Felons being prohibited persons for life...
So I think USNRet93's question is valid. Why do we now make people convicted of non-violent, white-collar type crimes prohibited persons for life? Is it because we think they are potentially dangerous, or is it because we want to prolong their punishment?
Neither. You are overthinking it. It has nothing to do with the individual, or really the specific crime, other than what ever crime it is being a felony.
It's about
classification of crimes, and standard one size fits all punishments, based on the class of crime, and not the individual circumstances.
A convicted felon became a prohibited person, for life, with the passage of the Gun Control Act of 1968. Technically its not a "for life" prohibition, but in practical terms, it is. A convicted felon, after all sentence requirements have been completed, may petition a court to have their rights restored. With voting rights, this is almost automatic, today. With firearm rights, it is nearly impossible.
White collar (non violent) crimes carry the prohibited person punishment, not because of any physical harm done, unlike like rape, assault and murder, but simply because they are FELONIES. Felony Jaywalking (if such a thing exists,) and felony murder are equally felonies as far as making the perpetrator a prohibited person.
AND, since 1996, MISDEMEANOR domestic violence ALSO makes you a prohibited person.
It appears to me (and I might be wrong, if so, please correct me) but if you get convicted of any crime where the sentence
could be more than one year in jail, you become a prohibited person.
Note that it doesn't matter what sentence is actually imposed, if you could be sentenced to more than a year, you are now a prohibited person, for life, unless you can get a court to restore your rights.
Prior to 1968 there was no prohibited person status for a convicted felon. Upon release from custody, they could, legally arm themselves, unless it was otherwise specified in the terms of their release.
Prior to 1996, NO misdemeanor made you a prohibited person, ever.