Broker License With a Felony

[John Smith]

I want to get a broker license in Illinois and I’ve completed the first two tests and the national portion of the AMP exam. I need to re-take the state portion. I was convicted of felony possession of marijuana in early 2015. I’ll be off probation in 6 months. I’m doing some special type of probation and the felony should come off my record when I’m done.

I have 1 year between passing the national portion of the exam to re-take and pass the state portion. And then, I have another year to apply for my license. So I could potentially stretch out a board hearing by two years. I want my license ASAP because I think it will help me as an investor, but I’m wondering if it’s a good idea to wait 10-11 months to take and pass the state portion. And then potentially wait another 10-11 months to apply for the license.

I haven’t spoken with a lawyer yet, but from what I understand, they primarily care about crimes involving dishonesty/theft/money, which this wasn’t. Although if I pass the state portion this weekend, apply, appeal their denial based on the felony, get a board hearing, and get denied again… can I just keep appealing it every year? What would you do in my shoes?