Sample "Just Cause" Letters

My name is John Xxxxx. I have resided in Xxxxxxx County since xxxx.
I write in regards to my New York State Pistol License #xxxxxxx issued by Xxxxxxxx County in xxxx.
1. Tell him who you are
2. What is your experience/training
3. Do you have prior experience carrying – (do you carry ‘legally’ in other states etc.)
4. Do you understand the law
5. Will you obey the law
6. Do you understand the (tremendous) responsibility
7. What are some of the reasons you want to carry – (List some activities)
8. How do/will you protect your firearm from theft out of your vehicle – (There may be times you have to leave it in the vehicle, even if you think not, answer this question)
….One answer is something like this: In Car Gun Safe
9. How do you protect your firearm from theft out of your home.
I respectfully request that my Pistol Permit be amended to remove the (Sportsman etc.) restriction.
Thank you for considering this request.

March 25, 2014 at 7:12 am #667

My name is ———– . I have resided in Onondaga County since I was born in May of 1976. The reason for my letter is to discuss my application for an Unrestricted Pistol License in New York State and specifically Onondaga County.

I have always been and continue to be a responsible law abiding citizen of Onondaga County having graduated———- High School in 1996. I have two years of auto mechanics training from BOCES in the Lakeland, NY area. I have been in the automotive industry since I was sixteen years old. I am very passionate about my work as I am about firearms. I have been active since shooting as a child with my Father and Grandfather.

I have been married to my wonderful wife since November of 2000 and I have three beautiful children. Their ages are ten, fourteen and seventeen. I have raised them in Onondaga County and I have purchased my first home here in 2006. I am a strong community supporter and a God fearing man. Furthermore, I am an avid outdoorsman, camper, fisherman who enjoys the outdoors and nature here in NYS. I have owned firearms, long guns, and practicing at local ranges since age 15. I’m a current active member at the North Sportsman’s Club (1708 County Rte.37 North in West Monroe, NY 13167). I believe if you are going to be a responsible firearms owner that you must practice to develop good safety habits and the skills with which to be competent. To that end when my firearms are not with me at the range, they are locked in my safe at home.

My Father is an ex-Marine and his brother, my uncle ex-Army. They both have spent many years educating me as to safety and respect for all firearms and life. I have shown and continue to educate my wife and all my children how to properly use, maintain, respect and be responsible with firearms. My mother was born and raised in Onondaga County and worked and retired from Syracuse Community Health Center. I have volunteered in my community and coach for Pop-Warner Panthers football here in Clay. I currently volunteer my time for the Liverpool Little League Baseball program and have done so since 2008.

I have worked since I was thirteen years old and have a great work ethic. I have given of my time to my community and am a tax-payer here in Clay active in my community. I have worked in downtown Syracuse since May of 2000 on “Dealer Row”. I’m currently working for Lamacchia Honda in Syracuse. I travel to work at 6:00am and leave at 5:30pm, Monday thru Friday and every other Saturday.

I do have a concern in the area I work with the steady increase in crime in my area. We have had cars stolen, drugs, robberies, and vandalism taking place for some time. My place of business is on the corner of West Genesee St and North Geddes Streets and I feel it is no longer safe to be in and specifically in the fall and winter months. I find myself going to work in the dark and leaving in the dark. I always seem to be on high alert when leaving my car to go into work and from work to my car. Also in the last few months crime where I currently live in Liverpool has increased. We have had vandalism, stabbings and shootings. My family has been scared and in fear for their lives with local crimes that have been increasing and committed right in a back yard very close to us. We had a stabbing up the street right across our kids school where a man kicked the door down and stabbed several woman (which I am sure you saw on the news recently), in their own home with children present. The other shooting happened in Syracuse and spilled into our very own neighborhood. The troopers and sheriff’s blocked our street and SWAT was called in. We can hear Law-Enforcement Officers talking to the shooter inside the house. Several calls were sent out to stay away from windows and go to basements if you were able.

Since these events I am not attending courses and educating myself as we are u ltimately responsible for our own safety. While I realize that taking the law into my own hands is not an option providing a safe home and life for my family is. We are all too aware of the time it takes police officers to arrive when trouble calls. I’m not trying to be judge and jury just trying to make sure I have a better chance of making it home to the people who need and count on me to provide for them. As you read in the newspaper every day the crime rate is getting worse and criminals have no respect for even sworn law enforcement.

