If you have been charged with a unlawful possession or discharge of a firearm or weapon we can help. Whether the allegations are misdemeanor weapons charges or a felony illegal weapons crimes, it is extremely important that you do your research to hire someone who is familiar with Texas gun charges and firearm laws. Tim Clancy Attorneys at Law fight to protect the rights and freedom of individuals throughout the Dallas – Fort Worth area, as well as the entire state of Texas, against misdemeanor weapons charges and felony weapons offenses.
To discuss your weapons possession or discharge, whether state or federal, with our seasoned defense attorneys, call Tim Clancy Attorneys at Law to schedule a confidential consultation at (214) 550-5771.
Experienced Dallas Gun Charge Lawyers
We have spent our careers fighting for people facing serious felony and misdemeanor crimes, and take every case very seriously. Anyone convicted of domestic assault charges or family violence charges (whether felony or misdemeanor) are prohibited from carrying a firearm for 5 years after their release from prison. Also, some family violence convictions or protective orders for domestic violence can permanently prohibit your right to bear arms and own a gun, rifle or any kind of firearm in Texas. If you are accused of possessing a firearm illegally, we can help.
If you have been charged with crime involving weapons, including possession of an illegal firearm, or if you are being investigated for misdemeanor or felony weapons charge, it is important to seek counsel from an experienced Dallas criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.
Contact an Experienced Dallas Texas Illegal Weapons Defense Lawyer
Although most people think that weapons charges can only apply to firearms, a myriad of weapons are outlawed in Texas and being caught with them can land you in jail facing misdemeanor or felony weapons charges.
Which Weapons are Illegal to Possess in Texas?
Illegal weapons in Texas include brass knuckles, zip guns (homemade hand guns), switch blades, explosives, bombs, rockets, sawed off shot guns with barrels less than 18 inches long, modified rifles with barrels less than 16 inches long, fully automatic machine guns, rifles or shot guns that are shortened to less than 26 inches long, gun silencers, chemical dispensing devices (used with chemical weapons or gases) and armor-piercing ammunition or bullets. While it is illegal simply to possess these types of weapons in Texas, discharging or using them against someone will land you in jail with additional charges against you.
If you are caught illegally carrying a weapon, you could be facing class C misdemeanor charges. However, if you commit the crime at a school, place that sells alcohol, a polling site on election day, a courthouse or courtroom, or a race track; you could be facing a third degree felony instead.
Which Weapons are Legal to Carry Openly in Texas?
It is legal to openly carry a long gun such as a rifle or shotgun in Texas while driving or transporting your vehicle, at your home or property you control (such as your business), so long as you are not carrying the weapon in a church, amusement park, sporting event, or government meeting. This even applies to those with Concealed Handgun Licenses (CHL). Also, if you are carrying a weapon while transporting or driving your car, it must be hidden from plain sight while you are driving.
Illegally Discharging a Firearm
There are many restrictions on possessing, selling, or transporting weapons in Texas. However, the laws for publicly discharging a firearm are increasingly strict, and can result in serious criminal charges. Firing a gun in public is illegal, resulting in disorderly conduct charges which are a Class B misdemeanor if you’re in the country. However, if you’re in the Dallas city limits, or any other city with a population greater than 100,000, the charges are enhanced to a class A misdemeanor.
Carrying a Firearm While Committing Another Violent Crime
If carrying a firearm while committing another violent crime in Texas, the charges can be enhanced to “aggravated”. Aggravated robbery, aggravated assault, and aggravated sexual assault charges are all first degree felony charges with a possible sentence of life in prison. The firearm does not need to have been discharged when the violent crime was committed for the charges to be enhanced to a first degree felony.
Carrying a gun or firearm while committing other crimes can land you in jail much longer as well. In some case, you can lose the privilege of parole or probation and be subject to a mandatory term of confinement.
If you have been charged with illegal possession of a firearm, discharge of a firearm, selling a firearm, transporting guns to a felon or minor, then you need to hire a firearm defense lawyer who knows how to fight these serious charges.
For additional information about weapon, gun & firearm laws in Texas, or to discuss your matter in confidence with an experienced defense attorney, schedule a confidential consultation by calling us at (214) 550-5771. If you prefer, fill out our contact form and we will contact you.
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Located in Dallas, Texas, Tim Clancy Attorneys at Law defend individuals against weapons, firearm and gun charges throughout North Texas, including individuals charged with illegal firearm offenses throughout the communities in and around the Dallas – Fort Worth Metroplex, such as Dallas, Fort Worth, Arlington, Plano, Garland, Grand Prairie, Mansfield, Mesquite, Irving, Oak Cliff, University Park, Highland Park, Frisco, Allen, McKinney, Flower Mound, Southlake, Keller, Grapevine and Lewisville. Tim Clancy represents individuals charged with a state or federal crime in and around Collin, Dallas, Denton, Ellis, Kaufman, Parker, Rockwall, Henderson and Tarrant Counties.