Would like some advice -- CA CCW question

[ddj8052]

Would like some advise,

I have recieved a call to schedual my CCW interview. I will be going in a week from Wed. I live in Ventura CA, so this is not a simple thing. Does anyone have any suggestion on things I should say? Has anyone been through this here in cali before? The interviewer has asked me to bring in a letter from the owner of the shop that I work at stating that would be allowed to CCW at work. He already allows me and the manager to carry at work so that should not be a big deal. Well I would appreciate any advise or suggestions. Thaks Juan

 

[Preacherman]

Not being from California, I can't help with the advice, I'm afraid - but we have lots of members from CA who probably can. I'll "float" this thread for a few days to see if they can help.

 

[ddj8052]

Thanks for the help. I would really like some advice from anyone that can help.

 

[Pilgrim]

California permits CCW in one's place of business without a permit. I'm not so sure I would hang my entire justification on you want to carry CCW at work.

Do you open and close early in the morning or late at night? Do you make large cash deposits at the bank for the boss? Do you carry or deliver the business' expensive merchandise?

Pilgrim

 

[Valkman]

Go over to 1911 Forums and look up a guy named Jim March. He lives in CA, is heavily involved in trying to change the CCW laws there and helps people get their CCW. He is the "Fountain of Knowledge" for CA.

 

[marklbucla]

Jim March is on this board too. You could see a lot of his posts in Legal & Political.

But whatever happens, keep us posted on your results!

 

[artherd]

You will need a good Good Cause statement. Working for a FFL is a good step, because in CA you need to prove a "greater than average Joe" need for a handgun.

Jim March should see this shortly and give us all some more helpful info

 

[Database]

He already allows me and the manager to carry at work so that should not be a big deal.

You could be in a troublesome area here. From How to Own a Gun and Stay Out of Jail,

Note that there's a difference between "have" and "carry." You can "have" a loaded gun in these places. But according to the courts, you can't "carry" the loaded gun around in a public place unless it's necessary to use it in a lawful way (such as for the Reasonable Belief of Immediate, Grave Danger exception, above).

The context is an exception to loaded and concealed gun laws in a residence, business or on private property. The CCW, of course, would allow you to carry, but you probably shouldn't be volunteering that you carry at work presently.

 

[Jim March]

Ya, I'm around here WAY more than any other forum. Hardly ever at 1911...

There's a problem though: Juan, I don't know enough about your situation and while I'd be happy to discuss that in private email ([email protected]) it's rather a bad idea to disuss it in a public forum in the necessary detail.

One guy who did so on packing.org got his specifics "questioned" by people who came to believe he was "lying" (he wasn't, he was just in an odd situation where he had peace officer status but no automatic gun carry) and they ended up calling his sheriff's office. They probably tossed any chance of his scoring a permit and quite possibly got him fired. It was an absolute mess.

Generalities:

Most "good cause statements" boil down in some fashion to one or more of:

"I work/live in a very high crime area" (details)

"I carry cash/expensive stuff on the job" (provide details - can be the business' cash reciepts, or drugs (people in the medical fields) or tools (construction) or jewelry or God only knows.)

"I pissed off somebody nasty" (details)

"I piss people off as part of my job" (firing people, bouncer in a bar, private security, jailer, etc.)

"misc"

---------

Obviously, you don't say the words "pissed off" or whatever.

In ALL cases, paper trails are good. If you transport, I dunno, antiques or whatever, show the invoices and such for large expensive shipments. Doctor with access to Oxycontin? Prove it on paper. Bring LOTS of paper, flood 'em with the stuff where possible.

Wherever possible, show how you might be a crime victim at any time - don't give 'em an excuse to time-limit you.

Definately bring in the manager's permission signoff because the "concealed carry at the place of business" thing only applies to the owners (typical elitist BS leftover in CA law). But you also want to show that the REASON you pack on the job is a crime threat that doesn't end when you walk out the front door.

Police reports of threats/assaults are GOLD. Get them, bring them with you to the interview. They can be threats/assaults against you, the business or other staff/management.

This is a start anyways. I don't recommend discussing this in more detail here in public....my EMail addy is above.

I'm a registered lobbyist in Sacramento and the California field rep for the Citizen's Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms (www.ccrkba.org).

