BLOG

Understanding How Gun Laws Apply When You’re a Convicted Felon

Robert Stahle • December 3, 2018

owi charges - Sioux City, IA - Criminal Defense Attorneys

While the Second Amendment of the United States Constitution protects the right for all U.S. citizens to bear arms, there are exceptions – such as how gun rights apply to people who have been convicted of a felony. A felony conviction automatically strips away many of the rights that most American citizens take for granted and directly affects the legalities of future gun ownership.

At some point, many felons who have acclimated back into being a law abiding, productive member of society become interested in restoring some of the rights that have been lost. Frequently, individuals with previous convictions are most interested in the possibility of restoring their gun rights and want to know how it can be done. To answer this question, it’s important to first understand the gun laws for your state.

State Gun Laws

There are two different levels of gun laws that affect convicted felons – those that are applied at the federal level and those issued by individual states. While states generally have jurisdiction in whether or not a felon can own a gun under certain circumstances, the possibility that federal law may override state law does exist.

Many states in the nation have similar laws regarding convicted felons and firearm ownership. For example, Iowa gun laws prohibit anyone that has been convicted of either a felony, misdemeanor domestic violence, has a protective order against them or has had a juvenile adjudication that would have been a felony conviction had they been an adult, from owning or being in possession of firearms or ammunition. Nebraska gun laws have similar felony restrictions.

Knowing this, convicted felons often have questions regarding their revoked rights and what they need to do in order to not inadvertently be convicted of another felony for violating gun restrictions.

Common Questions About Felons and Gun Rights

As a team of criminal defense lawyers, there are few questions regarding felons and gun rights that we answer quite frequently. To better help you understand your rights and limits, we’re going to answer a few of them here.

Can I Own a Gun After a Period of Time Has Passed?

While some states have gun restore legislation that allows convicted felons to regain their right to bear arms, neither Iowa or Nebraska are among these states. The right to own a gun is not currently automatically reinstated after a certain amount of time has passed.

Can I Live in a House Where Firearms are Kept?

This is a rather complicated question. The laws state that a felon cannot own, posses or operate a firearm, however there is no clear wording that states that one can’t be kept in their dwelling – as long as they are not the owner.

However, in certain cases, it can be said that just having the ability to possess or operate a firearm within the home is a violation, and one that can also put the owner of the gun at risk of legal repercussions. It’s always best to discuss this type of situation with a lawyer.

Can I Have My Rights Restored?

In some cases, it is possible to appeal to the Governor’s office and ask that your gun rights be restored. Of course, there are certain criteria that must be met. For example, an application by anyone convicted of a violent felony or where at least 5 or more years haven’t passed won’t even be considered. Again, if you’re interested in the possibility of having your rights restored, connecting with legal representation is your best option.

Schedule a Free Consultation

If you’ve been convicted of a felony and want to know more about the laws governing gun ownership and how to restore your rights, we’re here to help. Contact Fitch & Stahle Law Office today for a free consultation with an experienced criminal defense attorney.

< Older Post Newer Post >

Mail

What to Do If You’re Hit by a Drunk Driver:

