- Who is CHL Protection Plan?
- CHL Protection Plan is a nationwide membership organization that provides concealed carry licensees/permit holders with legal assistance in the event the member is involved in a self-defense incident.
- Can anyone purchase the CHL Protection Plan?
- Yes, but you must have or be awaiting issue of a current Concealed Handgun License or Concealed Carry permit issued by a state licensing agency. NOTE: Alaska and Vermont allow the concealed carry of firearms without a permit. Alaska still issues permits to those who want them, allowing them to benefit by recognition and reciprocity laws. Vermont residents traveling to another state must first obtain a non-resident concealed carry license/permit from that state, if available, prior to carrying a concealed handgun in that state.
- Where is CHL Protection Plan membership available to concealed carry licensees?
- All fifty (50) states, territories, and A.P.O./F.P.O. addresses of the United States
- What to do if you are stopped...
- Follow these guidelines to exercise your constitutional rights:
- Make sure your handgun is not in plain view.
- Designate one person to speak to the officer (usually the driver) - there is no need for anyone else in the car to speak.
- Show both of your hands as the officer approaches the car - it is wise to place both hands on the steering wheel in plain view.
- When the officer is close enough to hear you, say, “Hello officer, why did you pull me over?” The officer will probably ask you the same question; if so, say, “I don’t know officer, that is why I asked.”
- Remember that you have the right to remain silent, and that the officer is trained to use anything you say against you later in court. You do not have to answer any of the officer’s questions. If the officer asks you a question that you do not want to answer, calmly say, “Officer, I don’t want to answer any questions now. Am I free to go now?”
- If the officer asks you to turn off the engine, first roll up all the windows and then lock the all of the car doors. If you are ordered by the officer to step out of the car, first roll up all the windows, lock all of the car doors, and then exit the vehicle closing the door behind you. If you are asked why you locked the doors, say, “Habit.”
- If the officer asks you a question, it is always appropriate to say, “Officer, are you detaining me or am I free to leave?” If no response or you are asked the same or different question, repeat the phrase "Am I free to leave now?" as many times as necessary until you are allowed to depart.
- If the officer asks for your consent to search your person or your vehicle, say, “I’m sorry, but I do not consent to any searches and you may not ask anyone else for permission to search.” If the officer has to ask for your permission, that means that the officer does not have any legal reason to search you or your vehicle. You can always "Just say no" to a request for a search.
- If you don’t know what to say at any time, just ask, “Officer, am I free to leave now?”
Dallas Police Department Uninsured Motorist Towing Policy - Firearm Procedure
- What to do when you find yourself involved in a "use of force" situation
- The first thing you need to do is contact 9-1-1 .
- The dispatcher will ask you what you need. You will only ask for the dispatcher to send the police and paramedics (if someone is injured at the location).
- The dispatcher may ask you what has happened. DO NOT TELL THE DISPATCHER ANYTHING other than you need the police and paramedics. Why? BECAUSE YOUR 9-1-1 PHONE CALL IS BEING RECORDED! ANYTHING YOU SAY CAN AND WILL BE USED AGAINST YOU IN A COURT OF LAW!!!
- Ignore any instructions from the dispatcher to disarm yourself. If "ordered" by the dispatcher to disarm yourself, just say "I will comply with the officer's instructions when they arrive on scene". Do NOT argue with the dispatcher. Do NOT try and explain your situation to the dispatcher. Do NOT think you are going to convince anyone over the phone that you are justified in your actions.
- Once the police are enroute to your location, your next call should be to the CHLPP toll free Legal Assistance Hotline number. You will be requested to provide minimal information.
- What to do if you are arrested after a "use of force" situation
- You call the CHLPP toll free Legal Assistance Hotline and you will be contacted by an experienced local criminal defense attorney affiliated with CHL Protection Plan. Each member of CHL Protection Plan will be provided with a wallet ID card with their unique membership number, a toll free number for Customer Service, and a toll free Legal Assistance Hotline number that is answered 24/7/365. CHLPP will send a local experienced criminal defense attorney to your place of incarceration who will speak with you, represent you, and guide you through one of the most stressful events of your life.
- Is there a deductible, co-pay, or limit on the CHL Protection Plan?
- No, your legal expenses up to and through dismissal and/or nobill by a Grand Jury (if applicable) with the return of all your seized property will be covered by the CHL Protection Plan.
- Doesn’t my auto/homeowners liability insurance policy cover my legal expenses for a firearms related incident?
- No, auto/homeowner policies may cover civil and financial liabilities, but do not cover any criminal defense legal fees in a firearms related incident.
- I am concerned about privacy; will my name ever be sold or used by a third party?
- No, we honor all state Concealed Handgun License or Concealed Carry permit privacy laws.
