As the number of applications for concealed carry permits in Illinois rises, so too, do the number of rejected applications. The Illinois law creating the process for concealed carrying of handguns went into effect July 9, 2013, with the first permits being issues in March of this year. While thousands of permits have been approved, many are being blocked by law enforcement agencies.

Attorney Cameron Monti, a Partner at Lavelle Law, Ltd. who recently published a book "Illinois' Firearms Concealed Carry Law FAQ Handbook" says that individuals who have the applications rejected have an appeal process available to them. "The new law provides for a written appeal to the state for anyone who has an application rejected."

Monti explained that the new law requires that applicants complete 16 hours of training, pay an application fee, and submit a formal application. That application is reviewed by state law enforcement officials who, if they approve, then allow local police departments to review and contest the granting of the application. There are a number of reasons why an agency can reject the application according to Monti, but applicants are not always clearly informed why their request was denied.

"I am suggesting to clients that if their application is not approved based on questionable grounds, that they immediately submit the written appeal," Monti said. "Our office will work with these individuals to prepare the appeal letter and to assist them in understanding the nature of the objection and assisting in resolving blocking issues." Some individuals have filed suit against the state but Monti feels that following the appeals process is a better, and often times less costly, course of action. "This is a new law and there will be challenges at all stages of the process. An applicant is better off to work with representation and stay within the system while the new processes are being developed."

To find out more about the appeals process and other factors of the new law, contact Cameron Monti at 847-705-7555 or cmonti@lavellelaw.com. The book "Illinois' Firearms Concealed Carry Law FAQ Handbook" is available at Amazon.com and barnesandnoble.com.