Weapons Attorneys in The Woodlands Protecting You from Weapons Violation Charges in Texas

Texas is one of the more flexible states regarding gun laws, but most people don’t know they still need a concealed handgun license to carry a gun despite recent changes in the law. It’s easy to be charged with a weapons violation when state laws aren’t followed.

Serious weapon offenses include illegally possessing a weapon, discharging a gun, or using a weapon to commit a crime. A person can be charged with having an illegal weapon, selling an illegal weapon to another person, or allowing a child access to an unsecured firearm.

Morgan Bourque Attorney at Law, and our weapons lawyers will review the charges against you, push for a plea deal and lesser charges, or seek other alternatives to reach a better outcome in your weapons violation case.

What Weapons are Illegal in Texas?

Weapons are more than guns. Texas law strictly prohibits the use of certain weapons. There are exceptions to this rule if the federal government licenses a specific weapon. Prohibited weapons include:

• Explosives, including grenades, bombs, and rockets
• Machine guns
• Hunting rifles
• Shotguns
• Any rifle or shotgun that has been altered
• Switchblade knives
• Brass knuckles
• Improvised handguns

Do not get caught in possession of an illegal weapon or break state gun laws without legal representation to protect you. Morgan Bourque Attorney at Law, and our team of attorneys will defend your rights.

What is Open Carry in Texas?

People 21 and over in Texas can carry a handgun in a holster with a concealed handgun license to open carry. People with a gun find themselves in compromising situations when they don’t understand Texas gun laws.

A run-in with law enforcement or getting stopped at a traffic stop could result in an unexpected weapons violation charge.

Illegally carrying a firearm is considered a class A misdemeanor, and the penalties include up to one year in jail and fines of up to $4,000 or a third-degree felony and ten years in prison or fines of up to $10,000.

The first step in avoiding weapon charges is applying Texas law. Our attorneys can help you prevent gun charges or navigate the criminal justice system when you have been accused of a weapons violation.

What are the Penalties for Gun Crimes?

There are different penalties for gun crimes. It depends on the type of weapon used, where it is used, and how it is used. There also are penalties for giving or selling a gun to criminals or intoxicated people.

A person can be charged with carrying an illegal weapon and using a prohibited weapon. Illegally carrying a gun is considered a class A misdemeanor, resulting in jail time and steep fines. Folks with a handgun license cannot allow people to see their weapons or have them at schools, polling places, or other restricted businesses, or risk the consequences.

Using a gun is forbidden, and people will pay the price for breaking the law. It is a crime to fire a gun in public unless it’s for self-defense. The consequence is a class B misdemeanor. Another way to get into trouble is using a weapon to commit a violent crime like robbery or assault. A person can face life in prison if convicted.

How Can an Attorney Help with a Weapons Charge?

Getting caught with an illegal weapon and charged with a weapons violation is the start of a criminal record if it’s your first offense. A charge on your criminal record, even without a conviction, can hamper your ability to find a job, secure education and employment, and significantly reduce your earning potential. That’s just the start of a tough road ahead.

A criminal record will stick with you, so if you can help it, get yourself an experienced weapons lawyer to help you negotiate a better deal or get charges dropped related to a weapons offense. Employers and anyone with access to your background could misconstrue you as a violent criminal, even with a minor gun-related offense.

From unlawful possession to firearms trafficking to fraud and violent crimes, our attorneys will defend you against several violations to prevent severe penalties. Contact Morgan Bourque Attorney at Law, to discuss your case and how we can protect your freedom: 713-766-3733.