Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department Resolves Federal Lawsuit Over Concealed Carry Permit Delays

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department has resolved a landmark federal lawsuit by substantially reducing processing times for concealed carry permit applications. The Department of Justice announced Thursday that it was terminating its case after the agency demonstrated compliance with California’s statutory deadlines through expanded staffing and upgraded processing software.

The DOJ had filed the lawsuit in September 2025 as its first affirmative case supporting Second Amendment rights, alleging that applicants faced average waits exceeding nine months. According to federal prosecutors, some gun owners waited nearly three years for action on their applications, far exceeding California’s required 90-day timeline.

Between January 2024 and March 2025, the sheriff’s department received 3,982 concealed carry applications but had approved only two by May 2025, the complaint stated. Approximately 2,768 applications remained pending while 1,210 had been withdrawn, with the median processing delay reaching 372 days.

A pattern-or-practice investigation launched in March 2025 preceded the federal lawsuit, with the DOJ citing numerous complaints about permit handling. The agency alleged the delays effectively denied residents their constitutional right to bear arms in violation of federal civil rights law.

Sheriff Robert Luna’s department has committed to maintaining procedures ensuring objective standards and timely processing of applications under the settlement. The DOJ’s newly established Second Amendment Section indicated it will continue monitoring complaints regarding alleged firearms rights infringements by state and local governments.