refuse to give into that Luetenant at Boston PD. I had words with him and he told me then that I would not get my card back and even when it was reinstated he refused to return my weapons because the BPD Chief had taken a personal interest in my case. So even with the card reinstated he would not give me my weapons because he didn’t have to do anything.

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    1. J

      Good morning-

      You were in contact with our office last year and a case review was discussed. My assistant will be in contact again this week to explain that option again.

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    1. jaguida

      I apologize for the delay. Generally it is difficult to restore an LTC when the grounds for revocation are based on a clear violation of the firearms laws. It is best to contact my office regarding these matters. 617-383-4652.

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  5. Christopher Austin

    I have no gun related charges, driving after a DUI serveral times. Not once under influence since DUI. Fell asleep in a motor vehicle on a used car lot and was arrested for attempted auto theft. And I think B and E.
    This was all over 20 years ago and I was wondering if I could ever get my gun rights back. I had removed my self from Massachusetts 19 years ago and have a decent life now with my wife and son. Me and my wife operated a small business for 15 years and now I have finished A/C trade school, my A.A. degree and am starting at my B.A. in Mechanicial Engineering.
    Can you help,
    Chris Austin

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    1. jaguida

      Good afternoon Mr. Austin- old convictions, particularly felony convictions, can be difficult to address. We offer a case review to provide clients with an overview of their options, if any, prior to expending thousands of dollars on litigation. Please contact my office at 617-383-4652 to discuss.

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  6. Colby Blasenak

    I dont have a ltc nor have I ever applied…I was about to apply this past week and I recalled I had an assault and battery on my record from 20 years ago..I served probation. Is there anything I can do to to get my ltc?

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    1. jaguida

      Mr. Blasenak – I believe you have been in contact with my office regarding a case review. If you need further assistance please let us know.

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  7. Larry

    I was wondering if i expunge my cases can I get a firearms license? I did 18 months in the house of corrections when I was 17. For a domestic and also have a assault with a dangerous weapon and a drug charge so 3 adult offenses.. but that was over 21 yrs ago can I expunge those and get a LTC?

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    1. jaguida

      It does not appear that you qualify for an expungement- however, please contact my office to discuss a case review to see if there are any other avenues of relief for you.

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  8. Michelle

    I have a felony B&E night time and misdemeanor B&E night time on my juvenile record from 2005 (I was 15, and now turning 30) is there ANYTHING I can do to be able to obtain my LTC?

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  9. Michael Murphy

    I was convicted of misdemeanor domestic in Malden ,Ma.,over 20years ago.
    The person whom I was accused of assaulting called the police,then told them she was wrong ,even called the station that night,never appeared in court and I was wrongly convicted.
    Before that she had punched,bitten and scratched my face(still have witnesses)
    Haven’t been in trouble since.
    I was defending myself that day,no one was hurt ,hospitalized or anything.
    That women is now brain dead and institutionalized .
    Can I get my firearms rites restored?
    If you think it’s worth it,I would be interested .
    Let me know thank you

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    1. jaguida

      Hi Michael – to be honest, this sounds like a very difficult hurdle to overcome. However, if you would like me to look into it further I offer case review. If you are interested, please give my office a call at (6`7) 383-4652. Thank you.

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  10. My Guida, I was convicted of a Domestic A&B back in 2004. No gun related charges. I now live out of state (FL) and would like to have my rights restored. Is this something worth looking into? It appears that this is something I need to pursue in MA, not FL.

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    1. jaguida

      Good afternoon – domestic convictions can be extremely difficult to address. I prefer not to discuss details of cases here – I would recommend contacting my office at (617) 383-4652 and discussing a case review where we can look into the matter further.

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  11. james

    I was charged with larceny by single scheme 20+ years ago in Massachusetts for buying a stolen fax machine and also intimidating a witness in that case, I filed a motion for new trial last year on the intimidation case and it was CWOF in June my CORI shows non conviction, and dismissed. I recently tried to apply for a conceal carry here in Florida and was denied because of something that came back on my ncic check! is there anything I can do to get my gun rights restored?

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    1. jaguida

      Good morning – the NICS database is a mess and the FDLE has been even worse. Please reach out to my office during business hours to discuss a case review so that we can look into the matter and attempt to repair the incorrect records. We can be reached at 617-383-4652.

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  12. Brian Campbell

    I was falsely accused of assault and I have statements from the alleged witness stating that what the police report said was all bogus I’ve been out for six years no probation or anything I was wondering how I would go about restoring my rights

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  13. Bret Fowler

    Denied renewal of LTC , checked off no to never been in court for criminal offense, forgot about ” minor in possession charge” over 30 years ago.Denied renewal said I filled out form untruthfully.
    Surrendered firearm & license to police to b compliant with denial letter!

