Chatham County, GA - Weapons License Delays - Follow Up © 2018 Phillip Evans

Feb. 6, I emailed WTOC News Director Scott Galloway the link to my initial article on the weapons license application delays in Chatham County, Georgia.

I later followed up with a call to their newsroom and spoke to a gentleman (I didn't record his name) about the story, to request that they run with it.

Sample GWCL

While I'd like to take the credit, I'm sure several others have been in contact with WTOC, and so here is the link to their story:

http://www.wtoc.com/story/37462568/chatham-county-residents-left-waiting-months-for-concealed-carry-permits.

While neighboring counties issue a Georgia Weapons Carry License well within the time-frame specified by state law, Chatham County is sometimes taking five months to issue a new or renewal weapons carry license.

In Georgia, one must be licensed to carry a pistol on their person in public, either openly or concealed. There are a few exceptions such as when hunting or at one's place of business. Vehicle carry is also legal without a license if it's in one's own vehicle for those 18 and over.

State law provides for no more than 45 days from start to finish for the process.

At Chatham County's last commission meeting Jan 26th, one topic of discussion was a possible increase in funding to hire temporary workers to process the applications.

Here's how County Chairman Albert J. Scott responded to the issue:

"I'm reluctant to recommend we dip into emergency funds for this process. I see it as a privilege, not an emergency."

Per OCGA 16-11-129, if a citizen's application is not processed with the hard time-frame set by state law, a mandamus action may be brought against the probate judge of the county, and the prevailing party is entitled to recovery of attorney fees.

Here's my advice to Chairman Scott: 

"Sir, you ALREADY have the money from the people which was paid at the time they submitted their license applications. Dip into THAT money to hire workers to process the applications; that's what it's for.

But be penny-wise and dollar foolish if you want, because the attorney fees are going to start coming due for your county mishandling and mismanaging tax-payer money, and not prioritizing what needs to be done to comply with state law."

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You know, his "privilege" and his "not an emergency" statements smack of something a little tyrant would say.

Chairman Scott, it's called a RIGHT, and We The People DEMAND our RIGHTS!

And to someone about to be harmed by criminals, it IS AN EMERGENCY when a citizen is unarmed due to WAITING beyond the time state law says they must wait. 

This illegal and unwarranted delay only hurts law-abiding citizens. Criminals carry their guns without worrying about being licensed. And they hurt innocent people, people that would like to be able to defend themselves, if they can get PERMISSION from the government to do so. And get the PERMISSION SLIP in a timely fashion!

Have you waited beyond 45 days since applying? Contact an attorney and start a mandamus action against them! I suggest the best there is in Georgia for gun carry rights: John R. Monroe of Roswell, (678) 362-7650.