criminal history question?

[jlq114]

If you were only convicted of simple assault why would you need a state pardon to possess a firearm? Simple assault is only a misdemeanor. :confused:

A law went into effect where if you were found guilty of a misdeamenor that carried more than 18 months jail time and convicted of it you could not possess firearms. This law went into effect around 1999' if you could get an expungement or state pardon you could have your rights back to possess firearms.

[jarobins]

A law went into effect where if you were found guilty of a misdeamenor that carried more than 18 months jail time and convicted of it you could not possess firearms. This law went into effect around 1999' if you could get an expungement or state pardon you could have your rights back to possess firearms.

That explains it.

Here you could possess a firearm but you are ineligible to purchase one. The prohibition against possessing a firearm only applies to convicted felons, whereas the prohibition against purchasing a firearm applies to anyone convicted of a crime for which they could have been sentenced to more than 12 months. However, FYI - you would still be prevented from purchasing a firearm in Virginia. The pardon from your state is specific only to your home state and does not preclude another state from prohibiting your right to purchase a firearm. There is actually case law on this from our Court of Appeals. Not that you planned on coming here to buy a gun, but just thought you should know.