What can lead to the denial or revocation of a FOID card?

The correct answer is that a prior conviction for violent crimes within the past 5 years can lead to the denial or revocation of a FOID card. In Illinois, the Firearm Owner’s Identification (FOID) card is necessary for individuals to legally possess or purchase firearms and ammunition. The state has specific criteria that can disqualify someone from obtaining or retaining a FOID card.

A history of violent crimes is taken very seriously due to the potential risk factors associated with individuals who have exhibited violent behavior. The statute stipulates that any conviction for a violent crime, which typically covers offenses such as aggravated assault, domestic battery, and homicide, can pose a significant risk to public safety. Thus, the law is designed to prevent individuals with recent violent convictions from accessing firearms.

In contrast, while a conviction for drug possession and a history of theft offenses can impact a person's legal standing, those specific crimes may not directly fall under the criteria that lead to automatic denial or revocation of a FOID card. Failure to pay child support is generally considered a civil matter and does not have a direct correlation with firearms permissions under FOID regulations. Thus, a recent conviction for violent crimes carries the greatest weight in determining eligibility for a FOID card.