Felon Firearm Rights - W. Scott Hanken, Attorney at Law

Can a Convicted Felon Ever Legally Own a Firearm Again?

W. Scott Hanken — Tue, 28 Jan 2025 13:07:20 GMT

Last Reviewed & Updated: October 2, 2026

A felony conviction costs you your gun rights twice: once under Illinois law and once under federal law. For a long time, getting them back was close to impossible.

That changed in 2026. The U.S. Department of Justice reopened a federal restoration process that had been shut down for more than 30 years. Illinois has its own process too, one many people don’t know exists.

This guide covers how both bans work, the three realistic paths to restoring your rights, and what happens if you’re caught with a gun before you’ve cleared them.

Key Takeaways:

A felony triggers two separate firearm bans: one under Illinois law and one under federal law. Restoring your rights means clearing both.
Illinois has a restoration process. Relief from the FOID Card Review Board or a circuit court can lift the state ban.
The federal government began accepting restoration applications again in fall 2026, but relief is discretionary and some offenses are presumptively excluded.
A pardon can address both bans, but clemency is rare.
Until relief is actually granted, possessing a gun or even ammunition is a felony under both state and federal law.

Why a Felony Takes Away Your Gun Rights Twice

The Illinois ban. A felony conviction from any jurisdiction disqualifies you from holding a FOID card under 430 ILCS 65/8. Separately, 720 ILCS 5/24-1.1 makes it a crime for anyone with a felony conviction to possess a firearm or firearm ammunition. That includes possession inside your own home.

Sentence. A first violation is a Class 3 felony with 2 to 10 years. It becomes a Class 2 felony with 3 to 14 years if your prior record includes a forcible felony, a felony weapons offense, stalking, or a Class 2 or greater drug felony, or if you are on parole or mandatory supervised release.
Multiple guns. Each firearm or box of ammunition can be charged as a separate violation.
Repeat offenders. After two or more qualifying convictions, possessing a firearm becomes a Class X felony under 720 ILCS 5/24-1.7. That offense was formerly called “armed habitual criminal.”

The federal ban. Federal law separately prohibits anyone convicted of a crime punishable by more than one year in prison from possessing firearms or ammunition. A violation carries up to 15 years in federal prison under 18 U.S.C. § 924(a)(8).

The two bans are independent. Clearing one does not clear the other. Illinois relief also can’t be granted if it would be contrary to federal law. In practice, that usually means the federal ban has to be addressed first or at the same time.

Path 1: Illinois Relief Under the FOID Card Act

Illinois law does provide a way back. Under 430 ILCS 65/10, a person prohibited from having firearms because of a felony can ask for relief. Where you apply depends on the conviction.

The FOID Card Review Board. The FOID Card Review Board handles most cases. It must issue a decision within 45 days of receiving a complete appeal, though extensions are allowed.

The circuit court in your county. Some convictions must go to court instead:

forcible felonies
stalking and aggravated stalking
domestic battery
Class 2 or greater drug felonies
felony weapons offenses
felony-level juvenile adjudications

For Springfield residents, that means the Sangamon County Circuit Court. The Sangamon County State’s Attorney must be served with the petition at least 30 days before the hearing and can object.

Whether you go to the Board or to the court, you must establish all of the following:

you have not been convicted of a forcible felony within 20 years of your application, or at least 20 years have passed since any prison term for it ended
your record and reputation show you’re not likely to act in a way that endangers public safety
relief would not be contrary to the public interest
relief would not be contrary to federal law

That last requirement is where many felony petitions stall, which is why the federal paths below matter.

Path 2: Federal Relief Under 18 U.S.C. § 925(c), Reopened in 2026

Federal law has long allowed the Attorney General to restore federal firearm rights. For more than three decades, though, the program was effectively unavailable. In August 2026, the Department of Justice finalized a rule that moved the process to the Office of the Pardon Attorney. It then opened applications in stages through its Federal Firearm Rights Restoration program:

September 25, 2026: Applications opened to invited candidates.
November 4, 2026: Applications open to the public, for the first 5,000 applicants.
January 4, 2027: Applications open to 500 more applicants, and a $30 application fee takes effect.