 

[Jim March]

IF you work at a gunshop, and I don't recommend confirming that here in public, the "extra" is that you fear attack not just on the job, but while transporting inventory and while going to/coming from, as crooks know you can legally carry inside the premises but NOT outside (hence the need for CCW).

Something else that sometimes works well: if you shoot competitively and/or frequently (prove it via paper trails!) then it's best you not get robbed of all those guns coming or going, right?

 

[dave3006]

1. Jim hit the nail on the head. Have your rangemaster write a letter stating that you shoot frequently (you actually write it on his behalf, he signs it.)

2. Write out your cause statement to give to your interviewer. They will ask you to give the reason verbally. It is a good touch to leave a hard copy with them so they don't forget anything important.

3. Dress nice. Shave. Smile when you meet the person interviewing you.

4. Be concise on your answers.

5. Do everything within your powers to make the interviewer's job easy by having everything ready, neat, and organized.

Good luck. I got my CCW in December in Orange County. I have to say that I was treated very well by everyone I met at the Sherrif's office. They are regular people just trying to do their job.

(Please do not read the above comments as my approval of this process. I actually believe the 2nd ammendment guarrantees us the right to carry anything we want without any approval. Unfortunately, the laws in California do not respect the constitution.)

 

[uglygun]

Good luck in Ventura...


I hear it's one of the harder places to get a CCW permit. This coming from a few of the area folks down there, I have family in Ventura so whenever I visit them I wind up frequenting a gunshop or two.

Seems like there are some decent gun folk in the Ventura area, the Ventura gunshow is actually better than the Bakersfield gunshow(I live in Bakersfield). Then there's the Piru range where the action shooting groups hang out.

Good luck with your goal. I'm looking to move into the area of town that is in County jurisdiction limits as it's easier to get a permit in the county as opposed to the city jurisdiction.

 

[ddj8052]

Thank you all for your replies.

Jim- you have mail.

I don't know why everyone is assuming I work for an FFL, but I do not. I will leave it at that. I am taking Jims advice and moving this out of a public forum. I very much appreciate the help, but would like to stay away from anyting that ca hurt me. Thank you all. Juan

 

[Sgt Stevo]

CCW in Campbell ca?

Sorry to bother you guys with this. But is there any way in the world, I could get a carry permit in Campbell. I would go tothe local pd in stead of the sheriff. But I think I have better chance at getting in the NBA. Im a 5-8 white and kinda chubby. Any magic answers out there.......

 

[Jim March]

Ya, sorry I had to advise privacy but I've seen somebody get seriously burned.

 

[Jim March]

What county is Campbell?

 

[QuarterBoreGunner]

Santa Clara County; the domain of Sheriff Laurie Smith.

 

[Jim March]

Crap. Laurie "The Witch 'cept we don't spell it that way" Smith is among the worst of the worst.

I would REALLY like to find a black or Latino willing to apply, get denied and be lead plaintiff in a suit down there.

Barring that...

 

[Carnitas]

Ditto Jim on the paperwork. When I went in I took my last three years worth of expense reports, neatly bound in files. Travel was part of my cause statement and when he said somthing to the effect of "So you travel alot..." and I reached in my briefcase and pulled out three, inch thick folders he was immeidately satisfied WRT to my travel. Didnt even need to look at them.

Also, dont hang your hat on just one good cause. For instance if you say "My shop is dangerous cause businesses like mine get robbed", the sheriff may write a permit that says "Only valid while at work, during business hours." Its ok to have a primary reason. But I think its wise to throw in at least one other cause (even if its not as strong). The "other" statement should make it harder than its worth to craft a limitation statement.

 

[Sgt Stevo]

Im not even gonna try

I was at LC action today picking up my new Glock 34. They have good prices for mil and le guys. Anyway. The owner Kip. Is a buddy. He said that Sheriif Smith. Only gives permits to two differant types of people. Close friends. And people who give money to her programs. Like if you give many thousands too there dare program, or like KIP at LC action. He sold the SO all there Glock 22 pistols and other stuff. SO he got one. I think I will have to sleep with her or something. Since I cant afford to give her money. But think about it. If your rich enough. The liberals think it is ok for you to carry. But if you are a kinda middle class guy or girl. You can not be trusted. This is wrong. I also know of a local guy who gave theSheriif $75,000, for some program. and he and his wife. A competive shooter got permits.. So I am going to point blank ask her how much a permit. cost. I will not get it. But mabe I can shed some light on this...........