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    1. jaguida

      Mr. Fowler –

      I would like to speak with you, please give my office a call at (617) 383-4652. Please remember that there is only a 90 day window to appeal.

      Thank you – JG

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  15. Charles

    Plead guilty 2006 to a firearms charges that were federal. Is there any recourse to having the charges brought to state level or expundged to restore gun rights?

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    1. jaguida

      Good afternoon Charles – this would need to be addressed in federal court. Expungement exists in some federal jurisdictions (but not MA). I recommend that you try to speak to the attorney that represented you in 2006 first.

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  16. Roberto

    I have a juvanile adjucated felony when i was 13years old in mass i was denied my ltc in mass many years ago never appealed it can i still get my firearms restored or is thier a time frame.

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    1. jaguida

      Good afternoon-

      A felony, even committed as a juvenile, will prohibit you from being issued an LTC. Please reach out to my office as we provide a case review service to see if there is an avenue of relief for you.

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  17. I plead guilty to my second OUI 8 years ago, my only guilty on record. I recently moved to NH and tried to purchase a gun but was denied. I assume the feds are denying it because of the 2.5 year max sentence that charge carries in MA. Is that it for me or do I have any options?

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  18. I plead guilty to my second OUI 8 years ago in MA. It is my only guilty on record. I recently moved to NH and tried to purchase a firearm but was denied. I assume it is because MA carries a 2.5 year max sentence for that charge. Do I have any recourse?

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    1. jaguida

      Good afternoon –

      Thank you for your question. The issue that you are dealing with is an issue that affects many people who visit my website.

      A conviction for Operating Under the Influence (“OUI”) in Massachusetts (1st or 2nd offense) that stems from an arrest that occurred after May 27, 1994 has a maximum potential term of incarceration of up to 2 1/2 years. As a result, a person with such an OUI conviction is a prohibited person under federal law and cannot possess or purchase a firearm in the Untied States.

      Massachusetts does not provide much in terms of potential relief. In 2004, the Massachusetts Legislature created the Firearms Licensing Review Board which has the authority to restore firearms rights for individuals convicted of minor offenses such as an OUI. Unfortunately, ATF, working with the current administration, managed to shut this Board down in 2018.

      I am currently involved in litigation that aims to reinstate this Board and help people restore their rights. This litigation is being fought in various forums and is sponsored by Commonwealth Second Amendment (Comm2A). It is our hope that this issue will be resolved by the end of 2020.

      It should be noted that the Supreme Court of the State of New Hampshire has recognized the authority of this Board to restore firearms rights there. If the Board begins to operate again, you may be eligible to restore your rights and exercise them in your home state.

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  20. Have a strong arm rob dropped to a larceny under 250 turned no face no case(Dropped)and possession of dangerous w (brass knuckles) pled out served 8 mo total..6 years since release no new charges at all..looking for restoration of all civil and natural rights..references, work references , family and friend

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    1. jaguida

      Good afternoon – unfortunately the options available to restore 2A rights for convicted felons are extremely limited. My office offers a case review service where we look closer into the conviction and supporting court records to see if there are any procedural irregularities that may call the validity of the conviction into question. This is not a “forgiveness” process like an expungement or annulment where consideration is given for the passage of time or favorable references. Please contact my office at (617) 383-4652 if you are interested in a case review.

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  21. Mark

    I have a few convictions on my record from 20 years ago. All stupid possession charges. Since I turn my life around I have become a functioning member of society and have not even had a speeding ticket in the last 20 years. I would like to have the right to carry a firearm. Is there a chance for me?

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    1. jaguida

      Good evening – My office will reach out soon at the number you provided (I have removed it from this post to protect your privacy). A single drug conviction is a prohibiting factor for an LTC. We would have to look closer into your record to see if there are any options available.

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  22. Anthony Ramos

    I was convicted in 1992 of B&E at night and was giving a 1 year suspended sentence and probation. I applied for a ltc and was denied (didn’t know it was a felony). Is there a chance to get my gun rights back?

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    1. jaguida

      Good morning – Please contact my office at (617) 383-4652 to discuss a case review. This service allows me to look into your case a little deeper and see if there are any options for you to restore your rights. Thank you.

