Owning a gun in the United States of America is considered a right by virtue of the provisions of Second Amendment of the U.S constitution, and in a gleeful compliance with the law, a research has stated that about a third of Americans say they own a gun. Due to the increased rate of gun violence in the country, there have been calls for more restrictions on gun laws with around 53% of Americans saying they prefer tougher standards to be required before owning a gun. However, one major reason which was captured by the constitution as a reason for owning a gun is the fact that it is a veritable tool for self-defense.
The state of West Virginia has been ranked as one of the best states for gun-owners due to its provision on Gun laws. The Attorney General released a handbook that details the outlook of the state on owning a gun. The state recognizes that United States citizens who are above the age of 21 and who are not forbidden from owning a gun in the U.S or in any other state may carry a concealed handgun without the requirement of obtaining a prior license, this is referred to as constitutional carry. Persons between the ages of 18 and 21 years may be granted a provisional license which legally allows them to carry a concealed handgun within the boundaries of the state.
The requirement of a Constitutional Handgun License in West Virginia is not mandatory but however it is advised because it is more beneficial, however for persons who are not prohibited from carrying a concealed weapon but fall under the age of 21 and above the age of 18, they are mandatorily required to obtain a provisional license otherwise they will be guilty of a misdemeanor which could lead them to incarceration for up to a year or make them pay a fine $100 to $1000, for a first offender, a subsequent offender would be considered a felon and may be jailed for a period between 1-5 years or fined a fee from $1000 to $5000. This punishment applies to persons above the age of 21 who also illegally carries a firearm.
Benefits of Obtaining a Concealed Handgun License
Ultimately, owning a firearm within the age limit and legal requirements does not require a license, however getting a license affords the bearer of the firearm certain benefits including:
- It allows the bearer to carry the handgun in any state which recognizes West Virginia Concealed Handgun License
- A Concealed Handgun License qualifies as an alternative to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System.
- Having a Concealed Handgun License allows the bearer to carry arms within certain restricted premises.
How to Obtain a Concealed Handgun License in Ritchie County
To obtain a firearm in Ritchie county, the requester is required to make their application to the Sheriff’s Office using the Request form, pay the application fee of $75 to the Sheriff department and a background search fee of $25 to the West Virginia Police department, the applicant must show proof of gun safety training. Thereafter if the applicant satisfies the requirements, they are to be issued with a license which is valid for 5 years. Provisional licenses on the other hand expire when the applicant attains the age of 21, and the fees for a provisional license is $25 to the sheriff’s department and $15 to the West Virginia State Police. This Provisional license is only provided for only a pistol or a revolver The applicant is required to provide the following details for a successful application.
- Full name
- Date of Birth
- Social Security number
- Place of birth
- Country of citizenship
- Alien or admission number issued by the U.S Bureau of Immigration and customs enforcement for persons who are not citizens of the United states
- Valid driver’s license or state issued photo identification evidencing the residence of the applicant in the state and the county.
- The applicant must show that they are not addicted to alcohol or any controlled substance or any drug, or is not an illegal user of any drug and has not had a court ordered detoxification or drug treatment, and has not had up to two or more convictions of driving under the influence or driving while impaired
- The applicant must not have been convicted of any felony within at least five years preceding the application, except such felony has been expunged, set aside or the applicant has been unconditionally pardoned.
- The applicant must not have been convicted of any misdemeanor crime in the state or outside the state involving violence or of assault and battery or where the victim was a spouse or sexual partner whether in a current relationship or a prior one, or where the victim was or is a cohabitation partner, a parent, guardian, child, ward, member of the defendant’s family.
- The applicant must not currently be facing any felony indictment, or sentence of confinement, parole, probation or other court-ordered supervision or be the recipient of a restrictive order.
- The applicant must not have any record of mental incompetence
- The applicant must not be prohibited under federal law or West Virginia laws
- The applicant authorizes the sheriff to conduct an investigation into the information provided in the application
Persons bearing firearms in Ritchie county with a Concealed Handgun License are not required to obtain another license when they move to another county.
Also a Concealed Handgun License valid in West Virginia is also valid in any other state with reciprocity of West Virginia Concealed Handgun License Laws. Currently over 20 states have recognized West Virginia Concealed Handgun License Laws. Interested persons may visit the West Virginia Attorney General website to determine the states that have this reciprocity. However, when bearers of firearms with a West Virginia Concealed Handgun License visit other states with reciprocity, they are duty bound to obey the laws of those states with regards to the carrying of a firearm.
It is also important to note that current and retired law enforcement officers do not require a Concealed Handgun License to possess, own and travel with a firearm.