I have heard “self-defense” used as justification for concealed carry is not allowed, however I am not entirely at ease with that characterization. I believe you and I, as men, are not programmed to defend only ourselves – our most noble instinctive trait is that we are programmed to defend others, to protect, and to serve the greater good first and our own safety second. As such, it is only natural and proper for us, and in fact required of us , to seek the tools that enhance our ability to uphold this innate duty. I ndeed , as George F. Will wrote after the 9-11 attacks, “Public safety is the public’s business. Public authorities take the lead, and some work at it full-time. However, at all times, and especially times like these, it is every citizen’s business.”

In order to excel at these duties I have taken on a great sense of personal responsibility and have dedicated much time in training and understand the benefits of my 2nd Amendment Right and building my portfolio. I have taken and continue to attend many courses from Shooters Haven Firearms Training Team. I feel I have attended much more than the “normal minimum” course requirements to submit in Onondaga County. I have taken the NRA Home Firearm Safety Course,4 Hour New York State and Onondaga County Pistol Safety Course, a 4 Hour New York State Article 35 “ Use of force” Course, the NRA basic Pistol Course, an 8 Hour New York State and Onondaga County Pistol Safety Course, an 8 Hour Florida State Conceal Carry Weapons Pistol Safety Course and the 8 Hour Arizona State Conceal Carry Weapons Pistol Safety Course. I’m also enrolled in the Conceal Carry Weapons and Tactics Course (CCW I) on March 15th with Shooters Haven allowing for much more education towards my unrestricted NYS Pistol License. I also have submitted my portfolio to the states of Florida and Arizona for my non-resident concealed weapons/firearms licenses. These are both full conceal carry and allow me to carry in 37 states presently. I am also applying for my Pennsylvania conceal carry license here in a few months.

My appointment for the Onondaga Sherriff’s office is March 11th, so by the time you read this, the additional class course will be completed and added to my “Just Cause” portfolio also as more training for me and my family receives the benefit of my training also. I’m also now a NRA member and Recruiter that attends range functions, local businesses, gun shows and public events where I do carry money and customers personal information for their memberships to be submitted to the National Rifle Association of America.

I fully understand circumstances will dictate that I not carry concealed such as in those areas prohibited by State or Federal law and fully understand it is my obligation to be aware and follow the laws. I also understand fully the immense responsibility as well as the possible ramifications of carrying a firearm concealed on my person for lawful purposes. In NYS which is primarily where I practice and train. Because of my training and competency and my firm belief that I am of good moral and ethical character, I would like to respectfully request I be considered for unrestricted carry for all lawful purposes in Onondaga County and NYS.

Thank you for your consideration,

March 25, 2014 at 7:17 am #669

As I am sure you are only too aware, across nation there has been an increase in firearm sales. At Dicks Sporting Goods, where I presently work it is my responsibility to sell firearms and accessories to the general public. In our store the policy dictates that a sales associate has the right and responsibility to deny any firearm sale that he or she does not feel comfortable with or may have a concern that a firearm sale could potentially be a straw purchase. If the applicant can give proof that the firearm is indeed for them, they can carry onto ATF Form 4473.

I have been selling firearms at ——– Sporting Goods, for the past two years. Within that timeframe I have sold approximately 250 firearms. My sales would have been higher however certain individuals may have been denied, delayed or acted in vain. For those that have acted in vain, they chose to blame me if their 4473 resulting a delay or denial. Many have left the store cussing, angry and a visible hatred towards me as the person that denied them even though I had no opinion in the matter. Some of the people denied will try and send in a family member or friend to try and straw purchase the firearm for them right after they leave. When I deny them as well, this adds fuel to the fire which you can well imagine I’m sure.

My need for an unrestricted concealed carry license is above the need of the general community because I continuously see these individuals in public. This group of people that may threaten me or want to do me harm has the potential to grow each day. Many individuals in a similar profession, including some of my co-workers have been granted their unrestricted concealed carry license.

