CHL cons question

[bullhead44]

I have been planning on getting my CHL for a while. Some people have told me they will not get one because there is a risk that some traffic stops can become a felony if you are carrying. I don't really know what they are talking about. Any of you CHL guys have any info to share?

[lameduck]

Only in states that do not have chl
Or states that do not recognize chl from other states

[Chasin Bacon]

If you are lawfully carrying (with or without a CHL) how is a normal traffic stop going to turn into a felony?

[gonzaleziam]

Been stopped before. You have to show both CHL and TDL. Once they see that, they will ask if you are carrying your weapon. If yes, they will ask you to step out to be away from your weapon. My sis in law recently married DPS officer so I asked him about that. Their way of thinking is that "what if the traffic stop goes bad". They feel the driver might reach for their weapon.

[fullsizeaggie]

Have never had to get out of personal vehicle on a traffic stop. Only on a DPS commercial safety check.

[HoustonHunter]

I've been pulled over a few times and handed both licenses to the officer. To be honest, I think they are somewhat relieved to know the person behind the wheel is a responsible citizen and not some every day thug.

I've never had an issue and typically have been issued warnings.

The pros outweigh the cons for carrying and I've never heard of what you're talking about and have been carrying for close to 5 years.

[firemedic2105]

Been stopped before. You have to show both CHL and TDL. Once they see that, they will ask if you are carrying your weapon. If yes, they will ask you to step out to be away from your weapon. My sis in law recently married DPS officer so I asked him about that. Their way of thinking is that "what if the traffic stop goes bad". They feel the driver might reach for their weapon.

I've never been asked out of the vehicle unless they were fishing and were going to try and get consent for a search, usually by troopers. It has nothing to do with the person having a CHL.

And didn't Texas decriminalize the showing your CHL on a stop a couple years ago (didn't change the law, just no penalty if you don't)?

[SaltwaterSlick]

Been stopped before. You have to show both CHL and TDL. Once they see that, they will ask if you are carrying your weapon. If yes, they will ask you to step out to be away from your weapon. My sis in law recently married DPS officer so I asked him about that. Their way of thinking is that "what if the traffic stop goes bad". They feel the driver might reach for their weapon.

Makes absolutely no sense at all... IF I were to "step out of the car" I would not be AWAY from my weapon... I'd have BETTER/QUICKER access to it... I'm just sayin'.

I've been stopped as well and when presented with the CHL the DPS guy asked me if I was armed and my reply was, "Yes sir"... To which he responded, "Please just leave it where it is"... That exact same thing has happened more than once... have even gotten into a discussion about what/where to carry, etc. with one of Harris County's finest...

Now if they give you the old, "I'll show you mine if you'll show me yours..." I'd get nervous...

but to the original question, IF you are legally carrying, especially in your private automobile, there is nothing that I can imagine that would make the fact you are carrying reason for a violation resulting in a felony... If you are in violation for something that is not provided for under the CHL Statute, then the charges could be upgraded to a felony, but the CHL had nothing to do with it except you were in violation to begin with and not legally carrying in the first place... That's all I got.

[flyby]

Been stopped before. You have to show both CHL and TDL. Once they see that, they will ask if you are carrying your weapon. If yes, they will ask you to step out to be away from your weapon. My sis in law recently married DPS officer so I asked him about that. Their way of thinking is that "what if the traffic stop goes bad". They feel the driver might reach for their weapon.

I've only disarmed one CHL holder, and that was just before I found his weed and meth. That stop did turn into a felony, but not because of the weapon.

Usually I just ask where the weapon is and ask them to leave it in place. Funny how most CHL holders are very polite and cooperative. Seems that most usually get warnings.

[Playa]

I have been planning on getting my CHL for a while. Some people have told me they will not get one because there is a risk that some traffic stops can become a felony if you are carrying. I don't really know what they are talking about. Any of you CHL guys have any info to share?

I'm sure some of the LEO's will have specific code and whatnot, but if you are lawfully carrying, then a routine traffic stop ( ie speeding, running red light, etc) wouldn't be escalated in anyway form or fashion.

I suppose that in the event of something like road rage where you ran someone off the road, then threatened them with your gun, it could be escalated. But that really has nothing to do with CHL.

[bullhead44]

Thanks guys. I think they may be talking about drinking and carrying. Not that I would carry if was drinking but that is the only thing I can think they may be talking about. I know the wording on the law about "impaired vs intoxicated" is a little vague.

[HoustonHunter]

Thanks guys. I think they may be talking about drinking and carrying. Not that I would carry if was drinking but that is the only thing I can think they may be talking about. I know the wording on the law about "impaired vs intoxicated" is a little vague.

I make the rule simple: if I have had anything at all to drink, I do not carry. Plain and simple, that is the best way to go about it. It's when you take risks like carrying after only having a few that can get you in deep trouble.

If I'm investigated for using my weapon as deadly force, I would prefer to be 100% sober than 1% intoxicated. Will make it much easier to defend my decision.

[Boomerang]

Been stopped before. You have to show both CHL and TDL. Once they see that, they will ask if you are carrying your weapon. If yes, they will ask you to step out to be away from your weapon. My sis in law recently married DPS officer so I asked him about that. Their way of thinking is that "what if the traffic stop goes bad". They feel the driver might reach for their weapon.

You may want to read up on the requirements.

[E.TX.BOWHUNTER]

I got pulled over after leaving the gun shop where I had just picked up 2 rifles and 2 shotguns that were being deeply cleaned and lubricated after being in storage for about 15 years and I had my 5 year old daughter in the vehicle- a single cab truck! The look on the troopers face was shock at first. He asked me to step out. I wonder why? Our conversation was pleasant, and everything was OK, but I think he probably had to mention it to his buddies. No ticket was issued. It was my 1st day at a new company and in a company vehicle with a broken windshield and the registration was just out of date. I had the new registration on my dash, and a receipt from the gunsmith's shop on top of that. The glass company was scheduled the next am. Just to note also, the company has no problems with firearms in company vehicles.

[gonzaleziam]

You may want to read up on the requirements.

That's what I was told during my CHL class. Maybe I just look suspicious, who knows. One thing is for sure that the two times I was pulled over, they were nervous once they knew I had my weapon. One trooper asked to me to get out, point to where it was at and he retrieved it. He then told me he was going to run a check on it to see if it had been used in a crime. I rolled my eyes and told him go for it. Gave me back my weapon and told me to have a good day. Then told me to use my blinker before I change lanes. Holy cow, the second guy nearly came out of his skin and started yelling at me to step out of the car NOW.
Someone please enlighten me on my rights.