The Second Amendment states, in part, that "the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed." This text seems simple enough; yet these words form the basis of heated controversy and debate in our country today. Some attorneys dedicate much of their professional energy to undermining the fundamental principle outlined in this Amendment. I take the opposite approach, viewing defense of the Second Amendment as a defense of liberty, which is a noble endeavor for anyone fortunate enough to practice law. I am a proud member of both the National Rifle Association and the Virginia State Bar, and in each I see an opportunity and obligation to serve.
We are fortunate to live a state where citizens' firearm rights are by and large recognized and respected, but there is still much that can be done to protect these rights in individual cases. I frequently meet with clients who have had their firearms rights stripped by virtue of a felony conviction. Many of these individuals have made dramatic strides in their lives since their convictions, and are seeking to return to normalcy whereby their pre-conviction rights restored, including the right to carry a firearm. Whether it be to hunt, target shoot, for personal protection, or simply to bask in the knowledge that government power has limits, these individuals seek to have their firearms rights restored. Very few attorneys are familiar with the procedures for restoring gun rights for convicted felons, and even fewer practice in this field, but I do so regularly and aggressively.
I also frequently handle other firearms charges, from felon in possession of a firearm in violation of Virginia Code 18.2-308.2 to brandishing a firearm in violation of Virginia Code 18.2-282, as well as everything between. These cases call for aggressive defense, and an understanding of role of firearms in our society. Many attorneys are so inherently anti-gun and anti-Second Amendment that they simply cannot grasp the idea that a citizen would ever carry a firearm in this country. You cannot allow yourself to be represented by an attorney who does not understand and appreciate the Second Amendment when the charge involves a firearm. Hire an attorney who will fight to protect your rights!
Historically, the most totalitarian of governments, from the Nazis in World War II to current regimes such as North Korea and China, have been the most fervently opposed to an armed citizenry. These governments have understood that individuals who are armed are harder to oppress. Your right to keep and bear arms is essential to the balance of power between the citizenry and the state. Those who seek to undermine the Second Amendment do so either out of passive historical ignorance or an unabashed desire to strengthen the state at the expense of the citizen. If your gun rights are being infringed by the government, or if you seek to restore your gun rights, contact me right away. This is a noble fight and we are all in this together!