Virginia Judge Restores Gun Rights to Convicted Felons

Retired Judge Dennis L. Hupp entered orders in Shenandoah County Circuit Court last week restoring gun ownership rights to Ira E. Wolfe Sr. and Robert T. Wescoat during hearings for both petitioners.

Wolfe, represented by attorney Kermit L. Racey, filed a petition in the court Dec. 1, 2017. Westcoat, represented by Dragana Racey, filed his petition Nov. 26, 2018.

Commonwealth’s Attorney Amanda Wiseley did not object to either man’s request, court documents show.

Wolfe states in his petition that he lives in the Basye area of Shenandoah County and has worked as a self-employed handyman for two years. The petition states that Wolfe’s felony convictions include breaking and entering on Nov. 20, 1991, for which he received a six-month jail sentence, with five months suspended, and three years of probation. Wolfe was convicted of breaking and entering on Feb. 23, 1992, for which he received a two-year prison sentence, all time suspended, and three years of probation. Wolfe was convicted on Nov. 28, 1992, on possession of a firearm by a convicted felon for which he received a sentence of two years in prison. All convictions mentioned in the petition occurred in Shenandoah County Circuit Court. Wolfe, now in his mid-40s, committed the crimes in his late teens.