Yes.Doug.38PR wrote:UCW? Unlawful Carry of Weapon?
Before 2005, it was illegal to have a handgun in the passenger compartment of your vehicle unless you had a CHL, were traveling, or a few other uncommon situations.Doug.38PR wrote:Why is pre 2005 significant?
In that time, I read stories of people who had a handgun in their vehicle, used it in self-defense, and were not arrested on the spot.
With newspaper articles and Internet reports, you almost never know what happened later. But if the cop at the scene didn't make an arrest, it's unlikely that the DAs office would cook up misdemeanor charges later.
This is an illustration of the old principle that it's easier to get forgiveness than permission.
BTW, everything I'm saying here is based on my knowledge of Texas. As Frankie says, arresting people who defend themselves is more common in other states.
- Jim