brumie... you probably won't like it, but here's my perspective: I think it's reasonable to assume that you'll find the support of EVERYONE here regarding your ability to control yourself and not smack your wife again. Good for you. That doesn't, however, mean that everyone will support the idea that you need a gun or FOID card. No disrespect meant.

To be completely blunt, it's pretty obvious that you feel you're being screwed by your lawyer and the state... but it wasn't your lawyer or the state who smacked your wife. Only you are accountable for that. You've already indicated that it could cost you quite a bit to get a lawyer and try to get your FOID card. That may not be money well spent, so I'm hoping that you consider the risk that the result might not be in your favor, and that your family might do without while you get yourself into a losing battle.

My apology if you take offense to my comments; I don't mean to come across as a judge or show any disrespect... "simply" joining the discussion you started and obviously pointing out a different opinion than yours. This is MY opinion, not necessarily the opinion of any others on this sight. I'll add that I think I might have a son about your age, and I would tell him the same thing under these circumstances. Just be sure to pick your battles wisely and consider the consequences... in this case, the cost to fight that battle and what your family might give up in support of that fight.

Good luck in choosing the right decision.