By Robert Stahle • June 25, 2025

Legal Steps You Should Take The moments after a car accident are chaotic and frightening—but when you realize the other driver may be drunk, the fear and uncertainty intensify. You may be injured, confused, and unsure of what to do next. Taking the right steps immediately after the accident can significantly affect your ability to recover physically, emotionally, and financially. At Fitch & Stahle Law Firm , we’ve helped countless victims in Iowa and Nebraska who were hit by drunk drivers. If you ever find yourself in this situation, here’s what you need to know and do. 1. Call 911 Immediately Your safety and the safety of others come first. Call 911 to report the accident and request emergency medical assistance if anyone is injured. Make sure to inform the dispatcher if you suspect the other driver is impaired—this can ensure police respond quickly and gather critical evidence at the scene. When the officers arrive, give them an honest account of what happened, but avoid speculating or assigning blame. Stick to the facts. Law enforcement will perform sobriety tests or request a breathalyzer if they suspect intoxication, which is key evidence in your future claim. 2. Seek Medical Attention—Even If You Feel Fine Many injuries from auto accidents don’t show symptoms right away. Adrenaline can mask pain, and some injuries (like concussions or soft-tissue damage) take time to reveal themselves. Always get checked out by medical professionals at the scene or follow up immediately with your doctor. Having documented medical treatment is also essential for your legal case. Insurance companies often challenge claims that don’t have clear, timely medical records. 3. Gather Evidence at the Scene (If You Can) If you're physically able to, collect as much evidence at the scene as possible: Take photos of both vehicles, the accident site, and any visible injuries. Note the time, location, road conditions, and any nearby businesses or traffic cameras. Get the names and contact info of any witnesses. Write down anything you observe about the other driver—slurred speech, empty containers, erratic behavior. The more details you preserve early on, the stronger your claim will be. 4. Avoid Talking to Insurance Companies Without Legal Counsel After the accident, the at-fault driver's insurance company may reach out quickly. They may seem sympathetic, but their goal is to minimize their financial liability. Avoid giving recorded statements, signing any documents, or accepting a settlement before speaking to an attorney. Even your own insurance company may not act in your best interest if the claim involves underinsured or uninsured motorist coverage. A lawyer can handle these conversations and protect your rights. 5. Contact a Personal Injury Attorney Right Away Drunk driving accident cases can involve criminal and civil elements, multiple liable parties, and complex insurance policies. A qualified personal injury attorney can: Preserve evidence File paperwork on time Handle negotiations Represent you in court if needed At Fitch & Stahle , we know how to build a case that reflects the full impact of the crash—including medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and possible punitive damages . If you’ve been hit by a drunk driver in Iowa or Nebraska, don’t navigate the aftermath alone. Contact Fitch & Stahle Law Firm for a free consultation. We’ll walk you through every step, protect your rights, and fight for the full compensation you deserve.

Holding Drunk Drivers Accountable in Civil Court: What Victims Should Know

By Robert Stahle • June 18, 2025

When someone is injured by a drunk driver, the first question is often: “Will they go to jail?” Criminal charges such as DUI or OWI (Operating While Intoxicated) are often filed against the driver, especially if injuries or fatalities are involved. While this may result in fines, license suspension, or even jail time, the reality is this: a criminal case won’t pay your bills. To recover financial compensation for your injuries, you need to file a civil claim —a personal injury lawsuit. This is where true accountability happens for victims. At Fitch & Stahle Law Firm , we help people across Iowa and Nebraska navigate the civil justice system and pursue the compensation they need after a drunk driving accident. Here’s what you should know. Civil Cases Are Separate from Criminal Trials Many victims assume that if the driver is arrested and convicted of DUI, they’ll automatically be compensated. But criminal proceedings are about the state punishing the offender—not helping the victim recover. In fact, you can file a civil lawsuit even if the driver isn’t charged or convicted. While a conviction helps prove liability in civil court, it’s not required. Your personal injury attorney will build a case based on evidence of negligence and damages—whether or not the state takes action. What Damages Can You Recover in a Civil Claim? Civil cases allow victims to recover a broad range of compensatory damages , including: Emergency medical bills Ongoing treatment and rehabilitation Lost wages and future income Pain and suffering Mental anguish Vehicle and property damage Loss of enjoyment of life In many drunk driving cases, you may also be entitled to punitive damages . These are awarded to punish gross negligence—like driving with a high blood alcohol content or with prior DUI convictions. Punitive damages can dramatically increase your total compensation and serve as a warning to others. The Role of an Attorney in Building Your Case Civil lawsuits require a thorough investigation, documentation, and expert testimony. At Fitch & Stahle, we begin by collecting all the evidence: police reports, toxicology results, dashcam footage, witness statements, and medical records. If needed, we consult with accident reconstruction experts to establish what happened and why. We then calculate both economic damages (like medical bills) and non-economic damages (like emotional trauma), making sure no part of your suffering is overlooked. We also handle all communication with insurance companies and opposing counsel. Our team is skilled in negotiation and litigation, and we’re fully prepared to take your case to court if a fair settlement isn’t offered. When Third-Party Liability May Apply In some situations, additional parties may be held responsible. For example: Bars or restaurants that overserved the driver may be liable under dram shop laws Employers who allowed a known impaired driver to operate a company vehicle could also face liability We explore all angles to make sure you’re fully compensated. If you’ve been injured by a drunk driver in Sioux City or surrounding areas, the criminal justice system alone won’t protect your future. Let Fitch & Stahle Law Firm help you file a civil claim, recover full compensation, and hold the drunk driver—and any responsible parties—accountable. Contact us today for a free case review.