I recommend anyone that has an issue like that to file a formal complaint.

No.

Why?  

Please explain.

Guess I live on the wild side by attending evil gun shows - I'm about as boring as a guy could be but have toys some folks freak out about (which I can explain/educate) but then you have those Barney Fife's that know all, like the OP's example.  Filing complaints are worthless since my experience is continued ignorance of the law and then telling me I should have just "picked up the can citizen".  Again, as confirmed, most cops aren't gun guys so I'd like to know which ones not interact with.

Tried it and it didn't work since the IA lady didn't see a problem with the officer's threats and refused to take action.  Another time I was almost run over by a LEO making an illegal lane change and was then told it was an internal issue and none of my business.  Some departments can be very "US vs THEM" mentality which I've noticed to become a trend in the past 20 years..

Federal law prohibits a felon from possessing a firearm or ammunition anywhere.

Federal law prohibits a felon from possessing a firearm or ammunition anywhere.

Does said felon have to be convicted under federal law for this restriction?  This is a serious question (and , no, I am not a felon).

The short answer is yes..

The long answer is if a Texas cop comes to your house and sees a gun and is aware that you are a convicted felon you aren't subject to being arrested. However, the officer could reach out to a Federal Agent and see if he/she would be interested in the case. In practice (at least in the Northern District of Texas) the Feds aren't interested in accepting a Felon in possession of a firearm case unless there is an accompanying charge to go with it, like a dope charge. That's no guarantee the feds wouldn't arrest the guy but unless he is doing something else illegal he's probably okay. It's a lot like the marijuana legalization in Colorado and Washington. It's legal under state law but illegal under Federal law. So in theory the feds could arrest you for possessing MJ in Colorado but in practice they don't take MJ cases unless you have something like 100 lbs or so in your possession.

Honestly, I've been an LEO for a long time and I don't see the point in stripping felons of their gun rights (or voting rights). I think once a guy does his bit then he should get his rights  back. If he screws up he and goes back in the system then they get revoked again. There is a good percentage of felons who can't and won't stop breaking the law so it's a self-correcting problem. But if a guy goes to prison, follows the rules, gets out then as a society we should be satisfied with that. The way it is the guy who does what society wants him to do (obeys the law) is still being punished for the rest of his law. Where's the redemption in that?

No, any felony conviction applies under the Federal statute.

I would support giving gun rights back to those convicted of nonviolent felonies once they have completed their sentence, but I can't fathom giving gun rights back to those convicted of assault, robbery, or murder. (even if they didn't use a firearm in commission of the crime)

That's a reasonable position especially in the case of murder but what about the guy who is 18 and does something really stupid like an armed robbery and then does his time. He's completely rehabilitated and is living his life as a productive citizen. I think the law could be crafted in a way that took facts like that into consideration. I have an example of a guy who probably deserves to have his rights restored. He was a good citizen until his late 30s when his wife divorced him, he ended up meeting another girl who introduced him to meth and his life just spiraled out of control. He ended up robbing a couple of banks using a note. We caught him and he readily confessed and took responsibility. No one was hurt in the robberies and he repaid the stolen funds. He's out now and living with family and has his life on track but because of the law he can never vote or own a gun. I just think that law needs to be revisited.

Shoplifting is a stupid mistake, armed robbery is a calculated act. At 18 a person damn well better know right from wrong.
How many second chances should someone get? I believe in forgiveness of sins, but I sure as heck don't believe in forgetting them.

I heard of a guy years ago that went to jail for murder.  Apparently his friend wanted him to drive over to a guy's ex gf's house where the friend went inside and killed someone.  Driver claimed to not know true intentions but was arrested and before trial the killer made a deal and testified against the driver.  Drugs were involved which turned to many poor choices up to that moment.  I'm not sure I believe the story 100% but I could see many situations where a person is convicted as a violent felon (at least that's what I see in the movies anyway) so I'm a fan of giving people their rights back after they pay society for their injustices and complete parole.

Well, if he was caught and punished then he's getting his second chance when he finishes parole. If he screws that up then to hell with him. But if he does what society wants and starts living live as a productive citizen then he should be rewarded for it. He is still going to have that conviction on his record so nobody is forgetting anything. As I said before, the hardcore crooks are going to keep screwing up so it's a self correcting problem.

Thank you MSB2199

What you've said fits a scenario I know of.

Short story:

HOA Lady married to Mr. Felon (  DWI x 3 + a theft charge.  5 years has elapsed since penalty phase ).
Mr. Felon joins into a retail gun dealership with his buddy as a partnership.
Old guy homeowner finds out HOA lady has extorted $74,400 - CASH - out of HOA expenses without receipts.
Old guy homeowner files embezzlement report with Sheriff, and calls ATF - notifies them the Mr. Felon is in possession of weapons at gun shows, and shitloads of weapons at home.
He can prove it as Mr. Felon is listed on the ATF registered dealer sheet.

9 months has elapsed.
Nothing happens.

There's a lot more to the story ( Felon spitting on 72 year old guy - trying to fight / intimidate etc ).

My opinion: " Someday "  LEO will stop him - open container + DWI + Felon in possession.

And if driving within 1,000 feet of a school zone, the feds can add another charge (which I rarely see happen).