Major Legal Win: Court Rules Against L.A. County’s CCW Delays

Michel & Associates, P.C. is proud to announce a significant legal win in federal court that strengthens the rights of California gun owners in general and those who apply for concealed carry permits in particular. Our clients’ lawsuit challenges the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s policies and practices for unlawful delays in issuing CCW permits. The County asked the court to dismiss the case on multiple legal grounds. We opposed their motion to dismiss our case, and rebutted all of the County’s legal arguments. The judge rejected the County’s arguments and denied the County’s motion to dismiss! Now the case will go on, and LA County will be forced to stop delaying the issuance of CCWs, and to accept CCW applications from out-of-state applicants.

Key Takeaways from the Court’s decision:

Pro 2A Associations have legal “standing” to bring lawsuits on behalf of their members: The court upheld that groups like CRPA, SAF, GOA and GOC can sue on behalf of their members over delayed applications.

Illegal CCW processing delays can be challenged in court: Taking more than 120 days to process an application — or 30 days after a background check—can now be challenged in court as unconstitutional.

No Immunity for Sheriff making bad local policy: L.A. County Sheriff can be held accountable and must answer for processing delays. The lawsuit moves forward for damages and reform.

Systemic Delay Can Be Challenged: The court found enough evidence to pursue claims that LASD’s delays are part of an unlawful pattern.

CCW issuing agencies can’t dodge responsibility: Permits issued after lawsuits don’t erase the violation or “moot” the case — courts will still hold agencies accountable even if they issue a CCW eventually.

Why It Matters:

This decision confirms that bureaucratic delays in CCW processing are not acceptable—and they’re subject to legal challenge. Government agencies must follow the law, or face consequences.

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