txinvestigator wrote:
Yes, you MUST list the offense. Failing to disclose it will result in a denial.
I even included the time I was arrested because my name matched the name of a wanted Child Molester. Never mind the guy they wanted was in his 50's, and I was in my 20's at the time...
*CHL Instructor*
"Speed is Fine, but accuracy is final"- Bill Jordan
Remember those who died, remember those who killed them.
txinvestigator wrote:
Yes, you MUST list the offense. Failing to disclose it will result in a denial.
I even included the time I was arrested because my name matched the name of a wanted Child Molester. Never mind the guy they wanted was in his 50's, and I was in my 20's at the time...
I know how that feels. To be placed in cuffs and told that there is a warrant for something that you know isn't you really stinks.
I don't think these folks are as harsh as some here make out.
I did not list an arrest 15yrs ago because I thought that they only wanted the last 5yrs. I was sick and tired when I took the CHL class and I thought that's what my instructor said.
Anyway, 5 days later I realized I made a mistake and called them. They told me don't hassle it and let them know after they contact me initially.
When they did I gave them the missing info plus the disposition (charges dropped) and that was it. No harm no foul.
I know that this is a little late given when the post was written but this info will probably help somebody. First off juvenile records are not sealed when you turn 18 or any other age, this is a serious misconception. I applied for my CHL originally in 2002 and was denied because of juvenile arrest, grade of felony. The most interesting part is when I was arrested as well as in court no one ever told me or my parents that I was being charged with a felony, my parents did not get me a attorney because they figured this was a life lesson that I needed to learn. But hignsight is always 20/20 to make a long story short I was sent a letter stating that i had been denied because of a prior felony, and failure to disclose. I immediately hired an attorney and took DPS to court then DPS had the trial postponed 2 months from the original date because they could not find a hard copy of the case and disposition. After a lot of time and money down the drain I go to court with representation end-up getting the failure to disclose removed but was still denied my liscence, I then ask what I needed to do to get my liscence they say have your juvenile records sealed in addition to having to wait another 4 years before can re-apply for my CHL again, very very angry. Then I start the process of getting my record sealed, long process and some cash. The requirements to have your records sealed are as follows no more than 1 juvenile conviction regardless of grade must be of 21 years of age, and with nothing other than traffic violations since the age of 18. You really have to be squeaky clean to have it sealed plus an extra $2,500 to spend on a attorney and court costs. Overall my first denial and what I needed to do to fix it cost $3,900 and another 4 years. This all because a mistake I made when I was 15 only fifteen a little kid and was still being punished as a adult for it, what do you expect? thats the true Texas.
I would like to emphasize that I have no plans to omit the description of my offense on the application.
The question that I still have is: If I do not include the certified copy of judgment and sentence from the court, will it bar me from receiving the license, or will it merely delay the process?
In other words, has anyone here applied with an offense on the application but without the certified copies, and received their license?
edit: Witness P, thanks for that. I did not realize that my record is not, in fact, "sealed." Good to know.
I went to the local court that my juvenile charges happened in. They can and will release the records to you, don't let them tell you there is no way to get them.
You need to go to the courthouse where your charge took place. Speak to the clerk there and tell her you would like to get certified copies of your juvenile dispositions. She should tell you to fill out a form, you will list all charges you wish to have dispositions of on that form. She will take it before a judge and get permission to release those specific records to you. She should call you a day or 2 after filling out the form to let you know you can come pick them up.
Including certified compies of everything, including things that wouldn't be absolutely required to show certified copies of, will help to avoid any investigative delays. At least that's what the lady at DPS told me over the phone.
