Out of State Drug Felony

[jimmy-joe-bob]

My question involves criminal law for the state of: AZ and IL

Drug related felony in Illinois, what is the statute of limitations? Is there one? It's been ten years. No charges since.
I'd like to own a pistol in AZ but don't know the carryover from the IL charge.
I've read plenty of internet law advice but there doesn't seem to be a clear answer. Do I have to do IL. paperwork to be "cleared", even after a decade and in a different state?

[M'sta Mikey]

Unless you can have your record expunged, the conviction will be a permanent part of your record, there is no SOL on convictions. Also, state and federal laws prevent you from owning a firearm.

According to Illinios stautes

The following cases cannot be expunged:

A guilty plea, guilty finding or guilty verdict which results in a sentence other than probation under the Cannabis, Controlled Substances, Steroid Control and Alcohol and Drug Dependency Acts

Probation (except under the Cannabis, Controlled Substances, Steroid Control and Alcohol and Drug Dependency Acts)

[jimmy-joe-bob]

Unless you can have your record expunged, the conviction will be a permanent part of your record, there is no SOL on convictions.

Is expungation (sp?) easy, hard, or impossible? Can it be done with letters to the court or will lawyers be needed? A petition for the governor?
Just trying to get a handle on all this.

[cyjeff]

Wait a minute.

If you are asking about the statute of limitations, I have to wonder if you have ever been arrested and tried for the crime in question.

[jimmy-joe-bob]

Wait a minute.

If you are asking about the statute of limitations, I have to wonder if you have ever been arrested and tried for the crime in question.

No, I haven't, I'm asking on behalf of a friend that's in this situation. He's not as internet savvy as I.
I understand the SOL but I ask again, what is the burden to get it lifted? Easy, letters to the court? Hard, don't even bother?
I ask because it was a possession charge, not violence or gun related. Would that mean a thing here in AZ? I doubt it but I'm trying to learn.
The difference means misdemeanor vs. 5-15 in a fed pen. He's my friend, I'm trying to do a little bit to help.

[M'sta Mikey]

Ok then, has your friend been convicted of a crime and if so, what was the conviction?

[jimmy-joe-bob]

Ok then, has your friend been convicted of a crime and if so, what was the conviction?

Possession over the limit, enough to imply distribution. He pled guilty - and from other things I've read I'm guessing he's outta luck. I just wanted to ask if AZ laws are lazier (or worse) than IL. Still wondering if there's a SOL on drug felonies or if it's a life-term sentence. And what it takes to get it off the books: half-a-dozen letters or half-a-dozen lawyers? I'm guessing there's a sliding scale for offenses and I don't know ALL the details. I'm just hearing one side of the story but I'd still like to help.