Firearms Restoration of Rights With an Old Drug Conviction

[Billtown]

My question involves criminal law for the state of: Pennsylvania

I have had some charges in the past, resulting in probation, and in one case violated that probation and was put in jail. I will list these offenses and dates after the jump.

I want to be able to protect myself from a man who tried to kill me 3 years ago by stabbing me in the stomach and chest (tried for the heart, was a work related argument), or anyone else who would ever do the same to me or my family. I applied for a spot in a gun safety course, but the PICS system returned an "under review" code to the clerk. After this hiccup I read up a little more on who can own a gun. I thought it was just felons and violent/weapons offenders that couldn't own firearms. As it turns out, some misdemeanors will flag you as well. (Im sure most of you reading this know that)

Here is my question: What can I do to get my gun rights restored if it is true that I wont be able to take a gun safety course/buy gun/own gun?

1999 Montgomery County
Theft by Unlawful Taking 3921 A (Three Counts)
Corruption of Minors 6301 a1 (She was there when I stole something)
Criminal Trespass 3503 B1.2
Loitering at Night 5506
Possession of Paraphernalia 780-113 A32

1999 Centre County
Possession of Substance by Unauthorized Person 780-113 A16
Possession of Paraphernalia 780-113 A32

2000 Centre County
Possession of Paraphernalia 780-113 A32

late 1999 and early 2008 Philly and Harrisburg respectively
Possession and Paraphernalia respectively
While acting as a Narcotics Anonymous Sponsor, I was picked up with my "sponsee" who had drugs and/or paraphernalia in my car. These charges were latter dropped. (This actually happened a lot, driving someone home from a meeting and cops see a known drug user/dealer get out of my car at 10pm etc. Ive since vowed to never give a ride, only bus fare)


So, I guess Im trying to figure out which charges will keep me from owning a gun, and any options I have to reinstate firearm privileges. Thanks in advance!

[OhMy]

Any one of these items from your past will disqualify you from gun ownership.

You may want to consider Karate lessons.

[Billtown]

Do I have any options as far as restoring my firearm privileges? Pardons? Sealing of records? Expungement? Is that even a word?

[OhMy]

If you where UNDER the age of 18 when all of this took place, you may then stand a chance.