Can I Reapply for a Concealed Carry Permit in California After My Misdemeanor is Dismissed?

Question from Adam, Can I Reapply for a Concealed Carry Permit in California After My Misdemeanor is Dismissed?

Answer from AI:

In general, having a misdemeanor dismissed can improve your chances of obtaining a concealed carry permit in California. However, the specifics of your situation, including the nature of the misdemeanor and the terms of its dismissal, can significantly impact the outcome.

California’s Concealed Carry Permit Requirements

California has strict laws regarding who can obtain a concealed carry permit. According to the California Department of Justice, applicants must:

• Be of good moral character
• Have good cause for the permit
• Be a resident of the county or a city within the county, or the applicant’s principal place of employment or business is in the county or a city within the county and the applicant spends a substantial period of time in that place of employment or business
• Complete a course of training

Impact of a Dismissed Misdemeanor

If your misdemeanor has been dismissed, it may not necessarily disqualify you from obtaining a concealed carry permit. However, the nature of the misdemeanor and the circumstances surrounding its dismissal can affect the “good moral character” requirement.

For example, if the misdemeanor involved violence or weapons, it could be more difficult to demonstrate good moral character, even if the charge was dismissed.

Expungement and Its Effects

In some cases, you may be able to have your misdemeanor conviction expunged, which can further improve your chances of obtaining a concealed carry permit. Expungement is a legal process that effectively “erases” a conviction from your record for most purposes.

According to California Courts, you may be eligible for expungement if:

• You have completed probation for the offense, or
• You have been discharged before the completion of probation, or
• You have been convicted of a misdemeanor and not granted probation, and it has been at least one year since the date of conviction.

Note: Even if your misdemeanor is expunged, it may still be considered for purposes of granting a concealed carry permit.

Consulting with a Legal Professional

Given the complexities of this issue, it’s recommended that you consult with a legal professional who can provide personalized advice based on your specific circumstances. They can help you understand how your dismissed misdemeanor might affect your application, and what steps you can take to improve your chances of obtaining a concealed carry permit.