We recently won a non-resident California CCW Denial court hearing in Placer County at the Roseville Courthouse. Under California’s new “shall issue” CCW licensing framework, Sheriffs and Police Chiefs are required to issue concealed carry licenses most people. In this case, the Placer County Sheriff’s Office denied our client’s CCW license application, alleging that our client was disqualified under Penal Code section 26202.
We filed a request for hearing per Penal Code section 26206. This was our first hearing for someone who is not a California resident. Non-residents can apply for a California CCW license under injunctions from two different court cases: CRPA v LASD and Hoffman v Bonta. As of January 1, 2026, a new law will take effect, laying out the California non-resident CCW license process more clearly.
Our client is a decorated military veteran with two blips on his record. In 2016, our client was the subject of a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO). The court did not issue a permanent order. Penal Code section 26202(a)(3) makes an applicant disqualified for 5 years after any restraining order. That time has elapsed. Second, our client also had a court martial in 2018, for battery, at which he was found Not Guilty. The client now works in executive protection, is well trained with firearms, and holds CCW licenses in several other states. He is in charge of protection for a high level executive of a well-known company. He wanted to be able to carry a gun when his work brings him to California.
The Non-Resident CA CCW Denial Hearing
In preparation for the hearing, we issued a subpoena to the Sheriff’s Office for their entire file. And we drafted a legal brief. In the brief, we cited to recent case law, including the Bruen case from the United States Supreme Court and other appropriate legal authority. We then filed the brief with exhibits, totaling 32 pages.
Attorney Don Hammond traveled to Placer County and appeared at the hearing with the client. Oral argument was spirited with a back-and-forth on several issues.
The DA tried to argue that we shouldn’t even get a court hearing because the applicant not a California resident. We argued that, if he can apply for a license, then he must also be entitled to due process when that application is denied. Fortunately, the judge saw it our way and allowed the hearing to proceed regarding a non-resident CA CCW denial.
On the merits of the CCW license application, the Placer County Sheriff’s Office claimed that our client had failed to disclose some information. However, that reason was not listed on the denial letter that they issued. We argued that they should not be allowed to change their theory on the day of the court hearing. And that the alleged failures to disclose are not disqualifying. Finally, we urged the court to make “a contrary determination” under Penal Code section 26202(a).
At the conclusion, the judge took the matter under submission. About two weeks later, we received the decision in the mail – the judge agreed with us and ordered the Placer County Sheriff’s Office to issue the non-resident CA CCW license.
How We Can Help with CCW Denials
Criminal Defense Heroes, P.C. is your CCW denial appeal advocate. We have handled CCW license denials in ten different California counties, against 19 different issuing agencies. And we have a track record of success. For tips regarding filling out your CCW license application, check out our video here.
For more information about the non-resident CA CCW denial court hearing process, we have an article here.
If your California CCW license was denied, we have only 30 days to request a court hearing. Give us a call today to discuss your options at 323-529-3660.
