We've been chronicling the story of OFCC member Mike Daniels, who has been fighting to get his Concealed Handgun License after being denied due to a 25-year-old expunged conviction.

Mike has updated us on his efforts, backed by Ohioans For Concealed Carry, which may finally be coming to a successful end. 

As we've previously reported, OFCC helped Daniels hire attorney Don Gallick after he was denied a CHL in Medina county last summer on the grounds of being convicted of being in possession of 6 prescription pills that did not belong to him 25 years ago, even though a Cuyahoga county judge had granted Daniels an expungement.

Under Gallick's guidance,  Daniels filed for relief from disability in Lorain county. A judge found that Daniels met the requirements and relief was granted.

Daniels then re-applied for  his CHL in Lorain county, supplying the sheriff with the details of his prior felony arrest, documents showing his granted expungement, and documents showing his relief from disability.

Yesterday, Daniels phoned the Lorain county sheriff's office and was informed his license would be issued next week!

It is refreshing to see that there are still officials out there who are able to look at situations logically and exercise a bit of common sense. Yes, the ORC currently states that felony drug convictions are automatic denials (hopefully that will change if the current CCW reform bill passes unchanged). However, Ohio law also states that expunged records are not supposed to count against you in matters such as this; and relief from disability states that fact even more strongly, legally restoring all of a person's rights.

A legislative mistake was made when the law was written, and had the unfortunate consequence of denying rights to a man who has not committed any crimes since a one-time youthful indiscretion.

Congratulations to Mike, and kudos to the Lorain county sheriff's office; who have been among the most supportive counties in the state of Ohio's new CHL law.