IMPORTANT NOTE FROM THE JUDGE:

Your enrollment and participation in the Saratoga Advanced Firearms Course does not guarantee that an unrestricted concealed carry license will be issued to you. Successful completion of the Saratoga Advanced Firearms Course is just one of several requirements for the issuance of an unrestricted concealed carry license.

A permit-holder who has successfully completed the Saratoga Advanced Firearms Course must submit an Amendment form to the Sheriff’s Office in which he or she requests the issuance of an unrestricted concealed carry license.  The submission of this Amendment initiates a completely new investigation into the permit-holder’s:

• Background;

• Character and fitness;

• Mental health history;

• Criminal history 

• (even 1 prior arrest will have an impact on whether an unrestricted concealed carry license will be granted regardless of disclosure);

• Moral character;

• Prior and/or current illegal use of controlled substances (a prior DWI, DWAI, DWAI-drugs arrest will have an impact on whether an unrestricted concealed carry license will be granted regardless of disclosure);

• Immigration/naturalization status;

• Military experience and discharge status;

• Ability to follow directions and abide by the instructions of the Sheriff’s Pistol License Office and the Licensing Officer/Judge.

• Disclosure along with an explanation may not necessarily satisfy the licensing officer, as suggested in paragraphs number 4 and 6 above.

Even one prior arrest in an applicant's history is enough to be cause for denial of their unrestricted license, regardless of disclosure and a detailed explanation.

This renewed background investigation is conducted despite the fact that one was completed at the time that the original hunting and target license was issued.  Please be advised, that each application is judged on its own merit, but historically, individuals with just one prior arrest, regardless of the disclosure, has given the licensing officer serious concern when determining whether to issue an unrestricted license.

Please be sure to carefully consider all of the above before enrolling in the Saratoga Advanced Firearms Course, which is a significant investment in time and resources.

This message is being posted here due to a significant increase in the number of Amendments being denied for reasons where an individual has a prior arrest, or some other issue with their background, character or history.  

Hon. James A. Murphy, III
Saratoga County Court Judge
Acting Supreme Court Justice