Virginia lets many people win back their firearm rights after a felony conviction. But certain convictions close that door for good. If you’re weighing a petition, know these limits before you start.
Federal felony convictions
Virginia courts can only restore what Virginia took away. If you’re convicted of a federal felony crime, you become ineligible to restore your gun rights in Virginia. Only the federal government can remove that disability, typically through the Attorney General, because Congress currently defunds the administrative restoration process at the federal level.
Misdemeanor domestic violence
Virginia offers no process to restore gun rights after a conviction for a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence. This rule applies even if a judge restores your other civil rights. Federal law treats this disqualification separately, and it overrides any state-level fix.
Out-of-state felonies
Virginia courts cannot restore rights for a felony you picked up in another state. You must pursue restoration in the state where the conviction happened, then confirm that Virginia recognizes it before you buy or carry a firearm here.
Active protective orders
A court-issued protective order, often tied to domestic violence, temporarily suspends your right to possess firearms. This isn’t a conviction, but it works the same way while it stays active. Pending charges for violent crimes or stalking can trigger similar restrictions before any trial even starts.
Virginia felonies still allow a path forward
Not every conviction ends your gun rights permanently. Virginia law strips firearm rights after any felony conviction, violent or not, but a circuit court can restore them once you finish your sentence and the governor restores your civil rights. Judges weigh your record, your rehabilitation, and your compliance with court orders before they decide.
Know which category applies to you before you file. A lawyer familiar with Virginia firearm law can save you months of wasted effort on a petition that never had a chance.
