Criminal Defense Lawyers

How to restore your gun rights in Indiana

Restoring Your Gun Rights in Indiana: A Comprehensive Guide

The Harsh Reality

Let’s start with the cold, hard truth: a domestic violence conviction is no joke. It’s a serious offense that automatically strips you of your right to own, possess, or even be around firearms and ammunition. No ifs, ands, or buts. But, take a deep breath – there’s light at the end of the tunnel, even if it seems dim right now.

Eligibility: The Five-Year Wait

Before you can even think about restoring your gun rights, you have to wait. And not just a little while – we’re talking five long years after your conviction date. Now, let’s talk about the different scenarios you might find yourself in:

Misdemeanor Domestic Battery

If your conviction was for misdemeanor domestic battery, you might be in luck – sort of. After the five-year waiting period, you can file a petition to have your gun rights restored under Indiana Code § 35-47-4-7. But don’t get too excited just yet – the court will scrutinize your case, and there’s no guarantee they’ll grant your request.

Felony Domestic Battery

If your conviction was for felony domestic battery, the road gets even bumpier. Not only do you have to wait the mandatory five years, but you’ll also need to take an extra step: getting your felony conviction reduced to a misdemeanor under Indiana Code § 35-50-2-7(d). Only then can you file the petition to restore your gun rights. And what if your conviction was for a Level D or Level 6 felony? Well, you guessed it – you’ll need to follow the same process of getting that felony reduced before you can even think about restoring your gun rights.

The Petition Process

Alright, you’ve waited your five years (or more), and you’re ready to take the plunge. Here’s what you need to do:

1. File a Petition: You’ll need to file a petition with the court where your conviction occurred, whether that’s in Marion County or elsewhere in Indiana.
2. Serve the Prosecutor: Don’t forget to serve a copy of your petition to the prosecutor’s office in the county where you were convicted. They’ll have a chance to object if they want to.
3. Prepare for Scrutiny: The court will review your petition, any objections from the prosecutor, and consider several factors, including:
   • Whether you’ve been subject to any court orders prohibiting you from possessing a firearm (like a no-contact order or protective order)
   • Whether you’ve successfully completed any court-ordered substance abuse programs or parenting classes
   • Whether you still pose a threat to the victim in your domestic violence case
   • Any other reasons why you shouldn’t be allowed to possess a firearm

It’s a thorough process, and the court might even impose additional requirements before considering restoring your gun rights.

The Waiting Game, Again

Even after jumping through all those hoops, the court might still deny your petition. If that happens, you’ll have to wait another year before you can file a new request to restore your gun rights. It’s a frustrating process, but that’s the law for you.

Christine Twomey

2024-03-21

Just had my Divorce case settled 2 months ago after having a horrible experience with another firm. I couldn’t be happier with Claire Banks and Elizabeth Garvey with their outstanding professionalism in doing so with Spodek Law Group. Any time I needed questions answered they were always prompt in doing so with all my uncertainties after 30 yrs of marriage.I feel from the bottom of my heart you will NOT be disappointed with either one. Thanks a million.

Brendan huisman

2024-03-18

Alex Zhik contacted me almost immediately when I reached out to Spodek for a consultation and was able to effectively communicate the path forward/consequences of my legal issue. I immediately agreed to hire Alex for his services and did not regret my choice. He was able to cover my case in court (with 1 day notice) and not only was he able to push my case down, he carefully negotiated a dismissal of the charge altogether. I highly recommend Spodek, and more specifically, Alex Zhik for all of your legal issues. Thanks guys!

Guerline Menard

2024-03-18

Thanks again Spodek law firm, particularly Esq Claire Banks who stood right there with us up to the finish line. Attached photos taken right outside of the court building and the smile on our faces represented victory, a breath of fresh air and satisfaction. We are very happy that this is over and we can move on with our lives. Thanks Spodek law 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙌🏼❤️

Keisha Parris

2024-03-15

Believe every single review here about Alex Z!! From our initial consultation, it was evident that Alex possessed a profound understanding of criminal law and a fierce dedication to his clients rights. Throughout the entirety of my case, Alex exhibited unparalleled professionalism and unwavering commitment. What sets Alex apart is not only his legal expertise but also his genuine compassion for his clients. He took the time to thoroughly explain my case, alleviating any concerns I had along the way. His exact words were “I’m not worried about it”. His unwavering support and guidance were invaluable throughout the entire process. I am immensely grateful for Alex's exceptional legal representation and wholeheartedly recommend his services to anyone in need of a skilled criminal defense attorney. Alex Z is not just a lawyer; he is a beacon of hope for those navigating the complexities of the legal system. If you find yourself in need of a dedicated and competent legal advocate, look no further than Alex Z.