I am originally from Ogdensburg in St. Lawrence County, where I spent the first 18 years of my life. When I was growing up my father taught me the many responsibilities that firearm owners have. My father and most of my family have their unrestricted concealed carry license. Growing up, my father and I went shooting countless times. Each and every time resulted in me becoming more and more familiar with firearms. I moved to Onondaga County in 2010 after graduating high school. I took a liking to the area and have decided to stay after graduating. In the future in Onondaga County, I will purchase my first house as well as raise a family.

I graduated in 2012 with an Associate’s Degree in applied science from Onondaga Community College in Homeland Security and Disaster Preparedness. In December of 2014, I will receive my Bachelor’s Degree in Technology from SUNY Canton in Emergency Management. Also attached with this letter are my numerous certifications that I have received from the Federal Emergency Management Agency that attests to my good moral character. Given my background and the fact that I would have an unrestricted concealed carry license, I will have a greater chance in career advancement than others with similar degrees and experience.

If I do receive my unrestricted concealed carry license, I understand to the highest degree the additional responsibility that will be placed upon my shoulders. I am currently an informed firearm owner and when I have my unrestricted concealed carry license I will continue to be informed and understand my additional liabilities. Even when I receive my requested license, I will continue to take additional training through NRA certified instructor David Colburn and Shooters Haven.

March 25, 2014 at 7:22 am #670

I am respectfully writing this letter in support of my application for an Unrestricted Pistol License in Onondaga County, State of New York.

I would like to start out by giving you a little personal background about myself. I am 41 years old and I am married with two children. I have lived in Onondaga County for over 10 years now. I originally came here to complete my training at SUNY Upstate and I stayed here to live and raise my family. I am currently a General Surgeon practicing at ——– hospital here in Syracuse. I have included for your review a copy of my state medical license to help confirm my background.

I was born and raised in New England. I have been an avid and responsible sportsmen, hunter, and shooter my entire life. At various times I have held memberships at different sporting clubs. I have also been an unrestricted concealed carry license holder in three other states in the past. As proof of this fact, I included a photocopy of all three licenses. Through the years I had all these licenses, I was a responsible, safe firearms owner. I always kept my firearms very secured and had no instances. As I am sure you are aware Mass. is one of the most difficult states in which to receive your unrestricted carry license. I believe an unrestricted license to carry a concealed firearm is a tremendous responsibility. This cannot be taken lightly, and I never took that responsibility lightly when traveling or during carry in other states. I have always sought out the proper training and continue to do so at all stages of my firearms owning life. I have included my most recent training here in Central New York, as well as a sampling of the training I received in the past to confirm to you that I have always sought out the proper training that I believe is incumbent upon a concealed carry permit holder to have.

As I stated earlier, I am a general surgeon practicing here in Syracuse. As you know medicine is a profession where the outcomes are certainly not guaranteed. No matter how much we are trained and how hard we may try, occasionally things don ’ t go the way we would like them too. This could be an awful tough thing for patients and their families to have to deal with. Unfortunately in my own career this has affected me deeply. I have had several instances in my career where I have been the target of threats of violence. In the past I have tried to brush these off as I understand how deeply affected patients and families can be at a time of crisis. I specialize in bariatric (weight loss) surgery. My patients are very high-risk and the surgeries themselves are very complicated and high risk.

I recently had a patient who was awaiting bariatric surgery threaten my life. He became unhappy with the fact that we had to cancel his surgery due to some unforeseen medical problems before we could even get started. We cancelled the surgery because it was in his best interest however he did not take it well. He threatened my life in front of many witnesses and had to be escorted out of the hospital by Security. I subsequently filed a police report that day with the Syracuse Police Department. Officer ——— of the Syracuse Police Department met me that day and took a report. The reason I thought this was a serious threat was this person had been incarcerated in the past and seemed capable of the violence he threatened. Luckily, the Dewitt police were able to provide my family with extra protection at our house in the form of extra patrols and walk around my home for a brief period of time after the incident. Needless to say this put quite a scare into our family.

