The first thing that caught my attention when reading the LilWolfes post was "They", just like AB put in bold.
Are you, by any chance, a troubled youth? Maybe come from the wrong side of the tracks? One of "Them" families who we really do not want them to have any more guns? Or is your sheriff just an anti-gun guy?
All of the above are excuses people have heard from or about a sheriffs Department that does not want to issue you a gun permit. (I could answer yes to two of the four questions above
)
I really think you should get an attorney who specializes in firearms or records correction and have him look at the situation. You should get a copy of your conviction and all paperwork that deals will the disposition of your case before you go see him/her.
It really shoulds like the ball was dropped on the paperwork side of the case.