Relief is discretionary. The application requires fingerprints and character references. DOJ also publishes presumptive disqualifiers, which lead to denial unless you can show extraordinary circumstances:

Permanent disqualifiers include felonies involving a death, sexual assault, domestic violence, burglary, robbery, assault or battery, stalking, and similar violent conduct.
10-year disqualifiers include felonies involving drug trafficking, threats of violence, and certain firearm offenses.
5-year disqualifiers cover any other felony. The clock runs from the conviction or from the end of any part of the sentence, including probation or parole.

Federal relief removes only the federal ban. Under Illinois law you would still need relief under the FOID Card Act before you could legally possess a firearm here.

Path 3: A Pardon

An Illinois pardon comes from the Governor, after the Illinois Prisoner Review Board reviews the petition and makes a confidential recommendation. The clemency petition can specifically ask for a pardon, authorization to seek expungement, and restoration of FOID card rights. The Governor has no deadline to act, and clemency is rare.

The Governor’s power covers only Illinois convictions. A federal conviction requires a presidential pardon through the U.S. Pardon Attorney.

Under federal law, a pardon generally removes a conviction for federal firearm purposes unless the pardon expressly says the person may not possess firearms. That’s why a pardon can address both bans at once.

What About Expungement, Sealing, or an Old “Restoration of Rights” Letter?

Expungement. Illinois generally does not allow felony convictions to be expunged on their own. In clemency cases, expungement becomes available when the Governor authorizes it in a pardon.

Sealing. Since 2017, most Illinois felony convictions can be sealed after a waiting period. Exceptions include DUI, domestic battery, and most sex offenses. Sealing limits who can see a record, but it is not a pardon or an expungement. Don’t treat it as restoring your gun rights. Our Expungement & Record Sealing page covers eligibility.

Old Department of Corrections letters. In Buchmeier v. United States (2009), the federal appeals court covering Illinois considered an Illinois Department of Corrections notice telling a released prisoner his civil rights were restored. The notice said nothing about firearms, so the court held those convictions no longer counted for federal firearm purposes. Illinois revised its letter afterward to include a firearms warning. Whether an older letter helps you depends on its exact wording and date, so have a lawyer review it before you rely on it.

Two Records, Two Very Different Paths

Here is a hypothetical involving two Springfield residents.

The first was convicted of Class 4 felony drug possession in 2012, finished probation in 2014, and has had no trouble since.

Federal relief. Simple possession isn’t on DOJ’s permanent or 10-year lists, and more than five years have passed, so no presumptive disqualifier applies.
Illinois relief. A Class 4 possession conviction isn’t one of the offenses that must go to court, so the FOID Card Review Board is the likely forum.

He has a realistic path: federal relief, then Illinois relief.

The second was convicted of robbery in 2019 and released from prison in 2022.

Federal relief. Robbery is a permanent presumptive disqualifier for federal relief.
Illinois relief. Robbery is a forcible felony, so Illinois relief requires a court petition, and the 20-year rule bars relief for roughly two decades.

A pardon is realistically his only path.

Every case is decided on its own facts. Even a strong applicant isn’t guaranteed relief.

If You’re Charged Before Your Rights Are Restored

Applying for relief is not the same as having it. Until relief is granted, possessing a firearm or ammunition remains a felony under both Illinois and federal law.

Many of these cases still turn on defensible issues:

Possession. When guns belong to a spouse or roommate, the State must prove you knowingly possessed them, not just that you lived in the same house.
The search. Many cases begin with a search of a home or car. An unlawful search can lead to suppression of the evidence.
The prior conviction. Whether an old conviction actually qualifies as a felony, or was pardoned, expunged, or covered by a rights-restoration notice, can decide the case.
The charge level. The difference between a Class 3 and a Class 2 charge often depends on how a prior conviction is classified.

