Weld County Concealed Carry Permit Lawyer
While the right to bear arms is protected by the U.S. Constitution, the government has put restrictions on a person’s ability to legally possess a gun. These restrictions can make it difficult for a person to concealed carry a handgun, for their personal safety. Many lives have been saved through this right to carry a firearm. In 2003, Colorado established an application process outlining how to get a concealed carry permit, along with who is and who is not permitted to carry a concealed firearm.
Who Can Get a Concealed Carry Permit?
There are specific statutory requirements a person must meet in order to obtain a Carrying a Concealed Weapon (CCW) permit. In order to acquire a concealed carry permit in Greeley, Windsor, and Erie, a person must:
- Be a legal resident of Colorado
- Be 21 years old or older
- Pass a background check, including fingerprint verification by FBI / CBI
- Pay the permit processing fee (not more than $100)
- Show they are competent in handling a firearm
Ways to show competence with a handgun:
- Show evidence of experience with a firearm through participation in organized shooting competitions or current military service
- Be a certified firearms instructor
- Have an honorable discharge from the Armed Forces within the past 3 years
- Have a proof of pistol qualification within the past 10 years
- Be a retired law enforcement agent with pistol qualification within the past 10 years
- Show proof of completion of a handgun training class within the past 10 years
Who is Restricted from Obtaining a Concealed Carry Permit?
In Weld, Morgan, and Logan County, there are restrictions on who can carry a concealed gun. A person will be denied a CCW permit if they:
- Chronically or habitually abuse alcohol– use alcohol so much that normal abilities are impaired (a person may still be able to obtain a permit if they can provide a signed statement from an addiction counselor proving a person has been alcohol free for 3 years)
- Are an unlawful user of or addicted to controlled substances
- Have 2 or more alcohol-related convictions within 10 years of the date a person submits their application
- Have a restraining or protection order against them
- Have been convicted of perjury
- Have been precluded by state or federal law from owning or possessing a firearm (ex. a felony conviction or being determined as mentally incompetent)
How the Sheriff Decides If a Person’s Application is Approved or Denied
If a person is applying in Weld County, the Weld County Sheriff will make the ultimate decision on whether or not to approve a person’s Concealed Carry Permit. The application will be denied if:
- All the above criteria is not met
- The applicant is restricted from obtaining a permit
- The Sheriff believes an applicant is dangerous to society or to himself
Beyond the initial approval or denial of the application, the Sheriff also has the authority to revoke or suspend a previously issued Concealed Carry Permit. If an application is denied, a person can appeal the decision and request a judicial review, where a judge can overrule the sheriff.
What Can a Person Do If Their Concealed Carry Application Has Been Denied?
A person has the right to appeal a sheriff’s decision to suspend or revoke a permit, or deny an application. In these cases, a person has the right to argue their case at a judicial review. The sheriff will have to prove why the person is ineligible for a Concealed Carry Permit. The best firearm rights attorneys from the O’Malley Law Office have been helping people get their CCW permit for many years. We believe in a person’s right to bear arms and work hard to protect that right.