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  23. GOOD AFTERNOON I MOVED TO NEW HAMPSHIRE AND I WAS DECLINED ON MY BACKGROUND CHECK I AM NOT SURE FOR WHAT THE ONLY THING I CAN THINK OF IS A DWI 30 YEARS AGO BACK IN MASS IN THE 1990. I WAS HOPING TO HAVE YOU LOOK INTO THIS AND SEE WHAT MY OPTIONS ARE THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME YOU CAN REACH ME AT 781-576-0264

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    1. jaguida

      Good afternoon Mr. Testa – if you were convicted of an OUI in MA after 1994 then you are now prohibited from possessing firearms under ATF’s interpretation of federal law. I would be happy to look into this matter further for you. My office will reach out to you today.

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  24. Sergio Roach

    Hello , I had a conviction in 1996 for carrying a firearm without a license .. At the time I had a valid FID card and also took a handgun course at the Boston Gun and Rifle Association.. I passed the range test at a Boston Police facility , in Quincy, Ma, and was waiting for my Ltc.. Unfortunately, I got arrested before that came to fruition.. Is there any way I can get my rights restored?? I believe this is the only conviction on my record (along with an ammunition charge/same incident.. I also had my record successfully sealed about 5 years ago.
    Also, the gun was bought legally , while I attended college, in Maryland… It was registered to me..
    I saw some cases Bindernap vs Attorney General .. And also Julio Suarez vs Attorney General , where Suarez had a similar charge to mine & he got his rights restored (although in Pennsylvania)

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  25. Jason Monfett

    IN December ’96 and again in June ’97 I stupidly plead guilty to Larceny over 250, I received 6 months suspended, probation, and restitution for the ’96 and the ’97 was added in. Restitution took until 2003 (Hard to work with that on record). I’ve raised 3 kids, left Massachusetts in 2003 and now reside in Texas (Long story). I’ve never had any other negative contact with law enforcement since. I am now disabled and wanted to try hunting/fishing/etc. I am also interested in possibly being able to carry for self defense. I was denied purchase of a firearm recently, and I assume its because of the before mentioned Plea’s. Is it possible to rectify this and have my gun rights restored?
    P.S. I had just turned 21 in July 1996

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  26. Corey Bashaw

    I have a minor felony theft charge from 2009 I believe I was hoping to restore my right so that I could hunt with my family members up in Maine and around Massachusetts. I am an upstanding member of my community now As well as a father to a beautiful little six-year-old girl. I am active in the community in which I resign and hold a board member seat on the Weymouth Chamber of Commerce. I would love to speak more with you about what my options are. Thanks

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  27. Brian J Campbell

    How do you go about restoring your rights my stepfather and I would love to speak with you I’ve talked to you in the past and you told me to contact you

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    1. jaguida

      Good afternoon – the best way to discuss your matter and learn about our services is to contact my office during business hours at (617) 383-4652.

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  28. Michael Spencer

    Hello sir I would like to look into restoring my firearms rights but I have a 15 year old felony drug charge that Is preventing me from getting my LTC. I was charged with a bogus intent to distribute charge to try and get me to inform on a guy my girlfriend knew then I was put on probation for OUI drugs and I failed a urine test so I was put in county jail for 30 days. I have zero violent crimes and I’ve been clean for 15 years and now I’m a service manager for a local auto dealer and have a wife and a family. Any chance of getting this stuff expunged and rights restored? I’m not sure if the charges were sealed after completing probation or not. It’s been a while and I have no idea what’s on my record. Thanks so much.

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  29. David S.

    do you work in NH also? If not do you know of a NH atty that can help with getting my 2nd amendment rights reinstated do to a felony convection that happened in 1990

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    1. jaguida

      Good afternoon David – I do not practice in NH. If the offense occurred in MA, I can assist with that. Otherwise you may want to try speaking with Atty. Evan Nappen.

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  31. Nick Monks

    My LTC is currently suspended due to an incident that happened 3 years ago , my firearms were seized and were then transferred to a storage facility which ended up buying them . The main reason I am reaching out is because the local PD (Officer) has up to this point been fairly hard to get a hold of I have left numerous messages with little to no response back , I was curious to see if you would be able to point me in the correct direction to resolve the issue of getting my LTC reinstated prior to the incident I had a clean record and am a decorated honorably discharged veteran . I came under the valor act and the case never went any further so it’s not even on my record , I would just like to know what my options are I am frustrated with having been given the run around by the local PD that’s all , thank you for your time .

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    1. jaguida

      Hi Nick – unfortunately most police departments will not return a license unless an appeal is filed. The appeal must be filed within 90 days of the suspension. If the license expires, you may be able to reapply. Feel free to give us a call at (617) 383-4652.

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  32. Michael McKay

    I have been in trouble with the law once and was convicted of a felony OUI w/ serious bodily injury from 2012. I would like to at minimum be able to hunt and hopefully there is a way to obtain an FID/LTC. Any help is much appreciated.

