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Texas CHL - Knowing Your Rights

Daily, almost minute by minute, we receive updated tips, training and practical information for CHL holders, firearms instructors, homeowners, etc.

As we come across tips that we feel are particularly useful to our students and visitors to our site, we will post them and attempt to reference their source as well as we are able.

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The majority of our tips are received from USConcealedCarry.com, and other reputable sources.

What to do if You're Stopped by the Police:

Police abuse is very rare, but you need to know your rights and how to properly exercise them. There are some things you should do, some things you must do and some things you cannot do. If you are in the middle of a police encounter, you need a handy and quick reference to remind you what your rights and obligations are.

You may print this page and carry it in your wallet, pocket, or glove compartment to give you quick access to your rights and obligations concerning police encounters.

Remember, one of the best things you can do to prevent the rare chance of abuse is to seek out and get to know the officers in your community, both professionally and socially. They are more interested in protecting the community they serve than harassing it, and a close working relationship with your local law enforcement has benefits both individually and as a whole for your community.

  • Think carefully, about your words, movement, body language, and emotions.
  • Don't get into an argument with the police.
  • Remember, anything you say or do can be used against you.
  • Keep your hands where the police can see them.
  • Don't run. Don't touch any police officer.
  • Do NOT resist even if you believe you are innocent.
  • Don't complain on the scene or tell the police they're wrong or that you're going to file a complaint.
  • Do not make any statements regarding the incident. Ask for a lawyer immediately upon your arrest if you are placed into custody.
  • Remember officers' name, badge and patrol car numbers.
  • Write down everything you remember ASAP.
  • Try to find witnesses and their names and phone numbers.
  • If you are injured, take photographs of the injuries as soon as possible, but make sure you seek medical attention first.
  • If you feel your rights have been violated, file a written complaint with police department's internal affairs division or civilian complaint board.
  1. What you say to the police is always important. What you say can be used against you, and it can give the police an excuse to arrest you, especially if you bad-mouth a police officer.
  2. You must show your driver's license AND CHL and proof of financial responsibility (usually an insurance card) when stopped in a vehicle. Otherwise, you don't have to answer any questions if you are detained or arrested, with one important exception. The police may ask for your name if you have been properly detained, and you can be arrested in some states for refusing to give it(failure to identify). If you reasonably fear that your name is incriminating, you can claim the right to remain silent, which may be a defense in case you are arrested anyway.
  3. The police do have the right to disarm you if they feel the need, however this is rare as most officers do not want you messing with your firearm during the contact.
  4. You don't have to consent to any search of yourself, your car or your house. If you DO consent to a search, it can affect your rights later in court. If the police say they have a search warrant, ASK TO SEE IT.
  5. Do not interfere with, or obstruct the police -- you can be arrested for it.

IF YOU ARE STOPPED FOR QUESTIONING

  1. It's not a crime to refuse to answer questions, but refusing to answer can make the police suspicious about you. If you are asked to identify yourself, see paragraph 2 above.
  2. Police may "pat-down" your clothing if they suspect a concealed weapon. Don't physically resist, but make it clear that you don't consent to any further search.
  3. Ask if you are under arrest. If you are, you have a right to know why.
  4. Don't bad-mouth the police officer or run away, even if you believe what is happening is unreasonable. That could lead to your arrest.

IF YOU'RE STOPPED IN YOUR CAR

  1. Upon request, show them your driver's license AND CHL, registration (if required in your state), and proof of insurance. In certain cases, your car can be searched without a warrant as long as the police have probable cause. To protect yourself later, you should make it clear that you do not consent to a search. It is not lawful for police to arrest you simply for refusing to consent to a search.
  2. If you're given a ticket, you should sign it; otherwise you can be arrested. You can always fight the case in court later. Remember, a ticket (citation) is NOT an admission of guilt, it is simply a Promise to Appear in front of the judge for the offense.
  3. If you're suspected of drunk driving (DWI) and refuse to take a blood, urine or breath test, your driver's license may be suspended.

IF YOU'RE ARRESTED OR TAKEN TO A POLICE STATION

  1. You have the right to remain silent and to talk to a lawyer before you talk to the police. Tell the police nothing except your name and address. Don't give any explanations, excuses or stories. You can make your defense later, in court, based on what you and your lawyer decide is best.
  2. Ask to see a lawyer immediately. If you can't pay for a lawyer, you have a right to a free one, and should ask the police how the lawyer can be contacted. Don't say anything without a lawyer. AGAIN, this is not disrespectful. Prosecutors are professionals and ANYTHING you say may be misconstrued if not articulated correctly. Seek legal council to assist you in presenting your defense.
  3. Within a reasonable time after your arrest, or booking, you have the right to make a local phone call: to a lawyer, bail bondsman, a relative or any other person. The police may not listen to the call to the lawyer.
  4. Sometimes you can be released without bail, or have bail lowered. Have your lawyer ask the judge about this possibility. You must be taken before the judge on the next court day after arrest.
  5. Do not make any decisions in your case until you have spoken with a lawyer.

IN YOUR HOME

  1. If the police knock and ask to enter your home, you don't have to admit them unless they have a warrant signed by a judge.
  2. However, in some emergency situations (like when a person is screaming for help inside, or when the police are chasing someone) officers are allowed to enter and search your home without a warrant.
  3. If you are arrested, the police can search you and the area close by. If you are in a building, "close by" usually means just the room you are in.

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