Hi Keith, The lawyer was speaking specifically to me about my set of circumstances. In the context of the conversation I had with her, she did not mean to imply that the ability (or inability) to purchase a firearm was the only thing that can disqualify you from obtaining a CHL. The issue was whether or not there was a finding of Domestic violence by the judge in that instance. If there was a finding of domestic violence or family violence, then that should have disqualified me from purchasing or owning a firearm under federal regulations and since it hasn't obviously, her best guess was that I am fine. While my ability to purchase a firearm does not guarantee that I'm eligible to obtain a CHL, if the opposite were true . . . That is, if I WEREN'T legally able to purchase a firearm, it would guarantee that I'm not eligible to obtain a CHL.Keith B wrote:Your ability to buy a firearm is not a guarantee of your eligibility to get a Texas CHL. There are a lot of other things that can keep you from getting your concealed license when you are perfectly legal to buy a firearm. That's the reason many of the OCT members and others pushing for unlicensed open carry are wanting it so badly, because they can't get a license. The fact that one of their lawyers gave you this information is one of the reasons I feel [Pre-paid legal service] is not it is all cracked up to be and that their lawyers may not be as up to snuff on CHL laws as they purport they are.CleotisWalther86 wrote:I have a similar issue. I'm 28 now, and 12 and 13 when I was arrested for fighting with my younger brother who is 3 years younger than me. I wish I didn't have to wonder if my CHL application is going to go through because of these arrests. I haven't been able to get a copy of my sealed records or disposition. All I can get is a letter from the court saying that there are no such records available which is what I sent to DPS. I don't even have dates or the exact charges.
I've never had an issue purchasing a firearm in Texas or anywhere, and I even received a low level security clearance when I was in the Navy. I spoke with a lawyer at [Pre-paid legal service] who told me that this fact was key. If I've been able to purchase firearms, then I should be fine is what she said. But this pops up occasionally for different reasons. I even had an internship with Merrill Lynch, and they could see that I was arrested as the result of my background check, but not the nature of my arrests (which is even worse than them knowing the details in my case, because they're left wondering what kind of awful criminal they've hired.)
I understand the recidivism rates, but there should be a process for the statistical anomalies to regain their rights (especially when they were never in a position to defend themselves as a minor, where in many cases, the people in charge of making decisions regarding their defense, were the same people who called the police in the first place, their parent(s).)) 15 years, 2 combat tours, graduating from high school and college, marrying, and having children have not earned me any peace of mind. Incidentally, my brother and I are very close these days.
Now, as to your eligibility, I think there should be no problem, even if it is on your record. I am pretty sure your family violence charge as a juvenile would not have been a felony, so as a Misdemeanor it would only disqualify you if it occurred in the previous 5 years.
Hope it all works well for you!
I'm not an apologist for [pre-paid legal], but I am a member, and I haven't had any problems with them so far. It remains to be seen as to whether or not this one of their lawyers was correct about my CHL eligibility.