Area's around Texas that are questionable about CHL

[Sheree]

Plano, just north of Dallas is getting that reputation. A cop there ticketed a guy who had a gun in his car, but failed to show his CHL. He had applied for a CHL, but had not received it in the mail yet. He did not have it to show with his driver's license when the cop asked for ID. It is legal under the Castle law to have a gun in the car, so he didn't think he was doing anything wrong even if he didn't have his license in the mail yet. When the cop ran his license, he found the records already reported the guy had his CHL. The driver tried to explain to no avail. It came the next day, I think, so he tried to leave messages for the cop he could prove he didn't have the CHL because he could show him the postmark on the envelope. To no avail. Still got the ticket. I did not hear whether it got resolved without a lot of legal hassle for the guy. I have also read a couple other things on other forums that Plano takes a dim view of CHL. If you drive through some parts of Dallas, you might want to carry a BUG :0).

[dicion]

Plano, just north of Dallas is getting that reputation. A cop there ticketed a guy who had a gun in his car, but failed to show his CHL. He had applied for a CHL, but had not received it in the mail yet. He did not have it to show with his driver's license when the cop asked for ID. It is legal under the Castle law to have a gun in the car, so he didn't think he was doing anything wrong even if he didn't have his license in the mail yet. When the cop ran his license, he found the records already reported the guy had his CHL. The driver tried to explain to no avail. It came the next day, I think, so he tried to leave messages for the cop he could prove he didn't have the CHL because he could show him the postmark on the envelope. To no avail. Still got the ticket. I did not hear whether it got resolved without a lot of legal hassle for the guy. I have also read a couple other things on other forums that Plano takes a dim view of CHL. If you drive through some parts of Dallas, you might want to carry a BUG :0).

Highlighted above, It is not the Castle Doctrine, but rather the Motorist Protection Act that specifically allows vehicle carry without a CHL.

The above mentioned suspension was also dropped by the DPS due to the new laws taking affect in September.

[Sheree]

OOPS, Sorry. I don't know why I put Castle. I guess I'm getting old. Did not mean to say confusing things. Thanks for pointing this out.

[The Annoyed Man]

The law is the law. If law enforcement agencies are violating the law then they need to be punished for it. I'll bet the Texas ACLU would love to help someone out with a Civil Rights lawsuit. I'll also bet that your State representative, State senator and the Attorney General's office would like to know about it.

You may well be correct, but that still doesn't address the OP's question — which was, are there areas of Texas where LEOs are known for harassing CHL holders? Sheree's answer, below, is the first one that actually answers the original question, near as I can tell:

Plano, just north of Dallas is getting that reputation. A cop there ticketed a guy who had a gun in his car, but failed to show his CHL. He had applied for a CHL, but had not received it in the mail yet. He did not have it to show with his driver's license when the cop asked for ID. It is legal under the Castle law to have a gun in the car, so he didn't think he was doing anything wrong even if he didn't have his license in the mail yet. When the cop ran his license, he found the records already reported the guy had his CHL. The driver tried to explain to no avail. It came the next day, I think, so he tried to leave messages for the cop he could prove he didn't have the CHL because he could show him the postmark on the envelope. To no avail. Still got the ticket. I did not hear whether it got resolved without a lot of legal hassle for the guy. I have also read a couple other things on other forums that Plano takes a dim view of CHL. If you drive through some parts of Dallas, you might want to carry a BUG :0).

[bdickens]

Well, then somebody up in Plano needs to sue the city.

[Keith B]

Plano, just north of Dallas is getting that reputation. A cop there ticketed a guy who had a gun in his car, but failed to show his CHL. He had applied for a CHL, but had not received it in the mail yet. He did not have it to show with his driver's license when the cop asked for ID. It is legal under the Castle law to have a gun in the car, so he didn't think he was doing anything wrong even if he didn't have his license in the mail yet. When the cop ran his license, he found the records already reported the guy had his CHL. The driver tried to explain to no avail. It came the next day, I think, so he tried to leave messages for the cop he could prove he didn't have the CHL because he could show him the postmark on the envelope. To no avail. Still got the ticket. I did not hear whether it got resolved without a lot of legal hassle for the guy. I have also read a couple other things on other forums that Plano takes a dim view of CHL. If you drive through some parts of Dallas, you might want to carry a BUG :0).

That person and posts are here on this forum Subject: Prior to Having License in Hand....

It is being resolved, but was still a hassle for the member. It will be interesting to see how something like this is handled after September 1 when you still have to present your license, but there is no legal penalty if you fail to do so.

