Gwinnett probate judge needs help processing firearms permits

LAWRENCEVILLE - Residents in Gwinnett County are seeking permits to carry firearms at a higher pace than ever before.

Authorities say Gwinnett County Probate Court has received more than 4,500 weapons carry applications through April 10 -- a pace that could mean more than 16,000 applications submitted by the end of the year.

The record for applications in a year is 8,300, which was set last year.

Probate Judge Christopher Ballar has asked county commissioners to add $39,000 to his budget so he can hire four temporary part-time employees to help process the paperwork over the next six months.