Expert: Dan Haynes - 4/8/2009

Question
I am the same person who asked the "Can I be my own lawyer" question. When I purchased a pistol recently, everything went fine. When it came time to pick up the firearm, I called ahead to see if everything was okay and I think I was told the firearm had already been transferred to me.

After I placed this call, my local police called the dealer and told them I am not allowed to own guns.

This is the same police department I had recently applied to for a concealed pistol license. The police department won't give me a concealed pistol license and they are reluctant to send me a letter telling me why. They say it is because of some judgement that came about when I was in the hospital four years ago.

I want to know the source that is telling them I can't own firearms. I don't think it is to do with NICS. As far as I can tell, I already passed NICS. Should I ask the police department who it is? Should I ask the gun dealer who now has to refund my money?

If I find any reference to a court order prohibiting me from owning firearms in the 205 pages of documentation from the hospital, do I apply to the same court for an appeal?

Do you think 1500 dollars is a fair price for a lawyer to charge to restore the firearms rights of a person who was bamboozled in the hospital after being hit by a truck?

By "bamboozled", I mean, from my perception, I was hit by a truck, brought to the hospital in critical condition, and with some threatening words I can't remember, I lost my right to own a firearm.

Answer
Steve,

Thanks for asking. I would definitely contact the police department to see why they are so against you owning a gun. If you do  not get an answer ask the gun dealer what the police said. I would not spend any money until you do these things. I am sorry about your accident and hope things work out better for you.