Restoring Your Gun Rights in Texas

If you have lost your right to own a gun due to being convicted of a felony in Texas, you have a couple methods to have your gun rights restored. Below are two ways to restoring your gun rights in Texas:

1. Set aside your conviction. This is a process that allows you to have your conviction removed from your record, as if it never happened. If you are successful in setting aside your conviction, your gun rights will be restored automatically.
2. Receive a pardon from the governor. A pardon is a formal statement from the governor that forgives you for your conviction. If you are granted a pardon, your gun rights will be restored.

SET ASIDE YOUR CONVICTION

To set aside your conviction, you must file a petition with the court where you were convicted. The petition must include the following information:

• Your name, address, and date of birth
• The date of your conviction
• The nature of your conviction
• The reason why you are requesting that your conviction be set aside
• Evidence that you have been rehabilitated, such as letters from your employer, family, or friends

The court will review your petition and decide whether or not to set aside your conviction. If the court grants your petition, your gun rights will be restored automatically.

RECEIVING A PARDON

To receive a pardon from the governor, you must file an application with the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles. The application must include the following information:

• Your name, address, and date of birth
• The date of your conviction
• The nature of your conviction
• The reason why you are requesting a pardon
• Evidence that you have been rehabilitated, such as letters from your employer, family, or friends

The Board of Pardons and Paroles will review your application and decide whether or not to grant you a pardon. If the Board grants your pardon, your gun rights will be restored.

The process of restoring your gun rights can be complex and time-consuming. It is important to consult with an attorney who is experienced in gun rights restoration if you are considering applying for a pardon or setting aside your conviction.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Here are some additional requirements for restoring your gun rights in Texas:

• You must have been convicted of a felony in Texas.
• You must have completed all of the terms of your sentence, including probation, parole, and any restitution.
• You must have been a law-abiding citizen for at least five years.
• You must not have been convicted of any other felonies or misdemeanors since your conviction.
• You must not be a member of a gang or any other criminal organization.
• You must not be a drug addict or alcoholic.
• You must not be mentally ill.

If you meet all of these requirements, you may be able to restore your gun rights. Of course, it is advised you consult with an attorney. However, the decision of whether or not to restore your gun rights is ultimately up to the court or the Governor.

If your gun rights have been fully restored and you would like to obtain your TX LTC, click below to enroll in the TX online LTC course.