Ok so I’ve read a lot on the subject of mental health commitment and gun law but I’m having a difficult time figuring what my course of action is. Here is a bit of background info; I developed a substance abuse problem and did not have health insurance to pay for a rehab so I went to the hospital seeking help where I was admitted to the mental health unit. VOLUNTARLY. After a couple days I decided I wanted to leave and the Dr decided to COMMIT me. To be clear I never had any mental health issues at all. I unknowingly sacrificed my second amendment rights looking for some help. Now this happened while I was living in New Jersey around 2006. I have since gotten my life together and have been drug and alcohol free for 4 years. I am now a Pennsylvania resident and want my rights back. I have gathered enough info to know that I need to have my commitment expunged in NJ to move forward yet I have gotten prices ranging from $1000-$3000 to have this done. I am also curious how the recent case where the 6th Circuit Court deemed it unconstitutional to take a Michigan man’s gun rights due to mental health commitment will affect my case if at all. If anyone can help me navigate my way through this mess I would greatly appreciate it. I don’t mind spending some money to restore my rights but want to make the most educated decision I can. I thank you all in advance. Jeff

You need a lawyer my friend, plain and simple. Expunge your record and move on.

 

Forget about the Michigan case, you will spend thousands arguing and get no where in NJ.  

Personally I'd go with doing it myself, and only go the lawyer route if denied.

 

An expungement is mainly filling out forms and supplying required documentation.

 

Give this a read, it outlines the proceedure.

 

http://www.lsnjlaw.org/Publications/Pages/Manuals/CYR.pdf

 

IANAL, but it runs in the family.