Recently, the notorious Houston brothers from Roane County were arrested by ATF agents on federal firearm offenses.  Their charges include being a convicted felon in possession of a gun.  While each case is unique, their arrest does serve as a powerful reminder.  If you have been convicted a felony, misdemeanor domestic assault, or have an active Order of Protection down against you, you cannot possess a firearm.  In certain limited situations, you may be able have your prohibitive conviction set aside through the expungement process.

The criminal defense attorneys at the Law Offices of Gary Dawson handle such cases.  Over this past summer, a new law went into effect in Tennessee that enables those convicted of certain low grade felonies (and most misdemeanors) to have the judgement and court documents expunged from their permanent record.  Once completed, you may then move to re-establish your right to possess a firearm.  Please note that domestic assault convictions do not qualify  and never by expunged.  The remaining expungement requirements under the new law are onerous.  You must wait five years from the date your sentence is concluded, not have any other convictions, pay and complete all the terms of the original sentence, remain alcohol and drug free, and pay a $350 filing fee.

In the alternative, if your charges are dismissed outright, or you successfully complete judicial or pretrial diversion, you may be eligible for an expungement immediately.  Take every advantage to maintain a clean record.  You should speak with a criminal defense attorney to see if you qualify.

If you have questions about expungments, criminal charges, or firearm liability, contact criminal defense attorney Forrest Wallace at the Law Offices of Gary Dawson to make an appointment today, at (865) 525-7113.