I perform high-risk surgery on a very unique patient population. I have 10 partners in my group. They do not operate on the same patient population I do. Combined they have over 200 years ’ experience. As you ’ re well aware I ’ m sure, violence against doctors is far too common. Even in this town a physician was shot by an unhappy patient. Just several months ago a patient shot two doctors in a clinic in Las Vegas. Some years ago a surgeon was shot in the waiting room at the Johns Hopkins Hospital by a patient ’ s family member. It ’ s a sad reality of modern medicine. Unfortunately due to what I ’ ve chosen do I put myself in harms way. I think the nature of my work and danger it seems to be subjecting me to makes me unique amongst my profession. The threat of violence in my case is not just theoretical it is real and now well documented. I hope and pray I never see this man again. I probably won ’ t. But who knows when the next person will come along to threaten my safety and the safety of my family. I love what I do for a living and I wouldn ’ t change it for the world. I just wish it didn ’ t come at such a high cost at times. I have devoted my life to the practice of medicine and surgery. I certainly have very little knowledge of the law. That said, I have spent some time trying to understand the case law surrounding New York ’ s concealed carry laws as it pertains to “ just cause ” to have and carry concealed. I think I understand it as well as any layperson can. I believe I am an upstanding citizen of good moral and ethical character. I believe that my extensive background and long history of safe ownership and carry of firearms; as well as, my position and standing in this community make me a good candidate for a concealed carry permit. I believe my history both in the past and in the present help me demonstrate “ just cause ” for an unrestricted conceal carry license. I humbly request that you grant me an unrestricted license to have and carry concealed in the state of New York.

Thank you for taking the time to read my letter.

March 25, 2014 at 7:24 am #671


The purpose of this letter is to request an unrestricted NYS Pistol License. My name is ——- and I am a lifetime local resident. My wife, three children and I live in ———–. My family and I are very involved in our community and we are avid sportsman as well.

Presently I have been taking courses to further enhance my career in the security field. I had a high security clearance in the Military. I have already taken the required 4 hour Onondaga County Safety Pistol Course, the NRA Home Firearm Safety Course, the Florida Conceal Carry Safety Course, NRA Basic Pistol Course, the Article 35 “Use of Force” and I am taking the Conceal Carry Weapons I course March 15 th with Shooters Haven. I presently have my Florida non-resident Pistol License which give me Unrestricted conceal carry in 34 states. In order to ensure and reinforce my dedication to safety and the law, I do plan to take more courses both class room and live fire at local ranges. I am providing my portfolio, I have submitted copies of awards/certifications for your review.

I regularly perform Volunteer work, I am Continuing Education in a Technology Field; Self Aid and Buddy Care, Law of Armed Conflict, Anti-Terrorism, and Code of Conduct Briefing, Nuclear, Biological, Chemical Defense Training; Airman Leadership Course; Fighter Aircraft Maintenance Apprentice (F-16); Fighter Maintenance Apprentice (F-117); Columbia College Dean’s List for June-Oct 2006 and June-Oct 2007; Associates in General Studies with Criminal Justice Core and have held a Secret Security Clearance for 12yrs.

Thank you very much for your consideration in this matter.

June 19, 2015 at 11:40 am #1033

November 5, 2014

Your Honor, my name is and I have been a resident of Onondaga County for 30 of my 56 years. I have submitted my application today to request an Un-restricted Conceal Carry Pistol License the same as my husband has. My daughter will also be submitting hers soon. I have been involved with the safe handling of firearms since the age of eighteen. Under the supervision and tutelage of my father, who was an officer in the United States Air Force. I was instructed on the safe handling and use of firearms, which included a .22 caliber rifle and a 20 gauge shotgun.

I met my husband in 1984, by that time he had a long history of safe firearms handling, both hunting and target shooting. While we were dating and continuing through our marriage, we have enjoyed and continue to enjoy the sport of target and trap shooting. My husband currently has an unrestricted conceal/carry handgun license for New York State as well as his Florida and Arizona and Pennsylvania carry licenses.

He is also attending the class for his Utah license this month. He insists on safety first when handling any firearm, from a pellet gun to a shotgun, as well as safe storage of firearms and ammunition. Therefore, I have grown to respect and take the ownership and handling of firearms very seriously. I have also completed the required four hour handgun safety course taught by a certified instructor as have my son who is 15 and my daughter who is 22 years of age. My daughter will be applying for her Mass. permit as she will be attending School next year in Mass. Our family has attended the courses through Shooters Haven and David Colburn. David is a family friend and my husband calls David whenever he has a question. We, our family also intend to continue with classes.

