Florida "Criminal" Gun Permits?

There's been a bunch of ink spilled over the allegation that the State of Florida is issuing concealed-carry permits to "criminals."

Not so fast. John Lott provides the facts that the NYSlimes (inter alia) 'forgot.'

But these individuals were not convicted of "felonies." Florida judges have the power to take a plea, impose probation (without entering a conviction) and once the person completes that, "withhold conviction." These individuals are eligible for a permit because they were not convicted of anything. If the cases are as horrible or the evidence as clear as you claim, why are the judges withholding convictions? Second, I talked to a Mary Kennedy with Florida's licensing department and she confirmed for me that only one person last year lost his permit for any firearms related violation. That is 1 out of 410,000 permit holders.

Now you know the REST of the story.