Dallas Gun Crime Lawyer

Dallas Gun Crime Attorney

In Texas, weapons charges include the illegal possession of a weapon, discharging a gun improperly, the use of a weapon while committing a crime, or even selling a weapon or granting a child access to an unsecured gun. Texas often punishes these criminal offenses harshly, which can damage your criminal record. If you stand accused of a weapon offense in the state of Texas, you should contact a Dallas gun crime lawyer.

The team at Harris & Harris Law Group, PLLC, can provide a strong legal defense. Using our years of experience, we will fight to protect you from fines and potential prison time. Our knowledge and experience allow us to individualize our services to the needs of our clients. We take time to review your gun charges and work to build a defense that works for the circumstances of your case, not a one-size-fits-all approach.

Weapon Offenses and Penalties

According to Texas law, weapons such as brass knuckles, switchblades, machine guns, explosive weapons, and rifles or shotguns altered so the weapon is less than 26 inches long are illegal to carry outright. Possession of brass knuckles and switchblades results in a class A misdemeanor, but the others are third degree felonies with potential penalties, including two to ten years in prison.

Charged With Illegally Carrying A Weapon?

Texas allows individuals to carry many weapons, including clubs, firearms, swords, and other illegal knives, while at home and in a car to transport the weapon. Illegally carrying one of these weapons amounts to a class A misdemeanor. If the crime occurs in locations such as a school, court, or business that sells alcohol, the crime becomes a third-degree felony.

An individual with a license to carry a concealed handgun can avoid many illegal possession charges, but the law does not allow these individuals to openly carry handguns or bring them to locations such as churches, hospitals, sporting events, or amusement parks.

Common Weapons Offenses

Gun possession and ownership are restricted in Texas for several circumstances. Residents are limited in the locations where they can carry weapons, and those with felony convictions are prohibited from owning a weapon. Weapons charges can vary with some of the most common weapons charges, including:

• Illegal sale of a weapon.
• Concealed handgun license violation.
• Concealed guns or firearms at airports or other public places.
• Unlawfully discharging or brandishing a weapon.
• Unlawfully carrying a weapon.
• Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

A conviction of any of these offenses could lead to serious consequences. While guns and Texas seemingly go hand in hand, violating weapons laws could impact your rights and freedoms. A conviction could not only lead to time in jail and excessive fines but also negatively impact your ability to gain future employment and housing and pursue further educational opportunities.

How a Dallas Gun Crime Lawyer Can Help You

A Dallas gun crime attorney can be vital to successfully reaching an acquittal, a reduction of charges, or an outright dismissal. Our team will investigate the details of your case and determine the most appropriate defense. Some common defense strategies include:

• Denying the crime. This is one of the most common defenses to gun charges. It’s simply denying that the crime was committed by the defendant. This could be the result of faulty witness statements, mistaken identity, or any other circumstances that prove the defendant was not present at the time of the crime.
• Lack of intent. In some weapons crimes, the intent to commit the crime can change the perception of the charges or of an ultimate conviction. While there is little leeway in weapons charges, the circumstances of the case, including committing the crime by mistake or without intent, can help sway the outcome.
• Insanity. Insanity is another common legal defense used. If you are not mentally competent, you cannot be charged with intentionally and knowingly committing a crime. While the insanity plea is not an easy one to execute, it may be necessary depending on the details of your case. This defense will usually require a mental health professional to conduct a thorough evaluation to determine the level of incompetence.

FAQs

Q: How Is Deadly Conduct Defined in Texas?

A: Deadly conduct is defined in Texas as any reckless behavior on behalf of an individual that puts other people in imminent danger of bodily harm. You could face deadly conduct charges if you discharge a firearm recklessly. This could include discharging a firearm toward an individual, a building, a habitation, or a vehicle. You could also be charged if you point a weapon toward another person, even if the gun is loaded or not.

Q: How are Weapons Charges Made in Texas?

A: Weapons charges can happen in various ways. Common instances include people tipping off the police, not realizing they have a firearm in a bag or carryon until they pass through a security checkpoint like an airport, or police may find a gun or weapon on the body of an individual or in a vehicle during a routine traffic stop. If you have been caught with an illegal weapon, you should promptly speak with a Dallas Gun Crime Lawyer for help. A possession charge could lead to serious consequences.

Q: Can You Own a Gun in Dallas If You Were Convicted of a Domestic Violence Crime?

A: Those who have been convicted of a domestic violence crime in Texas are prohibited from owning a gun. If you have questions regarding gun ownership, you should contact a criminal defense attorney experienced in weapons crimes who can investigate your specific case.

Q: What Weapons are Illegal to Own in Texas?

A: There are various illegal weapons in Texas. Texas law outlines weapons crimes as those that cause offenses against the public’s health and safety. It could be a weapon or instrument specifically designed to inflict bodily harm on people. Some weapons that can be illegal to own include homemade guns, brass knuckles, explosives, and certain shotguns, among others. There are certain exemptions available for those who qualify, but the public is prohibited from owning these weapons.

Q: What are the Penalties for Illegally Owning a Gun in Texas?

A: The penalties for illegally owning a gun in Dallas and other areas of Texas can vary depending on the specific circumstances. Penalties can vary from a Class A misdemeanor to a third-degree felony or even federal charges. If you’ve been charged with unlawful possession of a firearm, you need to speak with a Dallas Gun Crime Lawyer immediately for help. An attorney can review the case and help you understand the charges.

Protect Your Criminal Record in Dallas, TX

In addition, using such a weapon can be a serious crime. Discharging a gun in a public location is a class A misdemeanor if the user fires the weapon inside a town with a population of more than 100,000 people. Using a weapon, whether you fire it or not, while committing a violent crime may increase charges to aggravated status, which is a first degree felony.

Giving or selling a firearm to an individual who is not permitted to own a gun is a class A misdemeanor. This includes intoxicated persons and children who do not have parental consent. Simply leaving a loaded firearm within a child’s reach is a crime.