Taïko Beauty

2024-03-15

I don’t know where to start, I can write a novel about this firm, but one thing I will say is that having my best interest was their main priority since the beginning of my case which was back in Winter 2019. Miss Claire Banks, one of the best Attorneys in the firm represented me very well and was very professional, respectful, and truthful. Not once did she leave me in the dark, in fact she presented all options and routes that could possibly be considered for my case and she reinsured me that no matter what I decided to do, her and the team will have my back and that’s exactly what happened. Not only will I be liberated from this case, also, I will enjoy my freedom and continue to be a mother to my first born son and will have no restrictions with accomplishing my goals in life. Now that’s what I call victory!! I thank the Lord, My mother, Claire, and the Spodek team for standing by me and fighting with me. Words can’t describe how grateful I am to have the opportunity to work with this team. I’m very satisfied, very pleased with their performance, their hard work, and their diligence. Thank you team!

Anthony Williams

2024-03-12

Hey, how you guys doing? Good afternoon my name is Anthony Williams I just want to give a great shout out to the team of. Spodek law group. It is such a honor to use them and to use their assistance through this whole case from start to finish. They did everything that they said they was gonna do and if it ever comes down to it, if I ever have to use them again, hands-down they will be the first law office at the top of my list, thank you guys so much. It was a pleasure having you guys by my side so if you guys ever need them, do not hesitate to pick up the phone and give them a call.

Loveth Okpedo

2024-03-12

Very professional, very transparent, over all a great experience

Bee L

2024-02-28

Amazing experience with Spodek! Very professional lawyers who take your case seriously. They treated me with respect, were always available, and answered any and all questions. They were able to help me very successfully and removed a huge stress. Highly recommend.

divesh patel

2024-02-24

I can't recommend Alex Zhik and Spodek Law Firm highly enough for their exceptional legal representation and personal mentorship. From the moment I engaged their services in October 2022, Alex took the time to understand my case thoroughly and provided guidance every step of the way. Alex's dedication to my case went above and beyond my expectations. His expertise, attention to detail, and commitment to achieving the best possible outcome were evident throughout the entire process. He took the time to mentor me, ensuring I understood the legal complexities involved to make informed decisions. Alex is the kind of guy you would want to have a beer with and has made a meaningful impact on me. I also want to acknowledge Todd Spodek, the leader of the firm, who played a crucial role in my case. His leadership and support bolstered the efforts of Alex, and his involvement highlighted the firm's commitment to excellence. Thanks to Alex Zhik and Todd Spodek, I achieved the outcome I desired, and I am incredibly grateful for their professionalism, expertise, and genuine care. If you're in need of legal representation, look no further than this outstanding team.

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Google rating score: 4.9 of 5, based on 736 reviews

When the Stars Align

If, after considering every factor and court-ordered condition, the court finds no reason to deny your request, they may grant an order restoring your gun rights in Indiana. It’s a moment of relief, but also a reminder of the long, winding road you’ve traveled to get here.

The Importance of Legal Representation

At Spodek Law Group, our team of passionate litigators is steeped in criminal defense work and dedicated to defending your rights, including your Second Amendment rights. We understand the importance of gun ownership, and we’ll fight tirelessly to help you regain that sacred right. Remember, not all attorneys are created equal. When choosing an Indiana gun rights attorney, you need someone who’s keen, experienced, and passionate about your case. At Spodek Law Group, we pride ourselves on our hands-on approach, leaving no stones unturned in our pursuit of justice for our clients.

Alternative Scenarios

But what if your situation is a little different? What if your domestic violence conviction didn’t actually impact your gun rights? Well, there are a few scenarios where you might not need to go through the whole restoration process:

• Presidential or Gubernatorial Pardon: If you’ve been pardoned by the President of the United States or the Governor of Indiana, your conviction is essentially wiped clean, and your gun rights remain intact.
• Successful Appeal: If you’ve successfully appealed your conviction and had it overturned, your gun rights are also unaffected.

