California law prevents some people from receiving a permit for carrying concealed weapons (CCW) in public. Most often, those people are those with criminal convictions that are an automatic barrier to the permit. Many clients wonder whether a conviction for disorderly conduct will bar them from obtaining a CCW. The answer is: It depends.
California Is a “May Issue” State
California is a “may-issue” state, which means that your application for a CCW will be reviewed by local law enforcement. That agency has the discretion to approve or deny the application based on a number of factors.
A license may be issued only if:
1. You are of good moral character and you are not prohibited by state or federal law from possessing, receiving, owning, or purchasing a firearm;
2. Good cause exists for the issuance of a license;
3. You have completed a firearms safety course
4. You meet the residency requirement.
Typically, persons with misdemeanor convictions that involved the use of violence will prevent you from obtaining a CCW. However, while none of the acts for which you could be convicted under the disorderly conduct statute PC §647(f) involve violence, the reviewing agency does have the discretion to deny your application based on the criteria of not possessing “good moral character” following a disorderly conduct conviction.
For example, if your conviction was for disorderly conduct related to being intoxicated in public, and you have a history of alcoholism or drug abuse, some law enforcement agencies may use that conviction and the history surrounding it as reason for denial of your application.
Furthermore, if you are on probation for any offense, your application can be denied.
Contact the Defense Attorneys at Wallin & Klarich Today For Help With Your Case
Do you need help determining whether you qualify for a CCW permit? At Wallin & Klarich, our attorneys have more than 35 years of successful experience in working with people to manage their post-conviction lives and restoring their rights. Our dedicated and knowledgeable team of attorneys is ready to help review your record and discuss your options to clean up your record.
With offices in Orange County, Riverside, San Bernardino, Los Angeles, San Diego, West Covina, Torrance, and Victorville, there is an experienced and skilled Wallin & Klarich criminal defense attorney available to help you no matter where you are located.
Contact our offices today at (877) 4-NO-JAIL or (877) 466-5245 for a free, no-obligation phone consultation. We will get through this together.
Paul Wallin
