Can You Get a FOID Card for Work if You’ve Been Convicted of a Crime?

If you’re like most people, you know that felons aren’t allowed to have firearms – even if it’s for work purposes. Your best bet, if you’re accused of a felony, is to work with an attorney who may be able to help you avoid a felony conviction. Although there’s no way to predict how a judge will rule, you may find that you get the best possible outcome in your case by working with an attorney. With that said, is it ever possible for you to get a FOID card for work if you’ve been convicted of a crime? This guide explains.

Can You Get a FOID Card for Work if You’ve Been Convicted of a Crime?

A Firearm Owner’s Identification Card – commonly called a FOID card – is necessary for some jobs, including those that require you to handle ammunition or carry a gun (such as certain security positions). But what if you’re a convicted felon? Are those jobs off the table? Will you lose your job if you’re convicted of a felony?

Unfortunately, it’s really tough to get a FOID card if you’ve been convicted of a felony. You’ll have to have your civil rights restored in order to be eligible for a FOID card. And that means if your job requires you to have a FOID card, you could lose the job after a felony conviction. 

Related: Do kids get in trouble for calling in bomb threats?

If you’ve lost your right to bear arms, you’ll have to ask the government to give it back. You’ll have to show that you haven’t committed a forcible felony in the past 20 years, you’re not a danger to public safety, and that granting your request wouldn’t go against public interest.

As you can see, the best way to get (or keep) a FOID card is to avoid being convicted of a felony. And while there is never a way to predict how a judge will rule, it’s in your best interest to get legal advice from a licensed, highly skilled attorney when you’re accused of a crime. 

Related: Is aggravated DUI a felony in Illinois?

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