What is the current state of the law on possession of a firearm by a felon?

^1. Effective January 1, 2012, former Penal Code section 12021, subdivision (a)(1), prohibiting possession of a firearm by a felon, was repealed and replaced without substantive change by Penal Code section 29800, subdivision (a)(1) (Stats. 2010, ch. 711, 4 [repealed], Stats. 2010, ch. 711, 6 [reenacted]). Except as otherwise indicated, all further statutory references are to the Penal Code.

^2. See Miranda v. Arizona (1966) 384 U.S. 436.

^3. Except as otherwise indicated, the remainder of our factual statement is taken from appellant's testimony.