imported post
I too have been in contact with my local sheriffs office. Here is the letter I sent to them by email on June 5, 2010...
Recenty I have become aware that unconcealed carry of a handgun is legal in Alabama. I would like to meet with you to discuss what, if any, policies the Sheriff's Office has about this. I have been in discussion with and of the District Attorney's office about the matter.While legal, there seemsto be either misunderstandings or misinterpretaions of the laws around the open carrying ofhandguns, and I'd just like to "smooth any rough edges" before I docarry openly. It is certainly not my intention create trouble, I just simply wish to do that which the law allows without fear of being detained, harrased or arrested.
As well, that open carry is legal in Alabama is becoming more commonly known, and at some point it is reasonable to expect that someonefrom a different part of the state may pass through while carrying unconcealed.Our culture is changing, people are becoming more aware of what their freedoms are and more willing to take advantage of their freedom.
I would like to set an appointment, at a time convienient to you, so we could have what I would hope to be a friendly discussion of this.
I look forward to hearing from you, and our future meeting. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerly,
John Haxton
(edited to leave out names and some personal info)
This is the reply I got on June 9, 2010
Hello
Mr. Haxton my name is Michael Edmondson I am the Chief Deputy here in Dekalb County and I received your email about open carry in our county. I just wanted to let you know that I have not forgotten about you but I am in the process of reviewing and looking over the state law about open carry. I would not want to give you the wrong advice on this matter. I will be back in contact with you and we will set up a meeting so you can come by and have a sit down meeting with myself and the Sheriff. If I can be of any help you can reach me at XXX_XXX_XXXX, this is my direct line here at the office you can reach me here be sure if I don’t answer leave me a message and I will return your call.
Thanks
Chief Deputy
Michael Edmondson
I replied that would be fine. Today is June 22, and I've heard nothing. I went back to their website http://www.dekalbcountysheriff.organd read up on their "Pistol Permits" pulldown, and this is what you get...
http://www.dekalbcountysheriff.org/Pistol%20Permits.html
Permits to carry a concealed weapon in the State of Alabama are issued by the Sheriff’s Office to persons over the age of 21. In order to obtain a permit or renew an expired permit, you must come to the Sheriff’s Office with your driver’s license or other picture identification. The Sheriff’s Office is required to run a criminal history on all persons requesting a pistol permit.
There are some people who are prohibited by certain State and Federal laws from obtaining a pistol permit:
1. No person who has been convicted of committing or attempting to commit a crime of violence;
2. No person who is a drug addict;
3. No person who is an habitual drunkard;
4. No person convicted of a felony or any degree of theft;
5. No person discharged from the armed forces under dishonorable conditions;
6. No person who has been adjudged by a court as mentally incompetent;
7. No citizen of the United States who has renounced his citizenship;
8. No person convicted of the Family Violence Act, even though the charge may be a misdemeanor;
9. No person illegally or unlawfully in the United States;
10. No person who has been convicted of an offense involving firearms;
11. No person who has been convicted of an offense involving explosives;
12. No person who is not deemed suitable or proper by the Sheriff’s Office.
It is important to remember that issuance of a pistol permit is at the discretion of the Sheriff’s Office.
The fee for obtaining a pistol permit is $25.00 for persons between the ages of 21-61, and $1.00 for persons aged 62 or older. This fee is payable by cash, check, or money order.
Pistol permits may be obtained Monday through Friday between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.
In 2001, the State of Alabama passed legislation recognizing handgun licenses issued by other states provided that those states would recognize Alabama's pistol license. This allows residents of the State of Alabama who have a valid pistol permit to carry their weapon in any of these states, and also authorizes persons from these states to carry a pistol in Alabama. Click the following link to see a list of these states:
List of States
(Bold italics is mine)
Any guesses why I ain't heard more?