Irving Gun Crime Lawyer

Irving Gun Crime Attorney

Gun crimes are taken very seriously in Texas, with prosecutors trying to enforce severe penalties that can impact a person’s future for years to come. Regardless of how severe your charge is, there typically are personal and legal consequences you likely want to avoid. To help, you need to better understand what rights you have as a criminal defendant. You also need to enlist the help of an experienced Irving gun crime lawyer to protect those rights in the process.

Experienced Gun Crime Defense Lawyers in Irving, Texas

At our family-run law firm, Harris & Harris Law Group, PLLC proudly brings deep experience and a personal commitment to every gun crime case we take on. Led by twin brothers who formerly served as Texas prosecutors, we use our insights into both sides of the courtroom to craft the type of quality legal defense you need. As your legal team, we commit to keeping you connected on case updates every step of the way to ensure you feel confident and in control the entire time.

Understanding Texas Gun Crime Charges

Gun-related charges in Irving vary widely. The severity of your own charge usually depends on factors such as your criminal history, where the incident happened, and if there is evidence to suggest a firearm was used to threaten someone.

Some of the most common firearm-related charges include:

• Unlawful possession of a firearm
• Carrying a weapon in prohibited places, like a school or an airport
• Aggravated assault with a deadly weapon
• Unlawful discharge of a firearm
• Use of a firearm in the commission of a felony

With 38.7% of all violent crimes involving a firearm in Texas, the state pursues these cases aggressively. To be prepared, you need to have an experienced defense team on your side, even if your case appears to be minor and straightforward.

What to Expect in Gun-Related Charges

As former prosecutors, we know how these cases are built. We also know where traditional weak spots lie. Overall, prosecutors typically focus on:

• Weapon recovery and tracing: In 2022, there were more than 55,000 firearms traced in Texas. This included over 44,000 pistols.
• Intent and behavior: They are looking to see if the gun was fired, brandished, or found during another crime investigation.
• Possession legality: Prosecutors often look to see if the firearm was legally owned and carried in accordance with Texas law.
• Criminal history: Someone with prior felony convictions can quickly escalate a misdemeanor into another felony.

With all of this in mind, our goal is to challenge every element of their case. They have a high burden of proof to uphold, which we can combat from all angles to ensure your rights are not just protected but also prioritized.

Consequences of a Gun Crime Conviction

Being convicted of a gun-related offense in Irving, Texas carries the possibility of different consequences. Some of the top ones that might be considered in your case include:

• A jail sentence
• Thousands of dollars in fines
• Permanent or temporary loss of gun ownership rights
• A criminal record that can affect your ability to secure a job or housing in the future
• Potential federal charges

With 4,630 firearm-related deaths in 2022, lawmakers and prosecutors are pressured to take tough stances to reverse these trends. However, it doesn’t mean that all allegations are turned into formal convictions. That’s why it’s important you act as quickly as you can to defend yourself.

Choose Us to Defend Against Firearm Charges in Irving, Texas

A strong legal defense can make a huge difference between a conviction and earning a second chance at life. Depending on your case, we might suggest one of the following options:

• Claiming an unlawful search and seizure took place, violating your Fourth Amendment right
• You did not intend to have a gun on hand, or were not aware it was in your presence
• The alleged victim accused the wrong person
• Improper police conduct was present
• The witnesses are unreliable
• You had a valid license to carry

We approach each case with an open mind to explore every possible angle. This can help you feel more confident in the defense strategy we end up selecting together.

FAQs About Irving, TX Gun Crime Laws

Q: Can a Felon Ride in a Car With Someone That Has a Gun in Texas?

A: It can be very risky for a felon to ride in a car where someone else has a gun. Even if the gun legally belongs to the other person, a felon could still face legal trouble if the firearm is within reach or the prosecutor makes the point that there was shared access. The sheer presence of a gun in the car could lead to allegations of unlawful possession, which makes it wise for a felon to try and avoid this situation from happening.

Q: What Is the Average Retainer Fee for a Criminal Lawyer?

A: A retainer fee for a criminal lawyer usually depends on how complicated a case is, how many years of experience an attorney has, and whether the charge is a misdemeanor or felony. In felony cases, especially those involving guns, the retainer is on the higher end due to the potential penalties and how much preparation is involved. At our firm, we strive to be transparent about all costs and provide an honest estimate before you commit to our services.

Q: Can I Own a Gun After Felony Expungement in Texas?

A: In some cases, expungement and other legal remedies could restore a person’s gun ownership rights. However, this does not automatically happen. Rather, the process depends on the nature of the original charge and whether your attorney can present evidence to satisfy expungement criteria. Even after this decision has been made, clarify with your attorney what this means for you and gun ownership. Making assumptions could risk causing more trouble down the road.

Q: How Serious Is a First-time Gun Charge in Texas?

A: Even first-time gun crime charges are treated seriously in Texas, especially if it has been tied to other criminal allegations. However, a lot of first-time offenders have more options for reduced charges or alternative outcomes. To see if your case could qualify for one of these alternatives, your lawyer can assess if events like a procedural error or lack of evidence are at play to help make that a possibility.

Contact Our Irving Gun Crime Lawyer

If you have recently been charged with a gun crime in Irving and are looking for quality legal support, contact our firm today. We are standing by, ready to learn more about how we can help arm you with knowledge and a solid defense to get the job done.