previous record

[seamusTX]

I didn't say to list it. I don't think the OP is obligated to do so, because he was not fingerprinted.

As a general principle, I think people should give complete and accurate answers on CHL applications because they are swearing that they did so.

- Jim

[atxgun]

touché

[Fangs]

I almost got arrested on an assault charge from my old room mate's cracked-out girlfriend 2 years ago. I wasn't arrested, fingerprinted, or ever put in a cop car/station. It never went to trial, the officer said he'd call me and never did. DIdn't return calls either. I asked my instructor if I should list it, he said yes, so I did. A month after I sent in my application in I received a letter asking for the County Clerk's notarized copy of my record to show that I wasn't a criminal based on that 2006 "arrest". All this hassle after I specifically wrote how it wasn't an arrest (no ride, cuffs, prints, not a foot stepped into a police station). Makes me wish I hadn't said anything. Went and got the copy of my record and now back to waiting for my plastic, or for something else to go wrong.

Why can't they look it up from there? I'm pretty sure I signed the thing on the app that says they can check all my records, including before 18, so why is this so hard for them?

[seamusTX]

They make you do the work. It's that simple.

DPS might be able to get Texas records easily, but many people have arrest records from years ago in other states, or possibly in the military. Those records are not so easy to get.

I think your instructor was wrong. The standard of taken into custody and fingerprinted is very clear.

- Jim

[srothstein]

Another reason they cannot look it up fromt here is that many counties are not very good about entering data. Many of the rural counties did not have computers until recently and many still do not have very good data entry departments. I seem to recall a recent newspaper article that said that only around 34% of the data entries in the system are complete, due to bad reporting from counties.

One of my constant frustrations is finding a criminal history that has partial data - either arrest and no judicial or judicial and no arrest. I have even seen a lot with partial judicial, such as the DA accepted the charge but no disposition.

[HankB]

You're in Round Rock? These guys are OK . . .

http://www.austinrfa.com/chl.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[05kas05]

thanks for the info hankb (and everybody else) well i signed up for my class on jan 17 09 lets hope i pass im not very good at takeing tests and whatnot but i dont forsee this being a problem well wish me luck and thanks for all your help it is trully appreciated

[seamusTX]

When you apply for a CHL, you sign an affidavit saying that you have provided truthful answers to all statements.

The application asks about arrests for which you were taken into custody and fingerprinted. Whether your record was sealed, expunged, or lost in a flood after that is irrelevant to the CHL application process.

IMHO, if we are going to be the good guys, we don't want play games about what the meaning of is is.

- Jim

[05kas05]

yes sir i agree that is why when i did my paperwork online with the d.p.s. i stated everything to the best of my ability the only thing i was not sure was the date hope everything goes ok i already paid the 140.00 to dps and am taking my class on jan 17 so we will see.i dont think i will have any problems