Assisting Individuals in Austin Defend against a Criminal Charge for Possessing a Prohibited Weapon
Beginning in September of 2019, it became legal for individuals in the State of Texas to carry brass knuckles and certain other on-hand weapons for purposes of self-defense. Brass knuckles have recently been removed from a group of prohibited weapons that individuals were previously excluded from manufacturing, possessing, or transporting within the State. Brass knuckles are instruments that “consist of guards or finger rings” and that are made of some type of “hard substance” that is intended by the user to inflict death or serious bodily harm when he or she strikes another individual with a clenched fist.
Just because these on-hand weapons are now legal to possess in Texas does not mean that all other weapons are permissible in the State. In fact, getting caught in possession of a prohibited weapon can lead to criminal charges that could result in serious penalties upon conviction.
If you are facing criminal charges for possessing a prohibited weapon in Texas, the Austin criminal defense lawyers at Granger and Mueller, PC, are ready to assist you with your legal defense. Please contact us online today to learn more about how we could assist you with defending against your criminal weapons charge.
Types of Prohibited Weapons in Texas
Although Texas, by-and-large, is extremely deferential to individuals’ Second Amendment protections to keep and bear arms, there are still certain types of weapons that individuals are prohibited from possessing in Texas. Specifically, individuals may not possess any of the following types of weapons (unless the individual registers the weapon in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record, which is kept by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives), unless the weapon is not subject to a registration requirement, or if the weapon has been classified as a relic or a curio by the Department of Justice:
- Explosive weapons (including rockets, bombs, or mines) that are designed for the purpose of causing death or severe bodily harm – or to cause widespread public terror
- Machine guns
- Short-barreled firearms
- Armor-piercing ammunition
- Zip guns
- Firearm silencers
Consequences of Illegal Weapons Possession in Texas
Possessing a prohibited weapon in Texas often comes with serious consequences and penalties. A charge for possessing an illegal weapon in the State is a third-degree felony charge. Upon conviction, the offender could receive a maximum monetary fine of $10,000, along with a maximum of ten years in jail. A person can also be charged with and convicted of possessing a prohibited weapon even when he or she does not know that the particular weapon at issue is prohibited in the State.
Speak with an Austin Criminal Defense Lawyer about Your Illegal Weapons Possession Charge Today
If you are facing a prohibited weapons charge in Texas, the experienced legal team at Granger and Mueller, PC, is here to assist with your defense. For a free case evaluation and legal consultation with a knowledgeable Austin criminal defense attorney, please contact us online today.