Scott has handled cases on both sides of the courtroom in Sangamon County.

Bottom Line: A felony doesn’t have to mean losing your gun rights forever, but getting them back means clearing two separate bans. Illinois offers relief through the FOID Card Review Board or the courts, the federal government reopened its restoration process in 2026, and a pardon can address both. Until relief is granted, don’t touch a firearm, and don’t keep ammunition in your home.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I live in a house where my spouse keeps guns?

That is risky. Illinois’s felon ban covers firearms in your own home, and prosecutors can charge a person who knowingly has access to and control over a gun even if someone else owns it. If you share a home with a gun owner, talk to a lawyer about how the guns are stored before a problem arises.

Does a felony from another state count in Illinois?

Yes. Both the FOID disqualification and the Illinois felon-in-possession statute apply to felony convictions from any jurisdiction.

If the federal government restores my rights, can I own a gun in Illinois?

Not by itself. Federal relief under § 925(c) removes only the federal ban. You would still need relief under the Illinois FOID Card Act, and a valid FOID card, before possessing a firearm here.

Can I keep ammunition even if I don’t own a gun?

No. Both Illinois law and federal law prohibit a person with a felony conviction from possessing firearm ammunition, not just firearms.

How long does restoration take?

The timelines vary by path:
FOID Card Review Board. It must decide within 45 days of receiving a complete appeal, though extensions are allowed.
Federal process. It has just opened, so there is no track record yet.
Pardons. The Governor is under no deadline to act on a pardon petition.

Plan for months, not weeks.

What Should I Know About a Firearm Owners Identification?

W. Scott Hanken — Wed, 09 Oct 2019 18:54:39 GMT

Last Reviewed & Updated: October 2, 2026

In Illinois, you need a state-issued card just to own a gun, not only to carry one. That card is the Firearm Owner’s Identification card, or FOID card. Without a valid one, having a handgun in your nightstand, a box of ammunition in your garage, or even a stun gun in your purse can lead to a criminal charge.

For most people in Springfield and Sangamon County, the FOID card only becomes a problem when something goes wrong. A renewal slips past its expiration date. A traffic stop turns up a handgun in the center console. An arrest leads to a judge ordering you to turn in your guns. This guide covers who qualifies for a FOID card, what disqualifies you, how a criminal charge can cost you your card, and how to fight back.

Key Takeaways:

A valid FOID card is required to acquire or possess any firearm, firearm ammunition, stun gun, or taser in Illinois, with limited exceptions.
The card costs $10, is valid for 10 years, and the Illinois State Police must approve or deny a new application within 30 days.
Possessing a firearm without a valid card can be anything from a petty offense to a felony, depending on why you don’t have one.
A pending charge can cost you your guns through release conditions or a protective order. The way your case ends decides whether you keep your card.
If your card is revoked, you have 48 hours to surrender it and account for your firearms.

Who Needs a FOID Card in Illinois?

Under Section 2 of the FOID Card Act, no one may acquire or possess any firearm, stun gun, taser, or firearm ammunition in Illinois without a FOID card issued in their name by the Illinois State Police. The rule applies at home as much as in public.

The most common exceptions are:

Concealed carry license holders. A person with a valid Illinois concealed carry license (CCL) who has the license physically on them is covered for firearm and ammunition possession.
New Illinois residents. A new resident who isn’t otherwise prohibited has until 60 calendar days after getting an Illinois driver’s license or state ID card. The clock starts with the license or ID, not the move.
Nonresidents. Visitors are covered if their firearms are unloaded and enclosed in a case, or if they are currently licensed or registered to possess a firearm in their home state.
Minors under supervision. Minors are covered while in the custody and immediate control of a parent or guardian who holds a valid FOID card.
Supervised shooters. Anyone who would qualify for a FOID card is covered while directly supervised by a FOID holder age 21 or older at a shooting range or a recognized firearms safety course.
On-duty officials. Law enforcement, military, and certain federal officials are covered while performing their official duties.