[GeoJAP]

For what its worth from a positive side, I have been pulled over (or talked to police where I produced my DL and CHL) multiple times in Austin and once in Lockhart. Only in Lockhart was I at fault for breaking the law (speeding over the bridge on Hwy-183).

Every single time I spoke to them with respect, handed them my DL and CHL, and told them if I was carrying (with the location) or not.

Every single time the officer thanked me for my cooperation and once asked me what I carried and complemented me on my choice (Ruger SP-101 in 357 mag). Every single time, after a bit more small talk, they told me to be careful and to go on about my business.

I have had such positive experiences with Texas police since getting my CHL that I have started to give them the "over the steering wheel wave". I know the police are like any other population (not everyone is perfect), but I have much higher regard for Texas police from my personal positive experiences with them since getting my CHL. All my experiences with them have been decidedly positive since getting my CHL.

I have yet to have an experience with a Dallas, Houston or San Antonio officer since getting my CHL, which I'm a bit apprehensive about. I know their DAs are not friendly towards the idea of the CHL or their holders.

[joe817]

What a wonderful post GeoJAP! Thanks for sharing such a great observation. I too share that same belief, albeit I've yet to receive my license.

As far as giving them the over the steering wheel wave, I've been doing that since 1964 when I lived out on the ranch in Clay County. But back then it was common practice, to give that wave to EVERY passerby, not just a Peace Officer. Times have changed, but I just refused to break that "Texas hospitality" habit. Although now it is only to Peace Officers. I do get strange looks from LEO's every now and then as they pass by, but I just smile to myself knowing......my heritage.

God Bless Texas.

[jsimmons]

I have yet to have an experience with a Dallas, Houston or San Antonio officer since getting my CHL, which I'm a bit apprehensive about. I know their DAs are not friendly towards the idea of the CHL or their holders.

Uh-oh. I'm in San Antonio, and I plan on carrying in my car. I won't hesitate to go to a JP friend of mine AND the media if they try anything stupid.

[jsimmons]

What a wonderful post GeoJAP! Thanks for sharing such a great observation. I too share that same belief, albeit I've yet to receive my license.

As far as giving them the over the steering wheel wave, I've been doing that since 1964 when I lived out on the ranch in Clay County. But back then it was common practice, to give that wave to EVERY passerby, not just a Peace Officer. Times have changed, but I just refused to break that "Texas hospitality" habit. Although now it is only to Peace Officers. I do get strange looks from LEO's every now and then as they pass by, but I just smile to myself knowing......my heritage.

God Bless Texas.

Ever since I got my Crown Vic, they wave back to me - in fact it's rare that they don't respond positively in some fashion...

[stevie_d_64]

I do not see after about what...14 years...of CHL history that any Law Enforcement agency or its commissioned officers having any trouble with anyone with a CHL...

The problem I see is with some unrealistic expectations in encounters involving folks who break the law, get caught, and are pulled over to take care of that business...

No one here that I have heard (their story) have been treated that poorly...Its all in your attitude...

Reside yourself to the fact that you are going to get a citation, and that yes, it is going to cost you...Don't fight it at the time, don't get cute with Law Enforcement, keep it professional (as best you can) because the LEO is going to do their best as well...And 99.99% of the time you won't have a problem...Much less the fact that you are carrying a firearm will even be a point of dissagreement or discussion, or even more than a passing comment or instruction from an officer to leave it alone...Thats it, end of story...

If anyone here still believes that a CHL or out of state permit is a get out of a ticket card...

Hey, we need to talk (or not)...And I know there are some still out there that think this is an entitlement or expectation as soon as you show that little sucker to Law Enforcement...

[boomerang]

The problem I see is with some unrealistic expectations in encounters involving folks who break the law, get caught, and are pulled over to take care of that business...

I agree. Nobody should expect to get out of a traffic ticket because they have a CHL. However, I also think nobody should should expect to get out of a traffic ticket because they have a TCLEOSE license, or an out of state or fed badge, or a family member in law enforcement, or because they're active duty military, or a veteran, or a politician, or they play pro sports, or won a grammy or emmy or oscar, or have a 100 Club sticker, etc.

[stevie_d_64]

The problem I see is with some unrealistic expectations in encounters involving folks who break the law, get caught, and are pulled over to take care of that business...

I agree. Nobody should expect to get out of a traffic ticket because they have a CHL. However, I also think nobody should should expect to get out of a traffic ticket because they have a TCLEOSE license, or an out of state or fed badge, or a family member in law enforcement, or because they're active duty military, or a veteran, or a politician, or they play pro sports, or won a grammy or emmy or oscar, or have a 100 Club sticker, etc.

True...