Experience with ISP FOID Review Board Appeal for 2008 Class 4 Felony Reinstatement? (Non-Violent Drug Possession)

[Goodrich87]

Hey everyone,

 

A few months back I posted about getting hit with a NICS denial when trying to buy guns in Florida, even though I had a valid FOID and CCL from Illinois at the time.

 

For background: Back in 2008 I had a Class 4 felony charge for non-violent possession of a controlled substance in Iroquois County, Illinois. I was given probation but failed the terms (no other details—just a dumb mistake from my younger days). Interestingly, all background checks after that showed no conviction entered, so when I asked ISP if I could get a FOID, they confirmed yes and issued it without issue.

 

Fast forward to the NICS denial in Florida (where I live now), I contacted ISP about it, and they realized there was a records error. They ended up revoking my FOID and CCL. This is my only criminal charge ever—clean record otherwise for the past 17 years.

 

From what I’ve researched, I believe I can appeal to the ISP FOID Card Review Board for reinstatement of my firearm rights since it’s a qualifying non-violent felony. The goal is to clear the Illinois prohibition, which should help federally and potentially in Florida (though I think I’d still need separate clemency there).

 

Has anyone gone through this process recently? How long did it take? What kind of evidence or references did you submit? Did you handle it yourself, or is a lawyer really necessary? I got quoted $3,500 from a big firm in Chicago, which feels steep—wondering if that’s typical or if there are more affordable options (or free consults).

 

As always, super appreciative of the community here. God bless

Edited November 22, 2025 at 06:32 PM by Goodrich87

[dogsoldier321]

There was a Michael Donahue on this forum that was/is an attorney representing others to get their status reinstated.

 

Not sure if he is connected to the firm you already mentioned, but if not, it might be worth contacting him or his firm for a second opinion and quote.

Good luck!

[Euler]

Decent lawyers charge at least $300/hour. Even at $500/hour, $3500 is 7 hours.

The catch-22 for out-of-state reinstatement is that courts (not sure of review board) say the law only allows relief for FOID denial. Out-of-state people can't get FOIDs, anyway, therefore they're not eligible for relief.

Good luck.

[Goodrich87]

On 11/22/2025 at 6:32 PM, Euler said:

Decent lawyers charge at least $300/hour. Even at $500/hour, $3500 is 7 hours.

The catch-22 for out-of-state reinstatement is that courts (not sure of review board) say the law only allows relief for FOID denial. Out-of-state people can't get FOIDs, anyway, therefore they're not eligible for relief.

Good luck.

My case would be strictly to the review board. According to the lawyer at Williams & Nickl I spoke with it is done all the time. I hope this is the case. Thank you.

[FredNickl]

On 11/23/2025 at 8:12 AM, Goodrich87 said:

My case would be strictly to the review board. According to the lawyer at Williams & Nickl I spoke with it is done all the time. I hope this is the case. Thank you.

Yes, this is the way to do it. You should be fine. Sorry for the late reply / old post resurrection!

[John Q Public]

Great, but this is nothing but some small niggle and mean nothing in the grand scheme. It's chaff, nothing more,,,,,,,,

[Goodrich87]

On 1/26/2026 at 3:43 PM, John Q Public said:

Great, but this is nothing but some small niggle and mean nothing in the grand scheme. It's chaff, nothing more,,,,,,,,

What are you talking about?

[John Q Public]

On 1/26/2026 at 5:42 PM, Goodrich87 said:

What are you talking about?

heck, IDK, it must have been meant fore another thread, as I don't get it either. lol