Criminal History Questions

[BoneyTony]

I've just completed my CHL course and am applying for a CHL. On the applications it asks about my criminal history.

My history is as follows:

In 1999 when I was 15 I was arrested and convicted of felony possession of marijuana
in 2000 when I was 16 I was arrested and convicted of a misdemeanor possession of marijuana
in 2000 when I was 16 I was arrested and convicted of felony check fraud
in 2003 when I was 19 I was arrested and convicted of Public Intoxication (a Class C Misdemeanor)

My Questions:
1. I've been told by attorneys in the past that I need not disclose any convictions as a juvenile on applications, however, since it's the DPS, I have to assume that they have access to this information and therefore I should disclose it. Is my assumption correct?

2. My misdemeanor possession of marijuana arrest in 2000 was completely expunged meaning that even I cannot access this information. I've been to the arresting police station, the county courthouse where I was tried and convicted, even had a statewide background check done on myself with finger prints and all, and there is no trace of it anywhere. Therefore, I won't be able to provide any supporting documents that it happened. Should I mention this?

3. As for the Class C Misdemeanor in 2003, this is my only adult conviction, but it's my understanding that Class C Misdemeanors will not disqualify me. Is that correct?

Thanks for any help.

[Keith B]

Welcome to the forum.

You will need to disclose all of the arrests and provide certified documentation of the disposition on the cases. You can obtain a copy of the disposition from the court clerk where your cases were handled.

[nightmare69]

You won't be able to access your juvenile record without a court order. What you can do is call and get them to write you a letter about your arrests. It worked for me.

You have to disclose all arrests and convictions period. It does not matter if Obama granted you a full presidential pardon, they will still show up on the FBI background check.

[tbrown]

If you're eligible, there's no need to lie on your application.

[JP171]

Juvenile arrests and convictions do NOT show up on FBI or NICS if they were finished before you turned 18, juvenile records are sealed to everyone including federal law enforcement. your choice to list or not

[nightmare69]

Juvenile arrests and convictions do NOT show up on FBI or NICS if they were finished before you turned 18, juvenile records are sealed to everyone including federal law enforcement. your choice to list or not

False. I have a juvenile record that is sealed and it does come up on federal background checks. I've seen it myself.