A buddy of mine, who I met about 15 years ago, had some trouble with the law about 30 years ago.  He's been on the straight and narrow for a long time now, and is not only an auto body man, but a body shop manager who is making a very good legal living.

He is a convicted felon, of a non-violent felony (auto-theft), who served his time.  He has recently married within the last 5 years, and between him and his wife have 5 kids.  He doesn't own a firearm, because he insists that the state won't allow him to have one.  He's so adamant, he won't even try and apply for a FOID.

I can't find anywhere that states he cannot own a firearm.

Can someone help me help him?

He should talk to a local attorney experienced with expungement. The rules have changed

recently and I haven't done one in years. Years ago my dad got one for my step-brother that

was not technically able to be done.  If it's a small county and the lawyer knows the judge and

DA he may get it done anyway for someone with no recent record.

Yep, have him look into expunging the felony.


http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/fulltext.asp?DocName=072000050K24-1.1



18 U.S.C. § 922(g)

Thanks guys.  I linked him to this thread and he's going to get after it.

Any recommendations on an attorney in Southern IL who might help?  He's specifically in Madison county I believe.

Check the ISRA website or send them an email about pro-gun attorney recommendations.

Thanks guys.  He's excited.  First thing I'll do when this is over is take him clay shooting.

Tell him not to apply for an FOID. It could go against him when trying to get it off his record. Technically he would be committing a crime

It's not a criminal offense if he does not lie on the FOID application.

Once 20 years has passed since the felony conviction or release from a correctional institution (whichever is later), a person can apply for a FOID and request an administrative hearing with the ISP Firearm Services Bureau to argue their case for issuing a FOID.  An attorney who is familiar with the process and case law pertaining to relief should be hired to represent the person who has been convicted of a felony and attempting to acquire a FOID.

A man who belongs to my gun club was convicted for trafficking marijuana years ago and served a short prison term.  Not only does he have a FOID, he recently acquired a valid FCCL.  It was long uphill fight, but he got it done.