Plano Gun Crime Lawyer

Plano Gun Crime Attorney

Gun-related charges in Texas carry significant consequences. Hefty fines, prison time, and loss of the right to own a firearm are just a few in the mix. Whether you are facing accusations of unlawful possession or have been accused of using a weapon to commit another crime, the stakes are high. When this happens, connecting with a skilled Plano gun crime lawyer can help you better understand the charges you face and know what the strongest next move could be.

Experienced Gun Crime Defense Lawyer in Plano, Texas

At Harris & Harris Law Group, PLLC, we know that being accused of a gun crime doesn’t automatically make you guilty. As twin brothers and former prosecutors, we bring a unique perspective and shared commitment to standing up for people who need it most in our community. From the moment you hire us, you have access to honest, real answers that keep you updated on your case. From day one, we partner with you every step of the way.

Type of Gun Charges We Defend

Gun-related crimes in Texas can range from minor paperwork errors to more serious felony offenses. Regardless of what you’ve been charged with, it’s critical to understand exactly what you are facing.

We defend clients in Plano and across North Texas against a wide range of gun-related charges, including:

• Unlawful possession of a firearm
• Unlawfully carrying a weapon
• Use of a firearm during the commission of another crime
• Aggravated assault with a deadly weapon
• Improper discharge of a firearm in public or toward a residence
• Any federal firearm violations, such as trafficking or illegal modifications

With almost 30,000 firearm-related arrests made across Texas in 2021, including Plano, it’s clear that police officers have made gun enforcement a priority. While prosecutors often try to push for strong penalties, having an experienced Plano Gun Crime Lawyer to combat their attempts can help level the playing field.

What Prosecutors Have to Prove in Gun Crime Cases

Just because you have been charged with a gun crime doesn’t mean you will be convicted. Every case leaves the burden of proof to the state. That is where your defense can begin.

To try and successfully convict you of a gun-related crime, evidence must show the following:

• The object in question was a firearm as defined by Texas law
• You knowingly possessed or displayed the weapon
• How the weapon was involved in a criminal act
• That all procedures during arrest or search were lawful and constitutional

It’s a large responsibility that can be difficult to achieve when the evidence isn’t there. Fortunately, our years of experience in prosecution help us to know what to look for.

Choose Us for These Solid Defense Strategy Options in Plano, TX

With 4,630 firearm-related deaths and 1,847 murders/non-negligent manslaughter cases reported in 2023, the state is prepared to bring charges forward if it believes the evidence is there. There are some proven defense strategies that might apply to your case, including:

• Illegal search and seizure: If law enforcement found the weapon without first securing a search warrant or during an unlawful traffic stop, the evidence could be thrown out.
• Lack of knowledge: You must knowingly possess a firearm. If you didn’t, your defense lawyer can help support that claim with evidence.
• No intent to use unlawfully: In some cases, a prosecutor might be overreaching by claiming a firearm was used to commit a crime when there is no real evidence to support that claim.
• Valid permit: An attorney can help prove that you had been legally permitted to carry or possess the firearm in question.
• Mistaken identity: Sometimes, a witness or police officer makes a mistake by accusing someone else of a gun-related crime.

These are just a few of the ways an attorney may defend you from charges you face. Discussing the circumstances of your case with your gun crime attorney in Plano, TX can help determine which strategy may work for you.

FAQs About Plano, TX Gun Crime Laws

Q: What Happens After You’re Arrested for a Gun Charge in Texas?

A: After you have been arrested for a gun-related charge in Texas, you’re typically booked and processed. Often, you sit in jail or you’re released on a bond. Then, you are arraigned in front of a judge, which is where you hear the formal charges you’re facing. The rest of the process moves quickly, which is why you need to hire a strong attorney to help gather evidence and build a solid defense strategy that can withstand challenges from the prosecution.

Q: Can I Be Charged with a Gun Crime Even If I Didn’t Fire a Weapon?

A: Yes, many gun charges in Texas involve either the possession or improper carrying of a firearm. For example, you could be arrested for simply having a weapon in a restricted area or carrying it without an official license. In some cases, just displaying or brandishing a gun can lead to certain charges. This is true even if the gun was never fired. That’s why it’s critical to understand the scope of what you’re being charged with and discuss your defense with a lawyer.

Q: Could I Lose My Gun Rights in Texas If I’m Convicted?

A: Whether or not you lose your gun rights after a conviction usually depends on case-specific circumstances. For example, some misdemeanors may not impact your rights long-term. However, a felony conviction or other violent offenses could result in a permanent restriction out of an abundance of caution. If keeping your gun rights is important to you, this only reinforces how important it is to hire a defense attorney who can carve out that stipulation in your defense.

Q: Do I Still Need a Lawyer If I Legally Owned the Gun in Question?

A: Yes, just because you legally own a gun does not automatically protect you if the state claims you engaged in illegal behavior. For instance, carrying a handgun in a restricted area or using it during an altercation can lead to charges. We often defend clients who have the right intentions, but have found themselves in the wrong place at the wrong time. Allow us to help ensure your rights as a legal gun owner are respected while sharing your side of the story.

Contact Our Plano Gun Crime Lawyer

If you have been charged with a gun crime in Plano, contact our firm today. At Harris & Harris Law Group, PLLC, we have a strong grasp on how prosecutors handle these cases and are prepared to fight just as hard to ensure no one takes advantage of your rights.