In these cases, you can breathe a sigh of relief – your Second Amendment rights are safe, and no further action is required.

The Long Road Ahead

Restoring your gun rights in Indiana after a domestic violence conviction is no walk in the park. It’s a long, arduous process filled with legal hurdles, waiting periods, and scrutiny from the court. But for those who are committed to regaining their rights, it’s a journey worth taking. At Spodek Law Group, we understand the challenges you’re facing, and we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Our team of experienced attorneys will evaluate your case, advise you on the best course of action, and fight tirelessly to help you restore your gun rights. Remember, your rights are sacred, and a past mistake doesn’t have to define your future. With the right legal representation and unwavering determination, you can reclaim what was once taken away. Contact Spodek Law Group for a free consultation, and let us help you navigate this complex process with confidence and expertise.

Hypothetical Scenarios

Throughout this guide, we’ve discussed the general process of restoring gun rights in Indiana after a domestic violence conviction. However, it’s important to consider potential alternative scenarios and hypothetical situations that could arise. Let’s explore a few:

Scenario 1: Expungement

What if you were able to get your domestic violence conviction expunged from your record? In this scenario, the process of restoring your gun rights might be significantly easier, or even unnecessary. If your conviction is expunged, it’s essentially erased from your criminal record, as if it never happened. This could potentially eliminate the need to go through the lengthy restoration process outlined in this guide. However, it’s important to note that expungement laws and eligibility requirements vary from state to state, and even within Indiana, the rules can be complex. It’s crucial to consult with an experienced attorney to determine if expungement is a viable option in your specific case.

Scenario 2: Out-of-State Convictions

What if your domestic violence conviction occurred in another state, but you’re now a resident of Indiana? In this scenario, the process of restoring your gun rights might involve additional complexities. Generally, if you were convicted of a domestic violence offense in another state, that conviction would still impact your ability to possess firearms in Indiana. However, the restoration process might differ slightly, as you would need to navigate the laws and procedures of both the state where you were convicted and Indiana. It’s possible that you might need to first restore your gun rights in the state where you were convicted before being able to pursue restoration in Indiana. This could involve additional legal hurdles and requirements, making the process even more intricate.

Scenario 3: Federal Convictions

In some cases, individuals might have been convicted of domestic violence offenses at the federal level, rather than in state court. This scenario presents its own unique challenges when it comes to restoring gun rights. Federal domestic violence convictions are governed by different laws and regulations than state convictions. The process for restoring gun rights after a federal conviction might involve petitioning the federal court system or seeking a presidential pardon. Additionally, even if you successfully restore your gun rights at the federal level, you might still need to go through the state-level restoration process in Indiana to fully regain your Second Amendment rights within the state.

Scenario 4: Appealing a Denial

What if you’ve gone through the entire process of petitioning to restore your gun rights in Indiana, but your request was denied by the court? In this scenario, you might have the option to appeal the court’s decision. Appealing a denial of gun rights restoration can be a complex and time-consuming process, but it might be worth exploring if you believe the court’s decision was unjust or based on incorrect information. It’s important to note that the appeals process often involves strict deadlines and procedural requirements, so it’s crucial to act quickly and seek the guidance of an experienced attorney if you wish to pursue this route.

Scenario 5: Changing Laws and Regulations

Finally, it’s important to consider that laws and regulations surrounding gun rights and domestic violence convictions are subject to change over time. What might be the current process today could be different a few years down the line. Changes in state or federal laws, court rulings, or even shifts in political landscapes could potentially impact the process of restoring gun rights in Indiana. It’s essential to stay informed and consult with a knowledgeable attorney who can provide up-to-date guidance based on the latest legal developments.

At Spodek Law Group, we understand the importance of gun ownership and the challenges you’re facing. Our team of experienced attorneys is dedicated to fighting for your rights and providing you with the guidance and support you need every step of the way. Remember, your past mistakes don’t have to define your future. With the right approach and a commitment to following the law, you can reclaim what was once taken away.

Don’t hesitate to reach out to us for a free consultation. Let’s work together to explore your options and develop a strategy tailored to your unique situation. Your gun rights are worth fighting for, and we’re here to help you every step of the way.