Although the State of Texas has remained firm in upholding the rights of gun owners, the state does have statutory provisions that make certain actions into criminal offenses. If you were accused of violating Texas state gun law, a Parker County gun lawyer could fight for your rights in court.
Firearms-related offenses can occur in a variety of circumstances and can range from the unlawful possession or carrying of a gun, to discharging a weapon unlawfully. But regardless of the facts of the case, the law usually hands out firm punishments including fines, incarceration, and the loss of the right to own a firearm in the future. Because of the complexity of the law, navigating the statutory waters may be tricky. However, a team of experienced criminal lawyers could help.
Various Offenses Involving Guns in Parker County
Generally, citizens of Texas are permitted to own firearms, and some may even attain a “License to Carry” (LTC) that permits the carrying of a handgun in even more places than those without an LTC. However, there are firearms-related crimes and they include:
- Unlawful Possession of a Weapon
- Unlawful Carrying of a Weapon
- Unlawful Discharge of a Weapon
If a person is a convicted felon and found in possession of a firearm within five years of that conviction, they have committed the offense of unlawful possession. If a person has an LTC but brings their weapon to a professional sporting event, a polling place on an election day, racetrack, airport, federal building, or certain schools and colleges, they are committing the offense of unlawful carrying of a firearm. Finally, if a person recklessly fires their weapon within the limits certain municipalities, they have committed the offense of unlawfully discharging a weapon. All these offenses are serious and can result in serious punishments.
Punishments for Gun Charges
The punishment that comes with a conviction for violating Texas gun law varies depending on the nature of the offense. For example, a misdemeanor conviction can result in fines of up to $4,000 and jail time of up to a year while a felony can result in a fine of up to $10,000 and life in prison.
Even the lightest sentences can have long-term ramifications. A felony conviction in Texas will impede gun ownership, with those convicted having to wait five years to be allowed to own a firearm again and forever losing the right to receive a License to Carry.
With this much at stake, all gun charges should be taken seriously and fought in court as vigorously as possible. A Parker County gun attorney with a strong understanding of Texas gun laws could be a fierce advocate.
How a Parker County Gun Attorney Could Help
The use of a firearm in the commission of a violent crime is one thing, but inadvertently bringing a handgun to a college campus that does not allow firearms is another, with the latter scenario having consequences that may seem unfair for a relatively-innocent mistake.
If you find yourself facing a gun charge, call a Parker County gun lawyer today. An experienced attorney could help you navigate the legal system to give you the best chance at a positive outcome.
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