So over this past weekend I got a call from a friend of mine asking if I wanted to go take the dogs out for a walk at Middle Run. I met up at her house, headed to her parents to grab her dog and then head out with her and her mom.
As we're driving I'm thinking "What the hell woman, I thought we were going to Middle Run?" Turns out she wanted to go walking at Middle Run on the other side of RT. 72, which happens to be smack in the middle of a State Park. Since I can't OC in State Park's I had to unholster, unload, and stow the gun in the trunk of the car.
I'm sick of dealing with that kind of crap (not to mention the school zone issue) so I'm starting the application process for my Delaware CCDW permit. Here's a quick rundown of what hoops I'll have to jump through.
1. Publish my intent to apply in the newspaper with my full name and address. (~$80)
2. Get fingerprinted at the State Police. It's by appointment only, Tuesday & Thursday only, 12-6:30. (cost unknown)
3. Passport photos (~$10)
4. Have 5 reference questionnaires filled out by residents of my county.
5. Have application notarized and pay $65 filing fee.
After I do all of that and submit my application it goes to the State AG's office to be reviewed by a DOJ "investigator," then has to get signed off on by Attorney General Biden and by the Superior Court Judge who handles CCDW permits. Assuming that goes through without any problems I'll receive a letter of non-denial from the AG's office, meaning I can now take an approved Delaware CCDW course. (~$200) Once I've sent in notarized proof of training they'll mail me a permit.
The application is interesting in that it asks if you hold any other CCW permits and if you've ever been convicted of an alcohol related offense. It also asks for the name, address & phone number of your employer. It says to be VERY specific when listing the reason you are applying for a permit, yet there's a "restrictions" section for the AG's office to fill out. I'm a bit worried that anything too specific, especially in regards to locations, times, places, could likely earn me a restricted permit.
Oh, and since Delaware is "May Issue" you can go through the entire process and then end up getting called in for a "personal interview" or be denied outright.
Someone explain to me how a permitting process that amounts to the cost of a new gun (~$400) is anything other than an infringement of my rights? It sure seems like a great way to keep a single mom living in a bad area of Wilmington from being able to defend herself outside of her home.
*I'm a bit short on cash right now and have a few major expenses coming up, so I'm just getting things in order and starting the process. I probably won't actually have the application in until sometime after my birthday. Such is life.
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11 comments:
You could contact SAF before beginning the process and see if the "Alans" are willing to play along with you...
"MikeW vs. State of Delaware" has a nice ring to it.
You would still need to apply in order to have "standing." So, you'll be applying either way.
Good luck, and no, it is not fair! At least you can carry (most places) in the mean time (and carry at all in your home state).
Newbius - It certainly does! I think the Alans have a lot of work to do on state's where you can't carry for all practical purposes.
DE's CCDW process, arbitrary and capricious as it may be, does, in most cases result in the permit getting approved.
Of course it also makes your legal argument more difficult when the court can say "well they have an avenue of relief. They can always OC instead"
We'll get there someday. That said, you know how I feel about the whole concept of a permit process in the 1st place.
FBH - This is true. I'm glad that I can carry, even if it's a PITA.
good luck. at least you have a *chance* of getting a permit. ;)
FYI - I'm also applying for my VA non-resident CCW, just waiting on a letter / affidavit from my UT instructor and the application packet from the VA State Police.
Laura - I have a better chance now, which is why I haven't bothered with the process till now.
Funny. Here in Ohio, they want you to take the course first, then send in the Application. So you need Permission from the State of Delaware to go to Gunnie School? And even if you pass with Flying Colors, they can still say "No Way, Jose?" It does sound like this process could use some help from the Alans. Too bad they have a long list of other work to do first.
Well, you don't have to wait to take the course until after you're approved. you can take the course at any time during the process. It just makes sense to make sure you've actually been approved for the CCDW before dropping ~$200 on the course.
Outrageous.
What if these were the steps that you needed to take to express your opinion in public?
Yes, you have the right to free speech, but first publish your name and address in the paper as a person that might have an opinion, then apply for a notarized "vocal retort card" (no snark in the park)...
OMG! I can't believe it was easier in California (at least in Sacramento County) to get my CCW than it will be for you in Delaware. Good luck on your application.
Mike...a photo copy of your Utah permit should be acceptable for VA.
Hell, if you have taken a Hunter's Safety course, that will suffice for VA's "education and competency" requirement.
I should know, it's the only permit I posses (since it is the only state to which I travel regularly).
Good luck on the DE and VA Non-res...put your bets on VA getting you a permit before DE (I had mine in a month from mailing it off).
Damn! Here in Kansas it's $50 and you're done in one day. The person leading the class files all the paperwork and such.
Nice blog! Keep up the good ranting and writing!
Bill Rosich
www.ugawino.blogspot.com
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