Newbie here. This is a great site.
Has anyone amended their CHL application after submitting it to DPS?
After reading this forum extensively (and soaking it all in!), I have seen many references to the arrested and finger printed threshold for listing any criminal history. I have several questions maybe I can get opinions on.
The application does not specify the fingerprinting as a requirement and this was not part of the information given in the class I took.
It simply says any criminal history. This seems to be something that has evolved as general knowledge. Is this the case?
I filled out my app. online and have received it back from DPS. I am wondering if I need to amend it or if I am being too detail oriented.
Here's the reason I ask....
All my run-ins with the law occurred a long time ago, from 1974 through 1984. There were three and they were all minor. Only the one in '74 resulted in arrest
and fingerprinting (I was 16) for possession of marijuana in Illinois. I was a minor. I am working on getting some thing from the court there on this.
The other two were in New Mexico after I moved there in 1981. I only recently moved to Texas (Dec. 08).
The first was in '82 for shoplifting; dumb college kid trying to save 5 bucks. I listed this on the app. but I was only given a ticket, plead guilty and paid a $100 fine. I have contacted the county this took place in and there is no record of this. It appears to have gone away. But the county will not do background checks for individuals or give paperwork to individuals as they have a website that anyone can go to and look up criminal history, so they instruct me to go there.
Is this good enough for DPS? Unfortunately, I listed this on my app. (probably unnecessarily) and will be unable to provide any documentation as to the disposition or even its existence.
The third incidence was for failing to keep current on vaccinations for a dog. I discovered after filling out the app. that this IS on my record as a criminal charge. I was not arrested for this and certainly not finger printed, but I paid a $20 fine in 1984 (RIDICULOUS! IMO). I did NOT list this on my app.
This information is accessible online. Should I amend my app. to include this charge and include the printed information from the website showing disposition?
If I do this it won't be certified as they request.
I'm waiting to send my application back until I determine the best course of action.
From what I have read on this forum, I am not really concerned that I won't be approved for the CHL because of the nature of the charges and the time that has elapsed. I'm trying to avoid any delays or rejection by getting my ducks in a row now.
Thanks for any advice you can give.
I'm all ears
