Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, July 5, 1995 TAG: 9507050068
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-3 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
The law went into effect Saturday, and applications were available for the first time Monday at local and state police offices, circuit courts and local government offices, depending on the locality.
More than 235 people picked up applications at six Prince William County locations. In Henrico County, more than 150 applications were issued. The Roanoke Circuit Court gave out 125 applications. In Loudoun County, at least 135 people picked up applications.
In Fairfax County, police processed 167 people and handed out hundreds of applications. People lined up more than an hour before the Police Department planned to open.
``Some people saw the line and didn't even bother to get out of the car,'' said Fairfax County Lt. James W. Redfield.
Sixty-five people applied for the necessary background checks in Virginia Beach, said police spokesman Mike Carey.
``I think that's a direct result of the new concealed-weapons law,'' Carey said. ``Sixty-five would be considered a lot.''
Applicants can be turned down if they have been convicted of two or more misdemeanors - excluding traffic violations - in the past three years, have a record of drug or alcohol abuse, have been treated for mental disorders in the past five years, live in the country illegally, were discharged dishonorably from the military or have been placed under a restraining order.
Local sheriffs or prosecutors can deny applicants who appear likely to use a gun illegally or endanger others. A judge may require an applicant to have firearm training.
Under the old law, applicants had to appear before a judge to receive a permit. Permits were denied if the judge did not deem applicants of good character or if they did not demonstrate a need to carry a hidden gun.
Applicants still must be 21 or older to receive a concealed-handgun permit.
People picking up applications at Prince William Circuit Court said the new law allows them to better protect themselves from well-armed thugs and makes them feel safer.
``I think the criminals will be less prone to use force if they know the average citizen is potentially armed,'' said Dumfries resident Carol Smeltzer, 45, who teaches a National Rifle Association firearm safety course in Fairfax County.
Gainesville resident A.J. Palik, 44, a mechanic for the Washington Metropolitan Transit Authority, said the police ``can't be everywhere. People are going to have to take responsibility for their own defense.''
by CNB