What You Need to Know About “Good Cause” for a CCW Permit in California
A concealed weapons permit (CCW) allows an individual to carry a loaded or unloaded firearm in public. However, there are certain requirements that must be met in order to obtain one. Here’s everything you need to know about “good cause” for a CCW permit in California.
Obtaining a CCW Permit
CCW permits are granted by a local sheriff or law enforcement agency. In order to obtain a CCW permit in California, applicants must be over twenty-one and a resident of the city or county that they are applying in. The other qualifications according to California Penal Code Section 26150 are as follows:
- Applicants must be of “good moral character”;
- Applicants must have good cause to obtain a CCW permit;
- Applicants must have completed the training in accordance with California Penal Code Section 26165; and
- Some jurisdictions may also require a psychological evaluation.
Related: How to Get a CCW Permit in California
What is “Good Cause”?
Along with the general application for the CCW permit, an applicant must demonstrate that they have good cause for carrying a concealed firearm in public. This means that either the individual, their spouse, or their dependent child is in danger, and that a CCW permit would mitigate that danger in some way. Good cause must be substantiated with documented evidence to be submitted along with the rest of the CCW permit application.
The actual requirements for good cause are up to the discretion of the local sheriff or law enforcement agency. As such, each county (and often, each district within each county) in California has its own requirements. Some are more restrictive than others, and each evaluation is individualized. Typically, more rural counties are less restrictive than suburban counties. Applicants should contact their county sheriff’s office or local law enforcement agency in order to learn about the “good cause” restrictions in their jurisdiction.
The Four Types of CCW Permits
In California, there exist four types of CCW permits:
1. Employment CCW permits
This is for people who are employed in certain types of businesses. These qualifications vary by California county, but are typically for individuals whose occupations place them in higher risk situations.
2. Standard CCW permits
This is for personal protection, or that of one’s spouse or dependent child.
3. Judicial permits
This is for state and federal judges, magistrates, and commissioners. These are offered in every California county, and are easier to obtain than employment and standard permits.
4. Reserve police officer permits
These are granted to reserve police officers. These are also offered in every California county, and easier to obtain than the first two.
The requirements for employment and standard permits vary depending on the jurisdiction. Below are some examples of highly populated California counties and their specific requirements.
San Diego County
In order to qualify for a standard or employment permit in San Diego, an applicant must fit into one of two categories:
- Category 2. These are for applicants who need a CCW for personal protection purposes. In order to meet this requirement, an individual must provide documented threats, restraining orders, and any other proof that they or a close member of their family is in danger.
- Category 4. Applicants must be certain types of business employees in occupations or locations that may place them in “non-mainstream” situations, such as doctors, CEO’s, volunteers, and attorneys. This information should be substantiated with a business and/or occupation license, and any other records that may be requested by the department upon completion of the initial interview.
In order to apply for a CCW Permit with the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department, an individual should fill out a CCW Permit Application, then schedule an interview with the license division at the sheriff’s department at 858-974-2020.
Los Angeles County
Los Angeles County does not consider a job position to be sufficient good cause to obtain a CCW Permit. In order to obtain an employment or standard CCW Permit in Los Angeles, an individual must provide that there is “clear and present danger” to the safety of the applicant, their spouse, or dependent child, which cannot be mitigated by other means (including existing law enforcement). Los Angeles County is considered to have one of the most stringent “good cause” policies in California. Evidence that would substantiate this danger include police reports and restraining orders. Evidence for potential dangers that might be acceptable to other California counties, such as having a job requiring carrying large amounts of money or being in a profession involving high-risk situations is not enough to meet the Los Angeles County requirements.
Orange County
Orange County has the highest number of issued CCW permits in California. The approval rate for CCW Permit applications in Orange County is 98%. Unlike Los Angeles County (and similar to San Diego), being in a certain type of high-risk business can allow someone to qualify for “good cause”. This includes occupations involving the transportation of valuables or large amounts of money, occupations in dangerous environments, or occupations in a type of business that is more likely to be subject to a criminal attack. In terms of standard CCW permits, applicants must provide evidence that a party has attempted or will attempt to cause them or their family members harm.
San Francisco County
The San Francisco Sheriff’s Office offers employment and standard CCW permits. However, similar to Los Angeles County, it is notoriously difficult to obtain a CCW Permit in San Francisco. According to this informational sheet provided by the Office, applicants must provide evidence that an individual’s personal or employment situation results in significant danger to the safety of themselves or their spouse and dependents, that this danger is not shared by other individuals in the general public, that law enforcement and other safety measures are not sufficient to protect against this danger, and that a CCW permit would mitigate the danger.
It is highly recommended that individuals consult an experienced criminal defense attorney in order to make sure that the “good cause” section of their CCW permit application makes the strongest case possible.
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If you have any more questions about “good cause” for a CCW permit in California, contact us. We can help you obtain your CCW permit, from start to finish. Get your free consultation with the most qualified attorney for your unique legal situation!