(a) In order to be eligible for any license to conduct the private investigation business, an applicant shall:

1. (1) Be at least 18 years of age;
2. (2) Be a citizen of the United States or an alien who is legally residing within the United States;
3. (3) Not have had any previous license to conduct a private investigation business or to conduct a security guard business revoked or any application for any such licenses or registrations denied by the appropriate governmental authority in this or any other state or territory;
4. (4) Not have been declared incompetent by reason of mental defect or disease by any court of competent jurisdiction unless a court has subsequently determined that the applicant’s competency has been restored;
5. (5) Not suffer from habitual drunkenness or from narcotics addiction or dependence;
6. (6) Be of good moral character;

7. (7) Have a minimum of one year of experience, education, or training in any one of the following areas, or some combination thereof:

   1. (A) Course work that is relevant to the private investigation business at an accredited college or university;
   2. (B) Employment as a member of any United States government investigative agency, employment as a member of a state or local law-enforcement agency, or service as a sheriff;
   3. (C) Employment by a licensed private investigative or detective agency for the purpose of conducting the private investigation business;
   4. (D) Service as a magistrate in this state; or
   5. (E) Any other substantially equivalent training or experience; or
   6. (F) Military service.
8. (8) Not have been convicted of a felony in this state or any other state or territory;

9. (9) Not have been convicted of any of the following:

   1. (A) Illegally using, carrying, or possessing a pistol or other dangerous weapon;
   2. (B) Making or possessing burglar’s instruments;
   3. (C) Buying or receiving stolen property;
   4. (D) Entering a building unlawfully;
   5. (E) Aiding an inmate’s escape from prison;
   6. (F) Possessing or distributing illicit drugs;
   7. (G) Any misdemeanor involving moral turpitude or for which dishonesty of character is a necessary element; and

10. (10) Not have violated any provision of §30-18-8 of this code.

    The provisions of this section shall not prevent the issuance of a license to any person who, subsequent to his or her conviction, shall have received an executive pardon therefor, removing this disability.