If you are facing a weapons charge, the need for a criminal attorney experienced in weapon crimes is particularly pressing. The Texas Penal Code has harsh penalties for a weapons crime conviction -- depending on prior convictions and the type of weapon, even simple possession can be a felony.
Types Of Charges
Unlawful Carry Of A Weapon. Even if you have a conceal carry permit, if you have a gun on you and you have been charged with another crime, including marijuana possession, you will be charged with unlawful carrying of a weapon and could lose your handgun license.
Felon In Possession of a Firearm. If you have already been convicted of a felony and are found to be in possession of a firearm, you face serious consequences.
Possession Of A Prohibited Weapon. Certain weapons—including blades over 5 inches long and brass knuckles are not allowed for anyone for any reason.
Where Are Weapons Prohibited?
Places that prohibit weapons, even with a concealed carry license, include:
- Schools
- Any grounds on which a school event is taking place
- On school transport vehicles, including buses
- At a polling place on election day or during early polling
- Secured areas of airports
- At a racetrack
- At a courthouse or court offices
- Within 1,000 feet of a place designated by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice for an execution, on the day of the execution for people who have received notice that doing so was prohibited
About Open Carry
Texas now allows its citizenry to carry guns openly. However, this doesn't mean that guns are allowed everywhere. The places listed above still prohibit guns under the new open carry law. Furthermore, businesses and other institutions can opt out of the open carry law. Universities, for example, only allow concealed carry.
The Defense Process
When a prosecutor brings weapons charges against a defendant, the state must prove the charges by use of physical evidence, typically the weapon itself or the ammunition that was allegedly used. Such considerations allow an experienced criminal defense attorney to independently investigate the evidence and expose any weaknesses in the prosecution's case. At Granger and Mueller PC, our Austin criminal attorneys have a successful track record of exposing these weaknesses, as well as any constitutional search and seizure violations committed by the arresting officers.
Contact Our Firm Today
If you've been charged with a weapons offense, you don't have time to lose. In Travis County, contact our experienced criminal defense attorneys at Granger and Mueller PC for a free initial consultation at our Austin, Texas office. Call 512-474-9999 or email us today.