Who Qualifies for an Illinois FOID Card?

To qualify under 430 ILCS 65/4, an applicant must meet all of the following:

Age. You must be 21 or older. If you are under 21, you must have no conviction for a misdemeanor other than a traffic offense and no delinquency adjudication. You must also either be on active military or Illinois National Guard duty, or have written consent from a parent or guardian who isn’t prohibited from holding a FOID card.
Residency. You must be an Illinois resident, with limited exceptions for certain out-of-state law enforcement officers, armed security officers, and military members permanently assigned in Illinois.
Identification. You must provide an Illinois driver’s license or state ID number.
Photograph. You must submit a photo, or fingerprints instead if you have a recognized religious objection.
No disqualifier. You must not fall into any of the disqualifying categories covered in the next section.

Fingerprints are otherwise optional. A parent who signs consent for an applicant under 21 is liable for any damages that result from the applicant’s use of firearms or ammunition. Knowingly giving false information on an application is a Class 2 felony.

What Disqualifies You From Getting a FOID Card?

The Illinois State Police can deny or revoke a card only on the grounds listed in 430 ILCS 65/8. The ones that come up most often are:

Disqualifier	How Long It Lasts	Statute
Felony conviction in any jurisdiction	Indefinitely, unless relief is granted	65/8(c)
Domestic battery or aggravated domestic battery conviction, no matter when the offense occurred	Indefinitely, unless relief is granted	65/8(l)
Battery, assault, aggravated assault, or violating an order of protection, where a firearm was used or possessed	5 years from conviction	65/8(k)
An order of protection that prohibits you from possessing a firearm	While the order is in effect	65/4(a)(2)(vii)
Patient in a mental health facility	5 years, then a certification from a qualified clinician is required	65/8(e), (u)
Involuntary admission to a mental health facility, or adjudication as a person with a mental disability	Until relief is granted	65/8(r), (t)
Under 21 with a non-traffic misdemeanor conviction or a delinquency adjudication	Until age 21	65/8(a)

Other grounds include:

addiction to narcotics
a mental condition posing a clear and present danger
intellectual or developmental disability
being prohibited from having firearms under federal law or another Illinois statute
unlawful presence in the U.S., or admission on most nonimmigrant visas
felony-level juvenile adjudications
intentionally false statements on the application
not being an Illinois resident

New in 2026: Since January 1, 2026, failing two or more times to report a lost or stolen firearm to local police within 48 hours of discovering it is also grounds for denial or revocation.

Three points people often get wrong:

You don’t have to be a U.S. citizen. The bar applies to noncitizens unlawfully present in the U.S. and most people admitted on nonimmigrant visas. Citizenship status alone doesn’t disqualify a lawful permanent resident.
Not every battery conviction is a bar. Ordinary battery or assault disqualifies you only for five years, and only if a firearm was used or possessed. Domestic battery disqualifies you regardless of when it happened or whether a gun was involved.
A past mental health admission isn’t necessarily permanent. A former patient is barred for five years. After that, the person needs a certification from a qualified clinician that they are not a clear and present danger. Involuntary admission is a separate ground that requires relief.

How to Apply for or Renew a FOID Card

Applications and renewals go through the Illinois State Police Firearms Services Bureau online portal. Under 430 ILCS 65/5 and 430 ILCS 65/7:

Fee. The fee is $10 plus electronic processing fees. Active-duty, National Guard, and Reserve members are exempt.
Decision deadlines. The State Police must decide a new application within 30 days, and a timely renewal within 60 business days.
Validity. A FOID card is valid for 10 years.
Renew before it expires. A renewal submitted before your card’s expiration date keeps the card valid while the State Police process it, unless you become subject to revocation. This is the single easiest way to avoid a charge.
Concealed carry holders. If your FOID card expires during the term of your concealed carry license, both stay valid, and the State Police may renew your FOID card automatically.
Address changes. If you move after applying, you must notify the State Police immediately. Cardholders can update a name or address through the online portal.

