B. S. Johnson Law Other Services: Restoring Your Rights and Identity
Navigating Bureaucracy to Reclaim Your Name and Your Civil Liberties.
At B. S. Johnson Law, PLLC, our commitment to the Richmond community extends beyond the typical realms of family law and personal injury. We understand that legal needs come in many forms. Sometimes, you aren't fighting a lawsuit; you are fighting red tape. Other times, you aren't seeking damages; you are seeking a second chance.
We offer specialized administrative legal services designed to help you navigate the often-confusing procedural requirements of the Virginia Circuit Courts. Whether you are seeking to align your legal identity with your true self or working to restore your constitutional rights after a past conviction, we provide the same analytical precision and flat-fee transparency that characterizes our firm. We handle the paperwork and the procedure so you can focus on moving forward with your life.
Your Name, Your Identity, Your Right.
Name Changes
Your name is the most fundamental part of your identity. It is how you introduce yourself to the world, how you are recognized by your community, and how you are identified by the government. However, changing your name is not as simple as just deciding to call yourself something new.
In Virginia, it is a formal legal process that requires a court order to be recognized by federal agencies, banks, and the Department of Motor Vehicles. We assist adults in petitioning the Circuit Court for a change of name. While many people assume name changes only happen during marriage or divorce, there are countless reasons an individual may wish to change their name.
The Reasons
- Post-Divorce: You may have neglected to revert your name in the final divorce decree and now need a separate order to reclaim your maiden name.
- Personal Preference: You may simply dislike the name you were given at birth and wish to choose a name that better reflects who you are.
- Professional Reasons: You may need a name that aligns better with your public persona or career.
The Process
We prepare the Application for Change of Name (Adult) and handle the filing with the Circuit Court in your jurisdiction. We ensure that all information is accurate to prevent delays or rejections.
Once the Order is signed by a Judge, we guide you on the next steps—using that Certified Order to update your Social Security card, Driver’s License, Passport, and bank accounts. We turn a bureaucratic maze into a straight line.
Advocating for Second Chances and Constitutional Rights.
Restoration of Firearm Rights
A felony conviction in Virginia carries heavy consequences that last long after a sentence has been served. One of the most significant is the loss of civil rights, specifically the right to own, possess, or transport a firearm. For many Virginians, the loss of Second Amendment rights feels like a permanent mark of "second-class citizenship."
At B. S. Johnson Law, we believe in redemption and the rule of law. If you have paid your debt to society, stayed out of trouble, and demonstrated good character, you may be eligible to have your rights restored.
Understanding the Path to Restoration
Restoring firearm rights in Virginia is a distinct process from restoring your political rights (voting, running for office, serving on a jury).
- Political Rights First: generally, you must first have your political rights restored by the Governor of Virginia.
- Petition the Circuit Court: Once your political rights are active, we must petition the Circuit Court in the jurisdiction where you reside (or where you were convicted) to restore your firearm rights.
How We Help
This is not an automatic process; it is a request made to a Judge. We build a compelling petition on your behalf. We gather necessary records, help you compile evidence of your rehabilitation, community standing, and employment history, and argue why you are a candidate for restoration. We stand with you to prove that your past does not define your future.
Note: Eligibility depends on the nature of the conviction and the time elapsed. We offer consultations to review your specific record and determine if you qualify for a petition.
Let Us Handle the Legal Details
Whether you are defining your identity or reclaiming your rights, these legal processes are significant milestones. Do not let paperwork errors stand in your way.
Contact B. S. Johnson Law, PLLC today to discuss your specific needs. Serving clients in Richmond and throughout the Virginia Circuit Courts.

