Pistol Permit Remains Suspended

This article was originally published in The Walton Reporter on 5/21/13.

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Pistol Permit Remains Suspended
By Cori O'Connor

 

DELHI — A Walton man's permit to possess handguns remains suspended after a hearing on Monday in Delaware County Court.

William Picinich, 51, appeared before Judge Carl F. Becker regarding the possible revocation of his pistol permit which was suspended after his arrest on Feb. 1 in Walton.

Picinich was charged at that time with second-degree obstruction of governmental administration, resisting arrest and disorderly conduct. His wife, Tina Picinch was also arrested Feb. 1 for second degree obstruction of governmental administration and issued a ticket to appear in court.

William Picinich's pistol permit was suspended based on section 400 of the Penal Law which, according to Becker, allows for possession of a permit as long as there aren't questions of judgement or conduct. Becker explained that the charges against Picinich have caused both to be questioned. "I am not going to tolerate someone who has a pistol permit behaving in a manner that disrespects the authority of law enforcement," Becker said.

Picinich explained that there was an agreement that all charges would be dropped if he had an alcohol evaluation. Becker didn't agree to that, however, but said that he would be open to something other than a revocation of the permit.

"I could find you guilty and you could be found not guilty in Walton," Becker said. He explained that the Walton village court and the county court could come to different conclusions because of the difference in the burden of proof that the county court hearing is dependent upon.

Becker adjourned the hearing to June 3 and June 24 so that Picinich could speak with his lower court attorney about his county hearing and so that the lower court issue could be resolved first.