I was a bad kid... :)

[recrisp]

Hi!

This is my first post, and I am sure this question has been asked more than once, but still...
I am 62 years old, I have led an angelic lifestyle for many years, but a short time up until my 17th year, I wasn't 'that angelic'...
My question is, will I have trouble getting my CHL if I have been arrested way back then?
I was told by my (upcoming) CHL instructor that if I passed the FBI check when I bought my gun I should be fine. The bad thing is, the wait for the CHL is probably going to take some time anyway, and I don't want to lengthen the process.

I have already done the online CHL form, plus I have already done the Electronic Fingerprinting with Morfo Trust, so on 5-9-15 I will be taking my CHL class, which will have to be sent in also.

I have not once been before any judge, with the exception of simple traffic stuff, like, no inspection sticker, no drivers license, but that was all before I was 21.
As a teen, I did spend some time in the Juvenile Hall once, but it was over Truancy, I also went another time, but it was a lesser deal, I got out the same day after my mother came...
The times I am more worried about was when I was arrested for underage drinking, (possibly Drunk and Disorderly, I can't remember the charge) I did get arrested around 3-4 times...
Also, I was arrested for Breaking and Entering, but I was let go, they found the guys that did it, I was never before a judge on that, I did spend the night in the County Jail though... (I was in just the wrong place, at the wrong time)
I've had a few speeding tickets throughout the years, and that's about it really, like I said, I was pretty "angelic"... :)

Not to be so repetitive, but what do you feel my chances are?

If you feel not so good, is there numbers (here) that help a person out to speak to an official (DPS, etc) so I won't have to try and search online, I'm not having much luck on that.

Thank you!

Randy

[BobCat]

Randy, I'm not a lawyer or an expert, but I think you are worrying over nothing.

I'm only replying because nobody else has yet, and you seem like you need some reassurance.

Someone who can give specifics - like, 'they only look for minor brushes with the law that are less than 5 years old' - will be along in a while.

Major stuff, like a felony conviction, would have derailed the background check to buy a firearm.

So - take a deep breath, relax, read the forum (lots of good information and insight here), and roll with it.

[mr1337]

You should be fine.

As long as you don't have any felonies or violent misdemeanors at all, and no Class A or B misdemeanors in the past 5 years.

Be sure to disclose all of your arrests and convictions, the year, location, and final disposition, even if they did not result in prosecution or conviction.

For the full law regarding eligibility, read up on Texas Government Code Sec. 411.172. ELIGIBILITY.

[WildBill]

Welcome to the Forum recrisp!

[RoyGBiv]

I think the OP should be OK.... Document every arrest and disposition. Locations, dates, charges, etc. No need to document truancy or speeding tickets. But any time you were arrested and had your prints taken, even if charges were dropped, unless the record was expunged.

Sounds like nothing you did rose to a felony, but I am not a lawyer, so, just my opinion. The misdemeanors were long ago and will not prevent you from getting a CHL. Just provide all the documentation and expect it to take a bit of extra time. Maybe, maybe not.

[recrisp]

Thank you to ALL! :)

My concern is that I didn't mention any of this when I filled out the online CHL form, so I am assuming that I would need to do that...
I was hoping that I didn't need to do any further stuff, I mean, we are talking 45 years here, I just 'assumed' that since it wasn't a court hearing, I didn't need to do anything else. Man, I thought I was through with all hoops! :)

Thanks for the welcome too, I really do appreciate it, and also, thanks for all of the information that I have already learned in the last few days.

Oh yeah, anyone here have any numbers or places that I need to call, or contact if I need to get the misdemeanor information?

Randy

[The Annoyed Man]

My concern is that I didn't mention any of this when I filled out the online CHL form, so I am assuming that I would need to do that...

Welcome to the forum. Us 62 year olds have got to stick together. Too many crotchety old guys and young punks around here.

It might be that that it's too late to add something to the application on your own - depending on where the app is in the process. You could phone DPS and explain the situation, and they will tell you what you need to do. In any case, the background check they do is pretty thorough, so if they find a record that needs further explaining, they will send you a letter asking for details (dates, charges, disposition, etc.). That may delay your process by a couple of weeks, but it's not going to be a big deal.

When I submitted my first application, I got such a letter. I was born a naturalized American citizen, but I was born overseas (probably the same year you were born....LOL). So DPS sent me a letter asking for proof of citizenship. I sent them a photocopy of my Certificate of Live Birth signed by the U.S. Consul in Casablanca in 1952, and they approved my application. With renewals, there has been no issue at all. Seems like once they know about something and accept it, you don't have to remind them every 5 years.

[recrisp]

Live Birth

I need to check my birth certificate for that, you never know...

To me, I think that I should wait and see what happens, I guess, I mean, I have waited this long, a little while longer won't hurt, or, I may end up calling DPS like it was suggested.
I really do appreciate your reply, that really helps, hopefully I didn't do anything that I don't recall, then I would be upset. heheh

Thanks for the welcome too! :)

Randy

[pebblebeachkid]

I don't think I would call them, if they find something they will let you know soon enough. If its been that long, there probably no computer records anyway. Just relax and wait 30 days or so then call to check if you haven't heard anything or your status hasn't changed.

[o b juan]

randy...You might be the guy they need to go talk to kids about how to " do the right thing"
and live a long and fun life!!

[ScooterSissy]

...
When I submitted my first application, I got such a letter. I was born a naturalized American citizen, but I was born overseas (probably the same year you were born....LOL). So DPS sent me a letter asking for proof of citizenship. I sent them a photocopy of my Certificate of Live Birth signed by the U.S. Consul in Casablanca in 1952, and they approved my application. With renewals, there has been no issue at all. Seems like once they know about something and accept it, you don't have to remind them every 5 years.

I don't mean to sound picky, but typically one is not "born a naturalized American citizen". Naturalization is the legal process for a non-citizen to acquire citizenship. Is it possible that the certification was a Report of Birth Abroad of a Citizen of the United States of America (CRBA)? I had to present mine for my CHL. I was born to American citizens (it only actually takes one) overseas. But that is not a naturalized citizen, it's a natural born citizen.

[sugar land dave]

My wife is naturalized. Sometimes the government wants to see a copy of the certificate. You send it and they become happy campers.

[recrisp]

I don't think I would call them, if they find something they will let you know soon enough. If its been that long, there probably no computer records anyway. Just relax and wait 30 days or so then call to check if you haven't heard anything or your status hasn't changed.

Thanks PBK, I think that is the way I'll go, like they say, "If it ain't broke..."

Thank you!

Randy

[recrisp]

randy...You might be the guy they need to go talk to kids about how to " do the right thing"
and live a long and fun life!!

I'm not THAT good, just slightly better...

Thank, OBJuan!

Randy

[WinoVeritas]

My youthful indiscretions did not affect my getting a CHL 40+ years later. My youthful past was why I did all the requirements to obtain before I paid out good money for a CHL class.