Domestic violence is issue in Wisconsin gun case

MILWAUKEE (AP) — A Cottage Grove man is fighting to get a concealed carry permit after the state denied him because he’s been convicted of domestic violence.

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports if 68-year-old Robert W. Evans Jr. prevails, it could clear the way for those with certain domestic violence convictions to legally carry hidden guns.

Citing the federal ban, Wisconsin’s Department of Justice denied Evans a permit in 2012 because he was convicted in 2002 of domestic violence/disorderly conduct.

Evans appealed the denial to circuit court, arguing the offense isn’t a misdemeanor crime of violence under federal law and he didn’t have a domestic relationship with the victim under the federal definition.

A Dane County judge upheld the DOJ’s decision. Evans has now taken the case to the Court of Appeals.