So long story short went into a gun store to buy a handgun about a month ago to my surprise was denied as held guns in many other states, just not in TN and all were instant approvals. The FFL put in an appeals form right away to start the process. Anyways here we are about 30 days later and whenever I can TBI/TICS they say they are still working on it and it hasn't been declined, but waiting on some information from a state I once lived in. A bit of history about me. No felonies, no mental health issues, etc.. Illegal u-hand turn at one point about 10-12 years ago in Vegas that i let lapse and had a bench warrant and paid it off and one other scenario about 20 years ago in AZ which was a DUI, also this was taken care of and a not a felony and took care of it, so certainly nothing that should stop me from owning a gun.. I guess the part that bugs me is we are on business day 25 and have called them a few times and they say things are taking longer and it isnt declined, etc and so and so that who is working on it will be back whatever day it might be. Anyways, my understand of the law an appeal they have 15 business days to deny or approve or they must issue "Conditional Proceed". See below statement
"TICS has 15 calendar days after receipt of the appeal form to research the denial and seek missing information or clarification from the arresting agency, clerks of court, judges and prosecuting attorneys. If the information being sought by TICS is not forthcoming or obtainable at the end of the 15 days, the transaction must be placed into “CONDITIONAL PROCEED” status"
Source: https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/tbi/documents/FFL_TN_Guide_2016.pdf
My question is how do I stop them from dragging their feet as they appear to have violated the law, please correct me if I am wrong? Is this common or any suggestions how to either have them just deny it (which they have no real right to do as I have a clean record) or force them to issue a conditional proceed without the excuse of we are very backed up due to what is going on and appeals / bg checks are way up excuse that still doesn't excuse them in my opinion from the law. Just very frustrated and looking for suggestions. I suppose I could hire an attorney, but really dont feel like spending money on that.
Thanks all