Carrying concealed handgun in car in Harris County

[tracyballard]

So, since the law has been updated back in 2007 regarding concealed handguns in cars (and traveling), I've heard some people saying that the Harris County DA is being a dick about anyone with a gun in the car who doesn't have a CCW. Has anyone gotten in trouble for that there (other than pimps and drug dealers)?? I really can't decide whether I want to take a pistol with me or not on our trip there.



BTW - what does the law say you're supposed to do with the gun at your hotel? leave it in the car? take it to your room??

[MordeanGrey]

Before I had a CCW permit I always took a pistol along in the car and into the hotel room. Not much sense in leaving it behind. (I didn't leave it in the room if I was gone during the day and then returning at night to the same room.) Basically, I never left it unattended.

Sorry, but I don't know what the local law in your area would say and can't comment on that.

[Para Driver]

it all depends on the officer who stops you.. some are cool, some are not..
you roll the bones, you take your chances..

[nalioth]

Originally posted by tracyballard
So, since the law has been updated back in 2007 regarding concealed handguns in cars (and traveling), I've heard some people saying that the Harris County DA is being a dick about anyone with a gun in the car who doesn't have a CCW. Has anyone gotten in trouble for that there (other than pimps and drug dealers)?? I really can't decide whether I want to take a pistol with me or not on our trip there.



BTW - what does the law say you're supposed to do with the gun at your hotel? leave it in the car? take it to your room?? You are mis-remembering the dates of this "Harris County DA being a dick" situation.

The 2007 law decriminalizes possession of a concealed handgun in your vehicle provided you're not a gang member, not committing a crime (other than a breach of traffic law), and are NOT a prohibited person. The "dick" Harris County DA resigned after he got caught with his hand in the cookie jar, and this hasn't been an issue since 2007 (that I've heard of).

I do wish people would quit with the FUD on this.

As far as carrying to your hotel room. the law protects you when carrying the concealed handgun to or from your residence. As soon as you check in to a hotel, it's considered your residence.

[ice9]

That's why he asked the question sparky. Lighten up.

[easttex]

I don't know about you, but I'd take the thing with me even if I didn't have a CHL (which I do...). I've been traveling to Harris county for various reason now for ten years and I've been packing since I was 21. The law is the law...but me personally, I value my life and property.

[dirtyrice]

What are you afraid of? An officer is never going to be searching your car for a gun in the first place unless you do something you really shouldn't. Which would have to be a bit more than a traffic violation. Even an accident. You also have your right to refuse to give consent to search your vehicle. And lastly you are protected by state law and the fact that our state has pre emption. At all times remember one thing "You are not breaking the law".

So harris county has no legal right to impose that kind of b.s. I also have not heard anything about it for quite some time. I don't worry about it a damn bit.

Nalioth is right about state law covering you while transporting your firearm from your vehicle to your residence and vice versa.

And if you are seriously worried take a damn shotgun. That is DEFINITELY legal under state law. By law you can technically open carry a loaded longarm in texas. But keeping it in the trunk is a little more discreet :)

[tracyballard]

I've decided to take my S&W 915, in a holster in our travel bag that we'll keep between the front seats.

[dirtyrice]

Good job. Hope you have a very safe trip. Just always make sure the pistol is concealed as under state law. :) I still haven't gotten a permit yet but, plan to do so asap.