For the past 10 years I have been employed as a teacher. I am aware and will respect that it is illegal to carry on school grounds. During my free time, I enjoy walking our family dog that is of smaller stature, as well as general hiking. Most of the time I am alone at home with my children as my husband’s work requires travels quite a bit.

If I had to leave the firearm in my vehicle, I would keep my handgun locked safely in a lockbox, unloaded and out of sight with the ammunition stored separately. While carrying, I would go to great lengths to ensure the hand gun was completely concealed as not to draw attention. At home, while not carrying, my firearm is kept in a gun safe with a trigger lock.

Your Honor, I want you to know that I understand the law and will obey it to the fullest extent. I am fully aware that carrying a firearm is a tremendous responsibility and the use thereof is only as a last resort.

Please see the attached certificate.

Again, I respectfully request that I be granted an unrestricted conceal/carry license.

Thank you for considering this request.

June 19, 2015 at 11:47 am #1034

My Name

123 here Street

My Town, NY 12345

Your Honor,

I write in regards to my New York State Pistol License #0000 issued by Rockland County in June of 2003. I have and continue to be a responsible and law abiding citizen of Rockland County. Furthermore I am an avid outdoorsman as well as a volunteer in my community having served as an officer and volunteer firefighter for the last 8 years as well as performing two terms as President of My Fire Company. Because of my decision to help others I have incurred a growing number of responsibilities toward my peers as well as to the public in the communities in which I serve. In order to excel at these duties I have taken on a great sense of personal responsibility and have dedicated much time to training and understand the benefits of such. Being that I am a proud volunteer in this community I often find myself being called away from my daily activities on a very inconsistent basis. In such circumstances I have in the past been faced with the arduous decision of not responding due to the fact that I had a firearm with me and carrying a concealed firearm in these instances would be a violation of my current pistol license restrictions. This as you can imagine is not an ideal situation and could in certain instances be circumvented by allowing for the carry of a concealed firearm.

I fully understand that some circumstances will dictate that I not carry concealed such as in those areas prohibited by State or Federal law and have consequently purchased a lockable storage device specifically designed for handguns that will allow me to leave my firearm in my vehicle in a safe manner should the need arise. Likewise I understand that carrying a weapon of any kind is a tremendous responsibility and is not a decision that should be taken lightly. I have since acquiring my pistol license taken it upon myself to become proficient with the safe usage of firearms utilizing training at local ranges as well as those in Orange and Sullivan counties. Conversely I understand fully the immense responsibility as well as the possible ramifications of carrying a firearm concealed on my person for lawful purposes. In Orange and Sullivan counties which is primarily where I practice and train, the issuance of non-restricted permits is commonplace for those that apply thus allowing law abiding citizens the option to carry a firearm concealed on their person while performing everyday activities.

Because of my training and competency and my firm belief that I am of good moral and ethical character, I would like to respectfully request that at this time my Pistol License be amended to remove the (Sportsman/ Residence) restriction(s) thus allowing for unrestricted carry for all lawful purposes in Rockland County as well as other counties where it is also acceptable by law to do so.

Please be assured that it is not my intent to carry or possess a firearm on a regular or daily basis and am requesting the permit be unrestricted to avoid any incidental or unintentional violations of restrictions while engaged in the activities listed above.

Thank you for considering this request.

Sincerely,

My Name

December 17, 2015 at 7:38 pm #1164

This letter received an unrestricted license in late 2015:

City state and zip

Good morning sir, I hope my letter finds you in good health. First, let me say thank you for your service to our community. Your honor, my name is ——- and I’m writing you in support of my recent application for an Unrestricted New York State Pistol License.

I have been an Onondaga County resident for all 28 years of my life. I was born in Syracuse, NY at St. Joseph’s Hospital, and was raised by my parents, —— and ——, in Baldwinsville, NY. Both of my parents have been role models to me before I even knew what one was. Their ability to prioritize and accomplish day to day goals, while keeping a positive attitude through problems that arise caught my attention at an early age. This quality rubbed off on me, and I’m very grateful for that as I’ve found it to be extremely beneficial throughout my adult years.