The Firearms Services Bureau is headquartered in Springfield at 801 South Seventh Street. ISP lists a FOID kiosk at its Troop 6 facility at that address for people who need help with the online application. Check the ISP website for current hours before you go.

What Happens If You’re Caught Without a Valid FOID Card?

Under 430 ILCS 65/14, the penalty for possessing a firearm without a valid FOID card depends on why you don’t have one:

Situation	Classification	Statute
Card expired 6 months or less, and you are otherwise not prohibited from owning firearms	Petty offense	65/14(a-5)
Card expired, and you are eligible to renew, but the petty-offense rule doesn’t apply	Class A misdemeanor	65/14(a)
Never had a card, but you are otherwise eligible	Class A misdemeanor; a second or subsequent violation is a Class 4 felony	65/14(b)
Card revoked or subject to revocation, or you are not eligible for a card	Class 3 felony	65/14(c)
Knowingly giving false information on a FOID application	Class 2 felony	65/14(d-5)

A Class A misdemeanor carries less than one year in jail under 730 ILCS 5/5-4.5-55. A Class 3 felony carries 2 to 5 years in prison under 730 ILCS 5/5-4.5-40, though probation may be available.

Same Gun Law, Very Different Charges

Here is a hypothetical. Two drivers are stopped on Interstate 55 outside Springfield. Neither has a concealed carry license, and both are otherwise eligible to own guns.

The first driver has an unloaded rifle in a case in the trunk, and her FOID card expired four months ago. Because the gun isn’t immediately accessible, the aggravated weapons statute generally doesn’t apply. The FOID Act treats a card expired six months or less as a petty offense.

The second driver has a loaded handgun in the center console and has never applied for a FOID card. He faces a felony charge with a statutory prison term of one to three years for a first offense.

Real cases turn on details. Whether a gun was “immediately accessible,” for example, is often disputed. But this is why the first question in any FOID case is why the card wasn’t valid.

Without a FOID Card, a Carry Case Can Become a Felony

Illinois renamed “aggravated unlawful use of a weapon” to aggravated unlawful possession of a weapon, effective January 1, 2025. Under 720 ILCS 5/24-1.6, the offense applies when you carry a firearm on your person or in a vehicle outside your home, land, or business, and you have not been issued a currently valid FOID card. It also covers carrying on public streets and lands within a city, village, or town.

First offense. It is a Class 4 felony.
Loaded, uncased, accessible handgun without a FOID card or concealed carry license. A first offense calls for 1 to 3 years in prison under the statute.
Second or subsequent offense. It is a Class 2 felony with 3 to 7 years.
Body armor. The offense is a Class X felony if you are wearing or possessing body armor without a valid FOID card.
Multiple guns. Each firearm counts as a separate violation.

The Illinois Supreme Court struck down part of an earlier version of this statute in People v. Aguilar (2013). In People v. Mosley (2015), it upheld the provision that makes carrying without a FOID card an aggravating factor.

A valid FOID card is also what makes it legal to transport a gun that is unloaded and enclosed in a case. For more, see Can You Carry a Firearm in Your Vehicle in Illinois?

How Criminal Charges Affect Your FOID Card

Being charged with a crime and being convicted of one affect your FOID card in different ways.

