What kind of questions do "they" ask to determine "Good Moral Character"?

[Decoligny]

Do they really take traffic violations into account for good moral character?

It all depends upon the IA.

In some counties they actually interview you and ask you all kinds of questions.

Here in Kern County, you fill out the standard application and they review thier records to see if you are a prohibited person. If you aren't then you obviously have GMC.

I suspect that in places like San Francisco, they will ask all your neighbors, co-workers, and friends in depth questions including if you have ever told an off color (race/sex/relgion/kitten/puppies/rainbows/unicorns) joke, and if so, you are obviously a danger to society and are not of GMC.

[Rastoff]

Do they really take traffic violations into account for good moral character?

The most likely way this will be used is to determine if you lied on the application. For example, if you got a ticket last year and didn't include it on your application, you'll be denied for lying on the application.

[thegamettt]

they asked me who I voted for in 2012

[nickel plate]

Hypothetical to the OP yet it happened to me:
If you have had one or a few non-felony blemishes deep in your distant past, they will not go unnoticed by the issuing agency as they WILL be on your record so do fess up to it/them when initially filling out your application.
Plan ahead to vocally present at your interview some good moral character points in your life such as that you are a registered voter and have executed your rights to do so, you have attended all of your jury duty summonses, affiliation with civic or non-profit organizations, a credit report in hand, etc.
The final decision upon you receiving/not receiving a CCW will be made at that interview so have all of your verifiable GMC points ready for presentation.
I'm not making this up as it happened to me. Out of my past and on the sheriff's print out surfaced a forty+ year old forgotten and unlisted by me misdemeanor. At that in office interview moment I felt so small and unreliable, not worthy of-wanted so out of that review and forget the whole CCW thing due to my forgetfulness of that misdemeanor. I then (unprepared) spoke of some of my above listed GMC's.
In time passing, the interviewing lieutenant with a sergeant in attendance gave me a deserved yet man to man reprimand and we wound up shaking hands with his decision to issue me my first CCW.
This was tough to write....

[19K]

Do they really take traffic violations into account for good moral character?

Are traffic violations part of your record?
I'm sure they are and they will affect tier decision. Especially if you have like 10 speeding tickets.

[Dvrjon]

Do they really take traffic violations into account for good moral character?

They look at your record to get a general feel as to whether or not you have a tendency to obey, or violate, laws. That's good to know if they are going to let you carry a gun. Traffic laws are laws. If you have a string of moving violations, your record could be perceived as indicating a tendency to not obey the law. It would be seen as a trend. Toss in a couple of DUIs, and you've taken care of business.

Now, if the violations are recent, they will have more adverse impact than if they are, say, 10 years old. Old violations (with no more recent occurrences) indicate that you screwed up, but have cleaned up your act. This could actually work in your favor.

[calebhz]

In LA county, the application asks for any 'illicit drug use' which could include smoking put half a dozen times, which is a ridiculous reason to be disqualified cause I'm sure you can be an LA LEO and have had more drug history than that. They also ask for any MOVING violations, as well as accidents over the past 5 years. I have been told my multiple authorities that in the case of accidents, it is preferable to have listed dates, but not mandatory. Also, they ask if you have had any 'incidents' with firearms, which could be that you had a friend ND at your house, as was the case with me, or could mean a whole plethora of things that they can disqualify you for if you fail to disclose.

As the Peruta decision is now more or less going to be the law of the land, the GMC is the only thing that these gun grabbing appointees can use to disqualify you. my advice is, fill out everything to the best of your knowledge. a lie by omission is still a lie, but do NOT over disclose, as you can not only be disqualified, but could be implicitly be incriminating yourself. If possible, have an attorney with experience in the field consult on your app and let you know if you are oversharing or misrepresenting your history.
Hope this helps. I just applied today in LA county, so PM me if you have any questions about the process or anything else.

[Kid Stanislaus]

I would bring report cards going back to the third grade just to prove you never got a D in math.

Yeah, but what was on your mind when you were eyeballing that good look'n English teacher?!

[faterikcartman]

Jury duty summons...
Has this really come up, or is it generally on the applications?

[tonelar]

Do any counties ask for references? That imho would go a long way towards establishing gmc.

[Dvrjon]

Do any counties ask for references? That imho would go a long way towards establishing gmc.

They do, even though it appears to be prohibited under the Penal Code 26175(g):

(g) An applicant shall not be required to complete any additional
application or form for a license, or to provide any information
other than that necessary to complete the standard application form
described in subdivision (a), except to clarify or interpret
information provided by the applicant on the standard application
form.

How many references do you think you should provide before you can exercise your rights?

What standards would have to be set for IA review of references to ensure arbitrary and capricious decisions are not made based on them?

How many of your friends do you want to know that you have applied for a LTC?

Best.

[ARDude]

I believe that once self defense is accepted by all agencies in Cali, some will focus on GMC to deny ccw apps. I can see GMC expanded to financial problems. Have you ever had bankruptcy, been late making a payment on a loan, ect. These things are looked at when a person applies to become a peace officer, and it can be used for denying employment.

[FrankinCA]

Do they really take traffic violations into account for good moral character?

Good Moral Character encompasses integrity, maturity, responsibility and willingness to admit past mistakes. I can only speak abou Ventura County, but my interview was just like you would have if you were applying for a sworn position. I have been on backgrounds for SO prior.

The investigator was professional and blunt. Too many speeding tickets would be a red flag. I don't think it would be the only disqualified, but it would be taken into consideration.
Good luck

[FullyLoaded2]

Do they really take traffic violations into account for good moral character?

They asked me about every traffic violation I ever received dating back almost 25 years!

[fluffygunguy]

Does your credit really matter for getting a ltc?