Several revisions occurred last month to ATF’s Form 1 and Form 5.  In addition to the revisions, ATF finally made a policy statement regarding the filing of a Certification of Compliance (Form 5330.20) by legal entities, such as Trusts – they concluded it is not required. 

For a while, ATF rules were not clear on whether a Trust or legal entity needed to file a Certification of Compliance.  Rumor claimed it was dependent on each state examiner’s policy. Now it is clear that the form is not needed and there is no more guess work.

For individuals filing with the ATF, the revisions to Form 1 and Form 5 incorporate the Form 5330.20 questions, removing the need for the filing of a Form 5330.20 with a Form 1 of Form 5.

Another helpful revision is that the Form 1 now allows payment of the tax by credit or debit card, making the processing of the payment easier.

The rules are always subject to change and revision.  To ensure compliance, contact us at Arsenal Attorneys for all of your firearm trust needs.  

On Wednesday, the DC Metropolitan Police Department posted their application and instructions for a license to carry a concealed pistol for residents and nonresidents alike. Unfortunately there were no surprises.  The permit process is as restrictive and confined as the DC Council and Chief Lanier promised it would be, and permits will only be doled out to those who, per the language of the law “distinguish” themselves from the general population by showing a “special need for self-protection”.  Others who show “proper reason” may also receive one of the elusive permits if they carry large amounts of valuables or money in the course of their employment or need to protect an “incapacitated family member”.  Additionally, the discretion is wholly in the hands of Chief Lanier, who will decide which applicants meet the narrow criteria.

After much anticipation, here is the link for concealed carry permits from the District of Columbia's Metropolitan Police Department. This information is for residents and nonresidents alike: http://mpdc.dc.gov/node/929382

Today, attorneys for the District of Columbia threw a “Hail Mary” in the ongoing DC v. Palmer case.  And missed.  Judge Scullin told the defendants that he would be denying their motion for reconsideration and that his original ruling, that DC’s ban on handguns is unconstitutional, still stood.

Matthew Bergstrom, center, testified in Washington, DC today during a hearing of the DC Council concerning new legislation for permits to carry concealed firearms. Mr. Bergstrom called for a shall issue system, and he highlighted various shortcomings in the planned application process. He also addressed flaws in the design of the Concealed Pistol Licensing Review Board which will review appeals by rejected applicants. Following today's hearing, the Chief of Police will finalize the rules and procedures for carry permits, During the hearing, Chief Lanier said the applications will be made available to the public by the close of business on October 22.  

In her testimony, Chief Lanier also called upon the Council to remove the requirement for police officers to provide permit holders personal notice in locations or situations in which the carry a concealed carry of firearms would be prohibited. Instead she asked the Council to permit the Metropolitan Police Department to post signage during these occasions to provide the required notice to permit holders.

Council members spent much time asking whether a ban on the concealed carry of firearms could take place whenever a motorcade of a diplomat or senior government official passed. The Council also appeared to contemplate an amendment estabalishing a presumption that the concealed carry of firearms was prohibited from all private party unless posted otherwise. 

Arsenal Attorneys will continue monitoring these events closely, and our firm is ready to help clients carefully prepare their DC carry applications. 

Arsenal Attorneys will be offering two different law seminars in the coming months. These learning opportunities for gun owners will be offered in cooperation with gun dealers and firearms instructors in the Mid-Atlantic region, including Virginia, Maryland, and the District of Columbia.

Our self-defense seminar will address when you may and may not defend yourself and others inside or outside your home. We will examine a variety of issues by reviewing the law, court cases, and real-life scenarios. Students will learn legal concepts such as brandishing, stand your ground, castle doctrine, third-party liability, and more.  We will present an overview of how the criminal justice system handles such cases to enable students to understand their possible intereactions with law enforcement, prosecutors, defense attorneys, and the courts. 

"Traveling while Armed" will present the rules determining how and where firearms may be carried or transported in a variety of everyday life situations, including: your commute, your place of work, government facilities, banks, schools, private property, public events, airports, state and national parks, nearby jurisdictions and more. 

We will offer "Self-Defense Law" on Tuesday December 2 at SSG Tactical in Fredericksburg, Virginia. You may enroll here: link.

On Saturday November 15 we will offer a special running of "Self-Defense Law" in Chantilly, Virginia. Following our morning session, FPF Training will present an optional "Street Encounter Skills Seminar". Participants may enroll in both or either the morning or the afternoon session. This day-long special event is sponsored by F3 Tactical. Learn more at this link.

"Traveling While Armed" will be offered with TKA LLC on Tuesday October 28 at NRA Headquarters in Fairfax, Virginia. Learn more at this link.

You may enroll in these courses on our website using this link. You may also call our office at 703.291.3312 or 800, 670.3575.