While Your Case Is Pending

For adults, the criminal-history grounds in Section 8 are triggered by convictions, not by charges alone. Juveniles are treated differently: a pending delinquency petition for a felony-level offense is itself disqualifying. Even so, a pending adult case can still take your guns away:

Pretrial release conditions. A judge can order you to surrender your firearms and FOID card as a condition of pretrial release. For certain charges, Illinois law has long made surrender a standard condition under 725 ILCS 5/110-10. Those charges include forcible felonies, stalking, domestic battery, Class 2 or greater drug felonies, and felony weapons offenses.
Orders of protection. In domestic cases, an order of protection that bars firearm possession disqualifies you while it’s in effect, whether or not you’re ever convicted. See Illinois Orders of Protection & No Contact Orders for how these orders work.

How Your Case Ends Matters

The outcome of your case decides whether you keep your card. That means not only whether you’re convicted, but what you’re convicted of:

A felony conviction disqualifies you indefinitely. If it’s a forcible felony or a felony weapons offense, getting relief later requires a court petition rather than a State Police review board appeal.
A domestic battery conviction disqualifies you indefinitely. Pleading to a different offense isn’t always a way around it. Suppose you give up your right to a jury and are convicted of an offense that doesn’t require a domestic relationship. If the court makes a finding under the federal domestic-violence firearm law, that conviction disqualifies you too.
Battery, assault, aggravated assault, or an order of protection violation disqualifies you for five years, but only when a firearm was used or possessed.
If you’re under 21, any misdemeanor conviction other than a traffic offense disqualifies you until age 21.
Many other misdemeanor convictions are not listed grounds for adults. But a prohibition under federal law or another Illinois statute also counts, so check before you plead.

FOID consequences belong in plea negotiations from the first conversation, not as an afterthought at sentencing.

If Your FOID Card Is Revoked: The 48-Hour Rule

Under 430 ILCS 65/9.5, within 48 hours of receiving a revocation notice you must do two things:

Surrender your FOID card to the local law enforcement agency where you live.
Complete a Firearm Disposition Record and place your firearms with the person or at the location listed on it. The record asks for the name, address, and FOID card number of anyone who takes custody of your guns.

If your card has been lost or destroyed, you still have to complete the Firearm Disposition Record. If you don’t comply, police can seek a warrant to search for and seize your card and firearms, and being seen with a revoked card is enough by itself to justify an arrest. The State Police’s revoked-card instructions state that failing to comply is a Class A misdemeanor.

Comply first, then fight. The appeal statute ties your right to seek relief to complying with these surrender requirements.

How to Appeal a FOID Denial or Revocation

430 ILCS 65/10 provides three paths:

Path	When It Applies	Timeline
Record challenge to the ISP Director	The record is wrong (for example, mistaken identity or an incorrect case disposition), or the State Police didn’t act within 30 days	60 business days after receiving all supporting information
FOID Card Review Board	Most denials and revocations	45 days after receiving complete appeal documents (extensions are allowed)
Circuit court petition in your county of residence	Denials and revocations based on a forcible felony, stalking, aggravated stalking, domestic battery, a Class 2 or greater drug felony, a felony weapons offense, or a felony-level juvenile adjudication	Court hearing; the State’s Attorney must be served at least 30 days in advance

For Sangamon County residents, a court petition is filed in Sangamon County. The State’s Attorney’s Office, where Scott once served as a prosecutor, can object and present evidence against it.

Whether you go to the Board or to the court, you generally must show all of the following:

You have no forcible felony conviction within 20 years of your application, or at least 20 years have passed since any prison term for one ended.
Your record and reputation show you’re not likely to endanger public safety.
Granting relief would not be contrary to the public interest.
Granting relief would not be contrary to federal law.

A court cannot order a card issued to someone who is still prohibited under federal law. This can make some disqualifications, such as domestic battery convictions, especially hard to overcome.

For older felony records, see Can a Convicted Felon Ever Legally Own a Firearm Again?

How a Springfield Weapons Defense Lawyer Can Help

If you’ve been charged with a weapons offense. Why the card wasn’t valid can be the difference between a petty offense and a felony. An expired card, a pending renewal, and never being eligible each lead to very different charges. Many weapons cases also turn on how the gun was found. If the search was unlawful, the evidence may be suppressed.

