RESOURCES

VIRGINIA BONDING PROGRAM

Your re-entry counselor should provide you with your bonding letter before you are released. If you did not receive your letter, you can obtain one through your probation officer or a work force development professional. Bonds cover employee theft, forgery, larceny or embezzlement at NO COST TO THE EMPLOYER. Bonds are issued in $5,000 increments and cover a period of six months. If you have your letter and the employer has offered you the job and wants to participate in the bonding program, the employer then needs to contact:

Kia Parson
Virginia Federal Bonding Program Coordinator
Virginia Department of Corrections

virginia.bondingprogram@vadoc.virginia.gov
804-887-8262

WORK OPPORTUNITY TAX CREDIT

WOTC is a Federal tax credit available to employers who hire and retain individuals from specific target groups (ex-offenders being a target group) with significant barriers to employment. An employer may qualify for a tax credit of up to $2,400 (for up to two years –total $4,800).

Let the employer know there is no limit on the number of individuals who can be hired to qualify to claim the tax credit, and there are a few simple steps to follow to apply for WOTC.

As a felon, you will need additional required verification. Court documents, or a letter from Virginia Department of Corrections, or probation & parole that specifies: the type of conviction (felony), the conviction date, and your release date. Make sure you make multiple copies of the above required documents and keep the originals in a safe place.

If you are a felon and a veteran, having served in the armed forces for more than six months, whether discharged honorably or dishonorably, you are eligible for veteran tax credit which is higher than an ex- felon. You will need to present your DD-214 as documentation. Through WOTC, employers can receive between $2,400 and $9,600 in tax credits by hiring a veteran.

DOWNLOAD FORMS

ETA FORM 9061

IRS FORM 8850

WOTC FLYER

RESTORATION OF CIVIL RIGHTS

For information about loss and restoration of civil rights and fire arm rights in all 50 states, go to Restoration of Rights Project.

If have been convicted of a felony in the Commonwealth of a Virginia, U.S. District or a military court, you have lost your civil rights (the right to vote, run or hold public office, serve on a jury or become a notary public). Individuals seeking restoration of their civil rights are encouraged to contact the Secretary of the Commonwealth ‘s office at https://www.restore.virginia.gov/ This does not restore your right to bear arms.

Eligibility is determined by the newly elected Governor and can change with each new administration.

RESTORATION OF RIGHTS TO FIREARMS

To regain firearms privileges in the Commonwealth of Virginia, a convicted felon must apply to the circuit court of his or her jurisdiction of residence for a permit to possess or carry a firearm. Circuit courts may consider the restoration of firearms privileges only after civil rights are restored. (Va. Code §18.2-308.2). For other states please refer to http://ccresourcecenter.org/state-restoration-profiles/chart-1-loss-and-restoration-of-civil-rights-and-firearms-privileges

To regain state firearms privileges, a convicted felon must apply to the circuit court of his or her jurisdiction of residence for a permit to possess or carry a firearm. Circuit courts may consider the restoration of firearms privileges only after civil rights are restored. (Va. Code §18.2-308.2) There is no specific time frame for a convicted felon to apply for the restoration of their right to bear arms.

There is no template or form which you can use to apply to the circuit court, you must submit a petition. Attached below is a copy of Lisa’s own petition. Feel free to use it as a guide for your own petition when you are ready to apply. In the petition, according to the State of Virginia Code cited above, these are the requirements that must be met, answered and/or included:

1. Copy of the order of conviction
2. Copy of order of clemency/restoration of rights
3. No charges since clemency was granted
4. Residence, employment, civic and community activities as evidenced by affidavits or letters.
5. Explanation of your reason for wanting to carry or own a firearm.
6. Your birthdate and social security number.

DOWNLOAD SAMPLE DOCUMENTS

Click the underlined text to see the sample document.

Petition to the Court

An order to be submitted with your petition (for use of the Circuit Court, permitting a convicted felon to carry a firearm)

A letter to the appropriate court to obtain a copy of your order of conviction

A chronological affidavit of your accomplishments and community standing (optional)

A letter for those individuals from whom you will ask for written support