Carry Concealed Weapon (CCW) Permit
The Sheriff may issue a permit to carry a
concealed weapon pursuant to Penal Code section 12050(a)(I). The
Sheriff is not required to issue a concealed weapon permit nor
does the applicant have a right to such a permit. California law
has established a criteria to be examined prior to the Sheriff
issuing a concealed weapon's permit.
The Sheriff may issue a concealed weapon's permit
to residents of San Benito County and with some restriction,
business owners in San Benito County. Upon proof from the person
applying for a concealed weapon that he/she is of good moral
character, that good cause exists for the issuance, and that the
person applying is a resident of San Benito County, the Sheriff
may issue to that person a license to carry a pistol, revolver, or
other firearm capable of being concealed upon the person.
Concealed Weapon Permit - Criteria for
Approval or Denial.
The Sheriff may consider issuing a CCW permit to
retired local of Federal law enforcement personnel or to U.S.
citizens who can articulate a specific, compelling, and
overwhelming need which can be verified.
The Sheriff will not issue a CCW permit to any
individual falling under Penal Code sections 12021, 12021.1, or
Welfare and Institution Code Section 8103. The following factors
shall be considered as to why CCW permits should not be issued to
an individual:
-
the applicant does not reside in San Benito
County (business exception)
-
the applicant is not a United States citizen
(Illegal policy, cannot discriminate against legal residents - see Arnold George Dorsey (aka Engelbert Humperdinck) v. LVMPD )
-
the applicant has a criminal history such as
substance or alcohol abuse
-
the applicant has a dishonorable discharge
from military service
-
the applicant has a history of mental illness
-
the applicant was previously denied a license
to carry a concealed weapon
-
the applicant has had a concealed weapons
permit revoked
-
the applicant has a history of violence or
unstable personality
-
the applicant is physically unable to handle
or qualify in handling the weapon
-
the applicant lies in any portion of the
background
For more information, contact the
Sheriff's Office at (831) 636-4083
Concealed Weapon Permit - Types and Expiration
Periods
There are four types of Concealed Weapons Permits.
Employment
A CCW may be issued by the Sheriff and is valid only in the count
of issuance. These CCW's may be valid for a period of time not to
exceed 90 days. The Sheriff must inform the business permitee in
writing to give a copy of the CCW to the chief of police or
sheriff in the city or county in which he or she resides, and that
any application to renew or reissue this type of CCW may only be
granted upon concurrence of the chief of police or sheriff in the
city or county in which the licensee resides.
Regular
A CCW may be issued to residents in a particular county or city
within the county. These CCW's will be valid for a period of two
years unless there is good cause for issuance for a less period of
time.
Judge
A CCW may be issued to a California judge and full-time court
commissioner, and to a federal judge or magistrate of federal
courts. Such CCW will be valid for any period of time not to
exceed three years.
Reserve Peace Officer
A CCW may be issued to a reserve peace officer appointment
pursuant to section 830.6 PC. Such CCW's will be valid for any
period of time not to exceed four years, except that any such
permit shall be invalid upon conclusion of the person's
appointment as a reserve peace officer.
Concealed Weapon Permit - Procedure
Eligible citizens shall make formal requests in
writing to the Sheriff . If good cause exists for the
issuance of a concealed weapon's permit, applicants will be
scheduled to meet with the Sheriff or his designee. If
consideration is granted, the applicant will be given a Concealed
Weapon's Permit application. The applicant must complete the
application in its entirety and elaborate extensively as to the
reasons why the permit is desired. The applicant shall return the
completed application and a signed copy of the Rules and
Regulations governing the permit to the Sheriff. At this time, the
applicant will pay by check all fees in accordance with the listed
pay schedule.
Written notice will be given to the applicant
indicating that the permit must be approved or denied with in 90
days of receiving the application or within 30 days after we
receive the applicant's criminal background check from the
Department of Justice, whichever is later.
Upon submission, the application will be reviewed
for completeness and given to the Investigations Bureau for
background investigation and analysis for suitability.
investigations will determine if the applicant is of good moral
character, if good cause exists for issuance, and if the applicant
is a resident of San Benito County. If the applicant is accepted
he or she will be required to make an appointment with the San
Benito County Jail to have two sets of fingerprints taken.
The background investigation will consist of, but
not limited to, a DMV check, Criminal History check, Wanted
Person's system check which includes restraining order
information, San Benito County Sheriff's files, and contact with
the applicant's family, relatives, friends, associates and
employer. Upon completion of the applicant's background check,
Investigations will make a recommendation to the Sheriff as to the
applicant's suitability to be issued a concealed weapon's permit
and that all requirements have been met for the issuance of said
permit.
Upon review by the Sheriff, the applicant will be
notified in writing whether the CCW permit was approved or denied
in accordance with the tme restrictions mentioned above. Prior to
issuance of the CCW permit, the applicant must attend and
successfully complete an 8 hour training and gun safety course.
License Renewals
Permitees wishing to renew his or her license need not complete an
initial application form but must send a letter of intent to renew
his or her permit. When renewing permits, a background check must
be completed and all appropriate fees paid. The renewing applicant
must also attend 4 hours of range training to show proof of his or
her proficiency.
Fee Schedule