If you’ve been charged with something else. Your FOID card may be on the line even though the charge has nothing to do with guns. That’s especially true in domestic battery, assault, and felony cases. Release conditions, protective orders, and the exact offense of any plea all affect whether you keep your card.

If you’ve been denied or revoked. Choosing the wrong forum wastes time, and a thin petition rarely succeeds. A strong request for relief documents your history, your character, and why restoring your card serves the public interest.

Scott has handled cases on both sides of the courtroom in Sangamon County.

Bottom Line: In Illinois, a gun, a box of ammunition, or a stun gun without a valid FOID card can mean a criminal charge. A criminal charge can mean losing your FOID card. Renew early, report lost or stolen guns promptly, and get advice before you plead to anything.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do I need a FOID card just to buy ammunition?

Yes. Illinois requires a FOID card to acquire or possess firearm ammunition, even if you don’t own a gun. A valid concealed carry license on your person also satisfies the requirement.

Does my concealed carry license replace my FOID card?

For possession, largely yes. A CCL holder carrying the license is exempt from the FOID possession requirement. If your FOID card expires during your CCL term, both stay valid. Anything that would disqualify you from a FOID card still matters, though, so a revocation affects both.

Will a pending criminal charge cost me my FOID card?

For adults, a charge alone isn’t a listed ground for revocation; a conviction is. But a judge can order you to surrender your guns and card as a condition of pretrial release, and an order of protection that bars firearms disqualifies you while it’s in effect.

Can I keep my FOID card if I plead guilty to a misdemeanor?

It depends on the offense. Domestic battery disqualifies you indefinitely. Battery or assault involving a firearm disqualifies you for five years. If you’re under 21, almost any non-traffic misdemeanor disqualifies you until you turn 21. Talk to a lawyer about FOID consequences before you accept any plea.

Police found my gun and my FOID card had expired. What should I do?

Renew right away so you’re compliant going forward, but don’t assume renewing makes the charge go away. How long the card was expired, where the gun was, and whether you were otherwise eligible can turn a petty offense into a felony. Avoid explaining yourself to police without a lawyer.

What changed for Illinois FOID cardholders in 2026?

Since January 1, 2026, failing two or more times to report a lost or stolen firearm within 48 hours is grounds for denial or revocation. The related weapons charge was also renamed as of January 1, 2025: “aggravated unlawful use of a weapon” is now aggravated unlawful possession of a weapon.

Felon Firearm Rights - W. Scott Hanken, Attorney at Law

Can a Convicted Felon Ever Legally Own a Firearm Again?

Why a Felony Takes Away Your Gun Rights Twice

Path 1: Illinois Relief Under the FOID Card Act

Path 2: Federal Relief Under 18 U.S.C. § 925(c), Reopened in 2026

Path 3: A Pardon

What About Expungement, Sealing, or an Old “Restoration of Rights” Letter?

Two Records, Two Very Different Paths

If You’re Charged Before Your Rights Are Restored

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Further Reading

Practice Area

Related Articles

Browse by Topic

What Should I Know About a Firearm Owners Identification?

Who Needs a FOID Card in Illinois?

Who Qualifies for an Illinois FOID Card?

What Disqualifies You From Getting a FOID Card?

How to Apply for or Renew a FOID Card

What Happens If You’re Caught Without a Valid FOID Card?

Same Gun Law, Very Different Charges

Without a FOID Card, a Carry Case Can Become a Felony

How Criminal Charges Affect Your FOID Card

While Your Case Is Pending

How Your Case Ends Matters

If Your FOID Card Is Revoked: The 48-Hour Rule

How to Appeal a FOID Denial or Revocation

How a Springfield Weapons Defense Lawyer Can Help

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Further Reading

Practice Area

Related Articles

Browse by Topic