TexasCHLforum.com

Hello TexasCHLForum!

I've been visiting this site for a while now, but have just now registered. There is a lot of great information exchanged here, and I've really appreciated/benefited from it and I only hope I can add something from my own experiences (I'm still in the 'early' processes of getting my CHL packet sent).

My current situation:
1) Online registration with TX DPS website
2)received packet in snail mail (with PIN for those interested)
3) Class taken (Bullet Trap, Plano TX,highly recommend!)
4) Range qualification passed, finger prints, etc...
5)ooops! That little nagging, seemingly insignificant thing in the back of my mind from my old college days rears its ugly head hah. "Back in the day (read, over 10 years ago)" I received a ticket for an expired state inspection sticker, which eventually turned into a warrant for my arrest because I failed to resolve it in a timely manner. So, later again, I was pulled over for something (probably the same thing, can't remember (double shame on me in retrospect)) and was told to follow the police to the courthouse to take care of the matter. Long story-short, I had my finger prints taken, mug shot, etc, and sat in a holding cell while my sister came to help me pay for the fine (shout out to my sister). Well...... that is still on my record, and after calling the DPS, I was advised to get documentation of that incident and include it on my CHL application. It is only a class C misdemeanor, and it happened over 10 years ago, but they want to know everything... which I have no problem with, but let this serve as a hint to anyone else who may have this same situation in their past.

I have now sent a letter (certified mail) to the municipality where the incident occurred and requested the documenation proving it is resolved be sent back to me, which I will include in my CHL packet.

Bottom line, I"m glad the process is as thourough as it is, and though it is an inconvenience to me to obtain the information, I think it's purpose is well served.

I'll respond back with my progress.

--CHLDave

Welcome , I have not been here long myself (just before I took my class) but I too have found this board to be a wealth of information

Grayson County, told me on the phone I could not order the records on the phone, I had to come to Sherman they charge a fee for the search and they wanted to see my ID.

I was arrested by Grayson County when I was 19 on 2 Felony charges, both No-Billed/Dismissed by the Grand Jury. But the arrest took place and is on the books so I had to report it on the application. Anyway I had to drive to Sherman from Dallas (not a bad drive but cost a bit in gas) only to find out they did not have my records anymore at the district clerks office (or they did not want to search the shed )...SOOOOO, Just a bit upset at this point (but not showing it), I had the clerk give me a letter stating they had "no record" I then went down the hall to the DA's office and ask them to look for the records in their files and they had them both with notations of the outcome. With the clerks letter along with the certified Records I got from the DA's office, I made "certified/notarized copies" of what I had just received and put those, not the originals with the application and sent it on to DPS return receipt requested. (Originals I received are in a safe and no fee charged by either the clerk or DA ).

Over 90 days now, "processing application"

Interesting, thanks for the response. I guess it's just up to the individual county/city to determine the policy for fullfilling these types of requests. I did have to pay a fee as well (money order or cashiers check form), and provide a copy of my DL, along with a self addressed stamped envelope for the documents to be mailed back to me. I called again today to make sure I got all that right, and also found it should take about 10 days from the time they receive it to process it. I just hope whatever they mail back to me is the right stuff the state is looking for !

After reading some of the stories about past incidents, I am starting to worry a bit. 33 years ago when I was 18, I got arrested (or not) over a 'brawl' that was just a bunch of friends horsing around (wrestling around on someones lawn). Someone spotted it and called the cops. Most of those involved had already left, but when the cops came they hauled a couple of us down to the station and tossed us in a cell. I don't recall any fingerprints or mug shots, but I do recall having to show up again where everything was cleared up and we all just walked away. Even if it was an arrest, I have no idea where to even begin looking for some sort of record of it. Geeze, it was 33 years ago, who remembers stuff that long ago? Anyway, my package is already in, so I guess I'll find out eventually. BTW, it happened in Chicago, so it's not like I can jut pop into one of the court houses.