having a firearm

Question
QUESTION: can i have a gun even if the FBI denied me the right to purchase a firearm,due to an D.U.I. that happened 28 yrs ago.i now reside in north Arizona.

ANSWER: Brad,

Unless it was a felony DUI, a DUI alone should not disqualify you from purchasing a firearm.  If you do have any sort of prior felony conviction, you cannot purchase or own a firearm legally.

You might want to look into having your civil rights restored.  You can contact a criminal attorney and they can help you with this process.

If you don't have a felony conviction, the things that are disqualifiers for firearms ownership and possession are:

Felony conviction
Misdemeanor domestic violence conviction
Dishonorable discharge from the US military
Being committed to a mental institution by a court
Being declared by a court to be a habitual user of illegal drugs
Renouncing your US citizenship

If any of these apply to you, that is reason for the denial.  

Hope this helps...

Doug


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: to answer the felony DUI question,yes it was.DUI causing
bodily injury.The right to purchase or own a firearm is clear.But am i allowed to use a firearm to hunt,or just go shooting? If i do is that an unlawful act and can be used against me to be put in jail?

Answer
Brad,

Since it was a felony DUI, you are what is referred to as a prohibited possessor under Federal law.  You cannot own or possess a firearm legally.  Simply being in possession of a firearm is another felony.  You cannot legally have any type of firearm in your possession.  Penalties for firearm possession by a convicted felon are severe and could result in jail time.

I'd definitely take a look at having your civil rights restored.  It has been a long time and there is a very good chance that your right to own a firearm would be reinstated by the court.  You will have to contact an attorney to get the process started.  It is a long process but ultimately worth it, at least in my opinion.

You will need to initiate the process in the state where the original conviction took place.  If you tell me where the original charges happened, I can try and give you some guidance on getting the process started.

Best regards,

Doug