Tarrant County Gun Lawyer

The Second Amendment of the United States Constitution—as well as Article 1, Section 23 of the Texas Constitution—grants residents of Tarrant County the right to bear arms. However, the U.S. Supreme Court has found it constitutional to place some restrictions on the use and possession of firearms, and the Texas State Constitution affirms the power of the state legislature to “regulate the wearing of arms.”

Citizens of Tarrant County typically have a right to own a firearm, but there are still many gun laws that you should be aware of. It is certainly possible to be charged with a crime in Tarrant County for carrying a gun which you lawfully own. If you are facing gun crimes charges or have questions concerning local firearm laws, speak with a Tarrant County gun lawyer today for legal advice and assistance. Our criminal lawyers are experienced and knowledgeable on local gun laws and can assist you in protecting your rights and building a defense. En Español.

Carrying a Handgun

Texas Penal Code §46.02 makes it illegal for someone to carry a handgun on their person except for when they are on their property or traveling to or from their vehicle or watercraft. Anyone charged with unlawfully carrying a firearm on their person should consult with a Tarrant County firearm attorney right away, as this charge could carry serious penalties which a lawyer could help a defendant avoid.

Making a Firearm Accessible to a Child

Texas Penal Code §46.13 makes it a crime to leave a loaded firearm in a manner that makes it accessible to anyone under the age of 17. For a person to be convicted of this crime, a child must actually gain access to a gun, and that firearm must have been left both unsecured and loaded. For both legal and practical reasons, it is important to secure all firearms in the home if children are present.

There are several affirmative defenses to this charge. For example, it is permissible for a minor to handle a loaded weapon if the child is supervised by an adult and the firearm is being used for a lawful purpose. A Tarrant County gun attorney may be able to apply affirmative defenses such as this in order to fight a charge related to leaving a firearm accessible to a child.

Places Where Firearms are Prohibited

There are certain types of locations in Tarrant County where it is illegal to carry a firearm under any circumstances. The Texas Penal Code lists several places where firearms are prohibited, including:

• The grounds of a school or educational institution
• A polling place on the day of an election or while early voting is in progress
• The premises of a government court or offices utilized by the court
• A racetrack
• An established place of religious worship

This is not an exhaustive list of locations where firearms are prohibited in Tarrant County. For more information on firearm prohibitions in specific locations, consult a Tarrant County firearm attorney.

Contact a Tarrant County Gun Attorney Today

You do have Second Amendment rights in Tarrant County, and the state of Texas supports these rights. That being said there are some limitations on your firearm rights that are important to bear in mind. A conviction for violating a gun law in Tarrant County can have serious repercussions, including prison time.

If you are charged with breaking a gun law or want to know more about local gun laws, a Tarrant County gun lawyer could answer all your questions and help you prepare a defense against your charges. Call now to get started on your case.