Ramifications of Printing

[rmr1923]

there have been a few discussions recently about how to react if you're "made", two responses that i liked (assuming the person questioning you is not an LEO):

"it's a pda" (personal defense apparatus)
"it's a health maintenance device" (not a false statement at all, and it would more than likely lead the person to believe it's an insulin pump, colostomy bag, or other medical device.. they'll immediately leave you alone, and if they press you further just tell them it's none of their darn business)

with that said, if you have a good IWB holster and are careful about reaching up over your head and bending over, it's nearly impossible for the average citizen to spot your concealed handgun and even if they do, they're just as likely to think it's a cell phone or something else strapped to your waist. but honestly, people in general are pretty much oblivious to the world around them, so i don't worry all that much about printing. i'm a fairly thin guy (5'11" 180 lbs) and i can wear t-shirts that i had before my CHL and they conceal it well enough that my wife can't even tell when i'm carrying.

as for the legal ramifications, seems that's been pretty well covered here. as long as you don't intentionally show your weapon, you should be fine.

[WildBill]

as for the legal ramifications, seems that's been pretty well covered here. as long as you don't intentionally show your weapon, you should be fine.
there have been a few discussions recently about how to react if you're "made", two responses that i liked (assuming the person questioning you is not an LEO):

I am glad that you made that point. As a citizen and CHL holder you have no legal duty or responsibility to explain yourself or to respond to any questions from any person who is not an LEO.

[The Annoyed Man]

There are no ramifications. "Printing" is not illegal.

I agree with the second statement but not the first. "Printing" is not illegal and walking around downtown Austin with an EBR is not illegal. However, there can be ramifications for both. Some transplanted Yankee could get the vapors and call 911 to report a MWAG (man with a gun) if they notice the gun in both cases. If and when police show up, they could detain or arrest the MWAG in both cases. The charges should be dropped in both cases, because it wasn't illegal, but there are ramififcations other than prison time.

But if the hysteric didn't actually see the gun, then there are no consequences to you if the cops show up.

...

"Yes, officer, I am carrying a firearm under the authority of my CHL, which you have in your hand there. You sound like a reasonable guy. Please hear me out for a minute... Whoever complained and called the police might have thought they saw my pistol, but at worst I was printing, because I categorically NEVER intentionally revealed my gun. I prefer it stay concealed because I don't like it that people know I'm carrying. And as you well know, officer, under PC Sec. 46.035 (a), a license holder commits an offense if the license holder carries a handgun on or about the license holder's person under the authority of Subchapter H, Chapter 411, Government Code, and intentionally fails to conceal the handgun. I did not intentionally fail to conceal anything, let alone my firearm. I would be most grateful if you could inform the complainant of this so that he or she doesn't put either you or me through any more of these hoops in the future."

[Snap E Tom]

Thanks for the info. This info really should be in the Wiki, and the Wiki should be easier to find.

[WildBill]

"Yes, officer, I am carrying a firearm under the authority of my CHL, which you have in your hand there. You sound like a reasonable guy. Please hear me out for a minute... Whoever complained and called the police might have thought they saw my pistol, but at worst I was printing, because I categorically NEVER intentionally revealed my gun. I prefer it stay concealed because I don't like it that people know I'm carrying. And as you well know, officer, under PC Sec. 46.035 (a), a license holder commits an offense if the license holder carries a handgun on or about the license holder's person under the authority of Subchapter H, Chapter 411, Government Code, and intentionally fails to conceal the handgun. I did not intentionally fail to conceal anything, let alone my firearm. I would be most grateful if you could inform the complainant of this so that he or she doesn't put either you or me through any more of these hoops in the future."

TAM - You must have a much better memory than I. I would have to print all of this on a "Miranda Warning Card" to remember it all.

Actually, my plan, if I am ever "made" is to "beat feet" and get outta there post haste before an LEO shows up.

[steveincowtown]

"Yes, officer, I am carrying a firearm under the authority of my CHL, which you have in your hand there. You sound like a reasonable guy. Please hear me out for a minute... Whoever complained and called the police might have thought they saw my pistol, but at worst I was printing, because I categorically NEVER intentionally revealed my gun. I prefer it stay concealed because I don't like it that people know I'm carrying. And as you well know, officer, under PC Sec. 46.035 (a), a license holder commits an offense if the license holder carries a handgun on or about the license holder's person under the authority of Subchapter H, Chapter 411, Government Code, and intentionally fails to conceal the handgun. I did not intentionally fail to conceal anything, let alone my firearm. I would be most grateful if you could inform the complainant of this so that he or she doesn't put either you or me through any more of these hoops in the future."

I would say the exact thing...but in court. I would never tell a LEO any of this, as I never once in my life explained something to a LEO and had them say "you know what, now that I think about it, your right, have a great day!"

[kjolly]

The last thing I want to do is to startle a carpetbagger, school teacher or old lady out shopping for goceries and making them fear.
Only thing to do is comply with anything the LEO wants and say "Yes sir". Also helps a lot to smile and be relaxed and friendly so he does not precieve any threat.
If it goes to far, lawyer up and work it out with the judge.