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  33. J Joseph

    Hi Mr. Guida, I’ve seen you answer similar questions but I was stopped at a sobriety check point in 2014 and it didn’t go in my favor 1st oui, which I tried to fight but lost. I’m currently employed by a Sheriff’s Office in the commonwealth and trained and qualify twice a year on firearms. When I put on my uniform I’m allowed to carry a firearm anywhere in Ma., transporting inmates back and fourth to court, hospitals and prisons. However I’m still denied a LTC by my City. My question is can this be a basis for my argument in court, since I’m clearly responsible to work sometimes 16 hour shifts with a firearm, but as soon I leave the locker room I can’t?

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    1. jaguida

      Hi Jesse – I have helped quite a few officers in your position. Unfortunately, the best avenue for relief was the Firearms Licensing Review Board which was shutdown by the Baker Administration in 2018. Please give my office a call at (617) 383-4652.

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  34. Michael

    Hi I had a B & E daytime when i was 17 about 11 years ago served probation and all court mandates and been on the straight and narrow ever since. Ive never applied for a ltc before but will like to . Can you help?
    Michael Perez

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  35. Stephanie Lockett

    I have a sealed drug felony from 1997. Sealed in November of 2018. I now live in Georgia and would like get a ltc. Do I have any options?

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    1. jaguida

      Good afternoon- sealing the record did not help to restore your rights, unfortunately, We would need to look further into your case to see if there are any avenues of relief. Please contact our office at (617) 383-4652.

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  37. Henry Wigfall

    I was convicted of an armed robbery that I had at 19. Im 28 now just had a son 3 months ago. I never applied for an LTC before. But I am interested in doing this lawfully. I would like to know how to restore my rights. Please help.

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    1. jaguida

      A conviction for a felony results in a loss of 2A rights and there are very few options in MA. Feel free to contact us at (617) 383-4652.

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  40. I used to have a FOID card up until 1995 I believe and I’ve lived in Florida now for 8 years I have had felony convictions in Massachusetts one I believe I was arrested when I was 17 years old and I used a shod foot I would like to restore my gun rights I live in Florida bought a home family is with me would like to have my gun rights restored anything you can do please me know

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  41. lashawn brown

    hi i had a concealed to carry license, some one accused me of pointing my weapon at then, which is not true. The case was dropped i with nothing on my record cause I didn’t anything to the person as they said the problem is I just git off work at that when to the bathroom and then the police where outside and arrested me, I didn’t even get a chance to put my weapon in box to lock it. How can I get my license and weapon back

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    1. jaguida

      Good morning – short answer – if your LTC was suspended and you did not file an appeal within 90 days, you cannot now appeal. Your options are to either 1) ask the police department to return the license or 2) wait until the license naturally expires and attempt to reapply. Feel free to contact my office if you have have questions.

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  42. Thomas Landry

    Hello, I had a 3rd offense DUI in 2008 in Salisbury Mass. (I live in NH). Is there a way of getting my 2nd amendmants restored?

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    1. jaguida

      Good afternoon – generally, these types of issues are very difficult to resolve favorably for a client. If you wold like us to look into the matter further, please contact our office.

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  43. Ulises Polanco

    Good Afternoon i had DUI in 2015, I’ve never applied to LTC, I have a basic hunter education and belong to gun club, I hunt small game with airguns, some of my friends want me to take the LTC so i can go hunting big game. I don’t remember what was the final call but I think i plead guilty for that, I keep hearing that it all depends on the town Police department for the decisions. Can I apply and run the chance or should i go to you?

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  45. Possession of a dangerous weapon (brass knuckles) 7 years ago, I want my rights back. Mislead and faulty police report..I was getting a ride to work and my friend had a locked bag on the floor of passenger side and I got charged

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  46. DEJAHN RODGER RENRICK

    Arrested and convicted of Criminal Possession of a Weapon 4th degree in NY in 2005, at the time of my arrest i had my MA CCW and Florida CCW on my person. I was in NY working a security gig. Since this conviction I have renewed my Florida CCW several times and recently obtained my NH non-resident CCW.

    Since the matter was /is a misdemeanor am i able to seek review by the firearms review committee?

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  48. Craig Olejarz

    I have a felony conviction from 1989 for possession of a dangerous weapon, (a double edge knife), and also a assault and possession of marijuana that was dismissed to the best of my recollection in 2006 preventing me from owning a firearm, just wondering if its a case with taking on.

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  49. Thomas McClure

    11 years ago(I’m 33 now) was summoned to Quincy court for assault and battery. Long story short I received a cwof. I know this would hinder my ability to get a ltc. What are my options?

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