Oregon Gun Rights Attorney

By Michael G. Romano, Managing Attorney

Oregon attorney Michael Romano represents gun owners across Oregon, from people charged with firearm crimes to people trying to get their gun rights back. As an avid target shooter and collector, his knowledge of firearms isn’t merely theoretical. It comes from a passion for firearms and the shooting sports, and it’s backed by more than 25 years of Oregon trial experience.

Oregon gun rights attorney Michael Romano

Many firearms laws are federal, such as the federal list of people prohibited from possessing firearms and the National Firearms Act. But most of the cases we handle turn on Oregon law, and Oregon’s rules are different enough from other states’ that visitors and lifelong residents alike get caught by them.

How We Help Oregon Gun Owners

Defending firearm charges. The most common are unlawful possession of a firearm (ORS 166.250, a Class A misdemeanor), unlawful use of a weapon (ORS 166.220, a Class C felony), pointing a firearm at another person (ORS 166.190), and carrying a concealed weapon (ORS 166.240, a Class B misdemeanor).
Restoring gun rights. Setting aside a conviction, reducing a felony to a misdemeanor, or petitioning a court for relief from a firearms prohibition.
Concealed handgun license denials and revocations. You can petition the circuit court to review a denial or revocation, but you have only 30 days from the notice to file (ORS 166.293).
Extreme risk protection orders. Contesting a red flag order that requires you to surrender your firearms (ORS 166.525 and following).
Self-defense cases. Defending people who used or threatened force to protect themselves, their families, or their homes.
NFA gun trusts. Setting up trusts to own suppressors, short-barreled rifles, and machine guns lawfully registered under the National Firearms Act.
Hunting rights after a conviction. Advising people with a criminal record on what they can and can’t lawfully do in the field.

Oregon Gun Law Guides

We’ve written plain-English guides to the Oregon firearms questions we hear most often. Each one cites the statutes that control, so you can read the law for yourself.

Carrying and Transporting Firearms

Buying, Selling, and Owning Firearms

Restoring Rights and Fighting Firearm Orders

Self-Defense and Use of Force

Storing Firearms Safely at Home

Since 2021, Oregon has required gun owners to secure any firearm that isn’t being carried or under their control, using a trigger or cable lock, a locked container, or a locked gun room (ORS 166.395). Each unsecured firearm is a separate violation. If an unsecured gun gets into the wrong hands and someone is hurt, you face civil liability you can’t defend by showing you acted reasonably.

For handguns, I’ve personally tested the VAULTEK LifePod 20, and it’s excellent. It’s a full-size biometric case that opens with your fingerprint, it’s weatherproof, and it comes with a steel security cable. It’s also portable enough to serve as a car safe or a locked, hard-sided case for flying. (As an Amazon Associate, Romano Law earns from qualifying purchases.)

Why Work With Michael Romano

Oregon gun rights attorney Michael Romano firing a belt-fed machine gun from the prone position at an indoor range — Michael G. Romano, managing attorney of Romano Law, P.C., firing a belt-fed machine gun from the prone position at an indoor shooting range.

Michael was admitted to the Oregon State Bar in 2000 and began his career as a prosecutor in Klamath, Coos, and Deschutes counties, so he knows how the state builds a firearms case. He opened Romano Law in 2006. His interest in firearms goes back long before law school: while a student at Willamette University College of Law, he built a widely read Glock reference website.

Many people search the internet for answers to their firearms questions to save money. Ask yourself whether you can really count on advice from a stranger on a gun forum. Will he help you get out of jail, or pay your legal bills, if he’s wrong? Is he a legal expert or a keyboard warrior? Talk to a lawyer before you risk violating Oregon’s gun laws. Our consultations are offered at a reasonable cost, and you can count on the advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does an Oregon gun rights attorney do?

A gun rights attorney defends people charged with firearm crimes, helps people with criminal records restore their right to own firearms, challenges concealed handgun license denials and revocations, contests extreme risk protection orders, and advises gun owners on complying with Oregon and federal law, including setting up NFA gun trusts.

Can I appeal a denied or revoked Oregon concealed handgun license?

Yes. You can petition the circuit court in the county where you live to review the denial, revocation, or nonrenewal. The petition must be filed within 30 days after you receive the notice (ORS 166.293), so don’t wait to get legal help.

Can a felon get gun rights back in Oregon?

Sometimes. Depending on the conviction, the options include setting it aside, reducing a Class C felony to a misdemeanor, or petitioning a court for relief from the firearms prohibition under ORS 166.274. Federal law also has to be satisfied, so the right path depends on the specific conviction and your history since.

Is pointing a gun at someone a crime in Oregon?

Yes. Purposely pointing a loaded or unloaded firearm at another person, except in self-defense, is punishable by up to six months in jail and a $500 fine (ORS 166.190). Depending on the facts, prosecutors may charge more serious crimes, such as menacing or unlawful use of a weapon, a Class C felony.

What is an NFA gun trust?

An NFA gun trust is a trust that owns items regulated by the National Firearms Act, such as suppressors, short-barreled rifles, and machine guns. It lets more than one trustee lawfully possess the items and helps pass them on at death. The items must still be registered with the ATF, and each responsible person goes through the ATF’s background process.

Talk to an Oregon Gun Rights Attorney

If you’ve been charged with a firearm crime, your license was denied or revoked, you’ve been served with an extreme risk protection order, or you want your gun rights back, talk to a lawyer before you talk to the police. Call 503-208-5529 or schedule a consultation with Michael Romano.

Last updated: September 27, 2026 | Reviewed by Michael G. Romano, Managing Attorney. This page provides general information about Oregon law, not legal advice for your specific situation.