TexasCHLforum.com

Charles L. Cotton wrote:

Excaliber wrote:

MasterOfNone wrote:Maybe they need to revise GC 411.205 to read:

(a) If a license holder is carrying a handgun on or about the license holder's person when a magistrate or a peace officer demands that the license holder display identification, the license holder shall display both the license holder's driver's license or identification certificate issued by the department and the license holder's handgun license and a copy of CHL-16.

But seriously. For the LEOs on board, how would you respond if someone you stopped politely asked you to show him the code that makes (whatever you are saying he did wrong) illegal? "Officer, I carry this (CHL-16) around and read it all the time, but I don't recall seeing that. Can you show me what I'm missing?"

I would rate that approach as a gamble.

A sincere, careful officer who simply hasn't come across the issue enough to carefully reread that section of law among the few hundred thousand others he is required to enforce would be gracious and thank you for bringing that to his attention.

Another officer who focuses on performing to minimum standards and is frequently taken to task by his supervisors for mistakes would likely take it less well and you'd be likely to have a more time consuming unpleasant experience.

I think you handled this one well. Since you got a break on the speed violation, I suspect the officer involved falls into the first category, but the law review is best done by his supervisor. A polite letter to the agency head complimenting the officer on his courtesy and handling of the traffic stop that also mentions that a discussion of CHL related law as it applies to campuses revealed a misunderstanding that could lead to erroneous enforcement action would be a way to address all issues without risking a confrontation or embarrassing an officer who's trying to do his best out there.

This is excellent advice.

Chas.

(a) If a license holder is carrying a handgun on or about the license holder's person when a magistrate or a peace officer demands that the license holder display identification, the license holder shall display both the license holder's driver's license or identification certificate issued by the department and the license holder's handgun license and a copy of CHL-16.