As a youth, I found a love for sports, specifically playing football, baseball, basketball and lacrosse year-round. Some highlights for me were playing a Pop Warner Sectional Championship game inside P&C Stadium, being a ball boy for the Syracuse Men’s Lacrosse team in the late 1990’s, and spending 2 weeks playing baseball on a national travel team in the Cooperstown Dreams Park, located in Cooperstown, NY. These experiences were eye-opening; it showed me hard work and dedication can take you farther than you thought possible. Moving forward, I graduated from —– High School in 2005, and to date, I remain a resident of Baldwinsville, NY.

After High School, I began my undergraduate studies at Onondaga Community College while working full-time. I subsequently earned my Associates Degree in Business Administration in 2008. From there, I enrolled at the Martin J. Whitman School of Management, located within Syracuse University. I was able to earn my Bachelor’s Degree while going to school part-time and working full-time at Red Lobster as a Server/Certified Trainer. In the spring of 2012, I graduated from Syracuse University, a moment I’m very proud of and will never forget.

I’m a disciplined, hard-working, and self-motivated individual. I have various passions, most notably are healthy living, the outdoors, and sports. I began working out/training 10 years ago and absolutely love it. Over the past several years I have purchased various types of equipment and put together a gym in my basement. This allows me to weight train 3-4 times per week. Also, I strongly believe in eating properly, which goes hand in hand with maintaining a strong physique and healthy lifestyle. I researched proper nutrition as far as what to eat, when to eat, how to eat and why it’s important to do so. This is a lifestyle I’ve come to thoroughly enjoy, and the benefits are truly endless; physical, mental and emotional happiness is vast when you properly take care of yourself. Part of that is staying active, which I do by playing softball, kickball and flag football throughout the year. These sports were a major part of my childhood in which I have fond memories, so I wanted to continue this into my adult years. As a child, one of my favorite memories come from playing Pop Warner Football. I wanted to be able to give young men the same great memories that I have, so in 2010 and 2011 I volunteered as an Assistant Coach for the Pee-Wee level of ——— Pop Warner Football. Little did I know at the time, that it was I who would enjoy this more than anyone. This experience was much more than winning or losing games. I was blown away with the amount of joy I got from connecting with 12 and 13-year-olds, who looked up to me as an older brother more than a coach. I was happy to teach them about the game I love, but more fulfilling was being able to talk to them about their lives and what they had going on. I found myself mentoring them on a daily basis, as I know teenage years can be very difficult with so much change going on in a young mans’ life. As each year progressed, I could see the boys got more and more comfortable with me and would reach out to me as needed. To this day, I remain in contact with a handful of these young men, some of which are in High School, others in College. That 2-year experience is one I’ll never forget and will forever cherish.

I’ve been involved with the safe handling of firearms since the age of 14. Under the supervision of my father, uncle and other close family friends, I was taught and shown how to safely carry, load, fire, clean and store a firearm, specifically a 12/20 gauge shotgun and numerous rifles. Growing up in a family full of sportsmen, who enjoy both hunting and target shooting, I was able to gather extensive hands on experience which left a lasting impression to this day. I fully understand the significance and responsibility that comes with handling a loaded firearm. At the age of 14, I completed the NYS hunter education course, and this past year, I completed the NYS bow hunters education course. These courses, totaling 18 hours of education, allowed me to dive deep into details and various scenarios to learn safe protocol to follow while handling a firearm in a sportsmen’s environment. Recently, I completed the 4 hour NYS and Onondaga County Pistol Safety Course through Shooters Haven Firearms Training with David Colburn. Moreover, feeling I needed to gain more knowledge on this topic, I completed the 6 hour Article 35 “Use of Force” course through Shooters Haven. This provided me with a more in depth education as we were able to get into details and specifics.

Overall, I believe I’m a great candidate to receive an Unrestricted New York State Pistol License. I take this responsibility very seriously, and will always uphold and maintain the law as I believe that’s essential for our community. Thank you very much for your time and consideration to this matter, I greatly appreciate it.