FCRB hearing insights

[2AUSA]

 

Hello all. I’ve been lurking for a bit and decided to register. This whole FOID process is a tangle of red tape and can be overwhelming to handle and understand.
 

Has anyone had personal experience going before the FCRB for a hearing? I applied for relief from a FOID revocation (applied November 2025), and the FCRB reviewed my appeal on paper (January 2026). They stated: “During its meeting the FCRB considered all information provided by you regarding your petition for review, as well as the Illinois State Police file regarding the denial of your FOID Card application. Unfortunately, the FCRB is not satisfied there is sufficient evidence to consider whether you have met your burden of proof under Section 10(c) of the FOID Act; accordingly, this letter shall serve as notice that you may request a hearing before a quorum of the FCRB.

“You must complete the attached Request for Hearing within 30 days of receipt of this notice.”

I completed everything they requested when I filed for relief, including the psychological evaluation. I’m listed as a Clear and Present Danger due to an arrest (2024) for domestic violence that I was acquitted of (2025). I have an attorney (very experienced in these cases) handling the case, so we’re proceeding with a hearing before the board.

For those who’ve gone before the board in similar situations, do you have any insight on how the process works and what to expect? I’ve been a lawful firearms owner for over 20 years with a clean criminal history otherwise—no other issues.

 

What concerns me is the lack of transparency with the process and that it seems there isn’t a clear formula they follow. To me, it seems arbitrary, which is worrisome. 

[Bubbacs]

 I have an attorney (very experienced in these cases).  

I would think that his advise or answers would be far out weighing anything that may be stated here.

It's been my experience in this forum that professional advice is the best route all the time!  Good Luck.

[John Q Public]

Then why post here? 

[stigz]

While frustrating to hear, mostly because legal representation is wildly out of reach for most Americans wallets, it is best to trust your legal counsel instead of Internet strangers.

 

You're paying them and comments on the internet are free.

 

As to why it is arbitrary and not transparent, the party that rules Illinois uses the strategy of "the process is the punishment" when they cannot blatantly stomp out a right they do not believe in.

[gunuser17]

Also anything that you say here can and will be used against you.  Also, should someone's comment on here be detrimental to your case, perhaps a state employyee monitoring the site, the state might also try to find a way to use that as unlikely as it seems.  This is a great place for theoretical discussions about what the legislature or the supreme court might do.  It is not a good place in my opinion to discuss an active ongoing personal case where a misstep can cause more trouble than ever anticipated.

Edited January 30, 2026 at 10:41 PM by gunuser17

[Anonymous1]

I personally was denied and had to go before the board. It’s a zoom hearing where 8 or so people ask questions (but not everyone does) about your case and why you think you shouldn’t be denied getting your FOID card back. You get to make a statement to the board at the end and then it’s up to them to decide. I was revoked for a bogus CPD filing back in August 2023 and I didn’t get relief until April 2025, so about a month and a half after my February board hearing. If they deny you, you have to appeal it to a circuit court or wait 5 years after your initial revocation to reapply. Good luck, success is possible as I made it through. 

[2AUSA]

On 1/30/2026 at 11:29 PM, Anonymous1 said:

I personally was denied and had to go before the board. It’s a zoom hearing where 8 or so people ask questions (but not everyone does) about your case and why you think you shouldn’t be denied getting your FOID card back. You get to make a statement to the board at the end and then it’s up to them to decide. I was revoked for a bogus CPD filing back in August 2023 and I didn’t get relief until April 2025, so about a month and a half after my February board hearing. If they deny you, you have to appeal it to a circuit court or wait 5 years after your initial revocation to reapply. Good luck, success is possible as I made it through. 

Thank you. See, this is what I was looking for. Personal insight. Yes, I have a well qualified attorney, and I know legal advice is far superior to things we’ll find on this forum, that’s obvious, but I was asking for personal insight from those that have gone through the process. Sometimes that is something an attorney can’t necessarily provide from their perspective.
 

John Q Public, as far as answering your question, that answer is in my original post. I understand reading comprehension is not everyone’s strong suit so I’ll give you a pass.