Asked 5/23/2016 – Houston, TX

I plead guilty to a misdemeanor grand theft charge in California was sentenced 3 years summary probation(first offense). I’ve sinced moved home to Texas and was looking to get my concealed handgun license as I’ve owned hand guns for almost 10 years. I stopped carrying since I’ve been on probation because I was unsure of the laws but I’m looking to carry again. California classifies my charge as a wobbler meaning it could either be a misdemeanor or a felony but Texas classifies misdemeanors by class so I’m unsure of how that would be looked at.

Answer

Your ability to obtain a concealed handgun license in Texas depends on the level of the offense you were on probation for in California, and the disposition of that case. For example, if the case was a felony, and a final conviction was entered, you are prohibited from obtaining the CHL. You should contact the Department of Public Safety to determine how your California case corresponds to Texas statutes. Don’t expect a quick answer, and providing a copy of the judgment in your case would probably help.