Legal Question in Civil Rights Law in Iowa

Gun rights taken away but all other rights in tact?

18 years ago i was charged with an agrivated midemeanor/assult in IOWA i had never been in any trouble before or since then.The attoumeys agreed to a serious misdemenor but the judge ignored them and made it agrivated. I attempted to purchase a shotgun a few years after this happened...approx late 90's at which time was approved. 2 days after the purchse the gun shop asked me to return the gun i was later contacted by ATF stating i was not to have a firearm due to my conviction. This was not a domestic case. I'm registered to vote and ran for public office i have never recived anything in writting. How can this be? what should i do?


Asked on 3/13/12, 9:05 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Robert Luedeman solo practitioner

If you were convicted of an aggravated misdemeanor, that carries a potential sentence of two years imprisonment, which, for purposes of federal law is a felony. Federal law defines a felony as something that has a potential of one year or more imprisonment. Ergo, although the crime is classified as a misdemeanor by the state it counts as a felony for purposes of federal firearms law.

As to what you can do, you can petition the governor's office for a restoration of your rights or take up bowhunting.

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Answered on 3/14/12, 6:14 am


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