TexasCHLforum.com

Photoman wrote:Interesting question... Last time I checked, our CHL status was not to be a part of any public record. All court documents are public record (except for certain situations). Something to think about...

The Voir Dire questioning is not, I believe. Could be wrong though.

bugsbunny45 wrote:We were also asked about NRA. What was funny was at a point the judge realized most of us were gun owners so she said Who does not own a gun please stand.

It would be interesting to find out details on the robbery and case now that you weren't selected for jury duty. Was this in Western District US Court? Do you remember the judge's name? And do you remember any details on where the robbery was and/or time frame? You might be able to find the disposition of the case if you can get the defendant's name or figure out the case on the docket calendar (if they keep past dockets listed.)

The Annoyed Man wrote:

Keith B wrote:

bugsbunny45 wrote:The case was a guy robbed a bank with a gun.

I think that the question would be appropriate to ask as most (probably all) people with a CHL would be prejudiced against someone using a gun in a crime.

And, it is slightly possible that the individual had (soon to be past tense I am sure) a CHL. There have been cases of people, who were previously squeaky clean, committing crimes like this. I have seen cases where the individuals were under duress from being out of a job and basically go off the deep end thinking it is the only way they can get money to cover bills and take care of their family.

What's kind of funny about that is the implication that anybody wouldn't be prejudiced against someone using a gun in a crime—CHL or not.

You're right about the latter scenario, but given the statistics for crimes committed by CHL holders in Texas..........is that really likely?

Remember, this is all just speculation. And, while not likely a CHL holder would do this, it is possible. There are murder and other crimes listed. And, maybe he had a CHL from antihero state. Who knows. I have seen people who would never do something even remotely like this do desperate things to try and keep up their standard of living, including selling drugs, stealing and forgery. I wouldn't put it past a totally clean person to do something like this if he thought there was no other way.

And, you would be surprised to find out how many people on jury's might be sympathetic to his overall plight and would overlook the fact he committed aggravated (armed) robbery vs. just robbery (no weapon involved.) A juror being a shooter or CHL holder would have a different perspective which might influence the way they vote.

Just saying, in Voir Dire, don't be surprised at ANY questions that come up, including some VERY personal ones. I have been seated on several panel selections that got pretty in-depth in trying to figure out your psyche and if you would be a good Juror or not for that particular case. And, I have always gotten bounced from any criminal case due to my previous LEO background since I would be prejudice toward the LEO and not totally impartial in the case. That is why a CHL holder IMO would not be totally impartial to a gun being used in a crime.

bugsbunny45 wrote:The case was a guy robbed a bank with a gun.

I think that the question would be appropriate to ask as most (probably all) people with a CHL would be prejudiced against someone using a gun in a crime.

And, it is slightly possible that the individual had (soon to be past tense I am sure) a CHL. There have been cases of people, who were previously squeaky clean, committing crimes like this. I have seen cases where the individuals were under duress from being out of a job and basically go off the deep end thinking it is the only way they can get money to cover bills and take care of their family.

Questions asked during the Voir Dire are usually to determine the personal backgrounds of the potential jurors and any conflicts or prejudices they may have against one party or another in the case. One of the questions frequently asked is if anyone is or has been a law enforcement officer. In criminal cases I am never picked. I don't know if they provided the charges and background of the case, but I will assume that the question was one that was very pertinent to the charges or individual(s) involved.