State laws place restrictions on the types of weapons that can be privately owned. If you have been charged with a weapon offense, you could face a criminal record and significant punishment. Having been charged with or accused of a weapon-related offense can induce anxiety and worry for your reputation, as well as your future.
A Fort Worth weapon offense lawyer can help advise you on any legal issues you might be facing related to a weapon offense. Call the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg today at (214) 696-9253 for a free consultation.
What You Need to Know About Weapon-Related Offenses in Texas
There are a multitude of weapon-related offenses in the state of Texas. Some examples of criminal offenses related to weapons include:
- Carrying a prohibited weapon
- Unlawfully carrying a weapon
- A felon in possession of a firearm
There are also some crimes that can result in a more serious charge and punishment if a weapon was used or brandished by an offender, for example in an aggravated assault.
If you carry any weapon, knowing Texas laws regarding weapon offenses is crucial in order to protect you from inadvertently violating those same laws. Texas’s Penal Code lists prohibited weapons (as well as places where the carrying of a firearm is restricted or entirely prohibited). Section 46.03 of the code states that some of the premises that generally prohibit a person from carrying a firearm in Texas are: polling places on the day of election, schools or educational institutions, government offices and courts, racetracks and certain areas of airport terminal buildings.
It may come as a surprise to many owners of firearms that, in Texas, simply carrying a firearm outside of your property or car can be illegal. Section 46.02 of the Texas penal code states that a person commits an offense if they intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly carry a handgun. In this instance, it is possible that you could be charged with unlawfully carrying a weapon, unless you are in possession of a license enabling you to carry a gun outside of your property.
What You Need to Know About Prohibited Weapons in Texas
It is important to note that the possession of some weapons can be illegal in the state of Texas. Carrying or possessing an illegal weapon, even if the owner is unaware that the weapon is illegal, could constitute an offense. Under Section 46.05 of the Texas penal code, prohibited weapons include, but are not limited to:
- Explosive weapons
- Machine guns
- Armor-piercing ammunition
- Chemical devices
- Zip-guns
- Short-barrel guns
- Tire-deflation devices
- Firearm silencers
There are some exceptions under the law. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) reports that weapons may not be classified as illegal when they have been deemed curios and relics and have a special interest to collectors or are held in any historic collections, for instance.
If you have been charged with (or arrested for) the unlawful possession of a weapon, you could face significant consequences. You may wish to contact a weapons offense lawyer to get advice on any legal repercussions, as well as to protect yourself. Your Fort Worth weapon offense lawyer can help you understand the applicable laws and provide you with professional legal representation. Call (214) 696-9253 to speak to a team member from the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg today.
Penalties for Weapon-Related Crimes in Texas
Understanding firearm or weapon-related crimes and the legal consequences of offenses can be complicated. There is a wide range of offenses that can potentially be prosecuted. Many weapon-related offenses and crimes can involve fines, imprisonment, and losing the right to bear a firearm.
These are just some of the possible consequences of being convicted of a weapon-related crime. Punishment can be extensive, especially if the offender already has a criminal record and earlier felony convictions.
You Have the Right to Defend Yourself from Weapon Offense Charges
Texas laws take firearms and weapon charges extremely seriously. However, a weapon offense lawyer has the knowledge to fight for your rights. Building a solid defense will always have to be tailored to your unique case, as weapon offenses can involve a wide spectrum of crimes. Your Fort Worth weapon offense lawyer knows how to handle a wide variety of cases, with every case warranting a dedicated and tailored approach.
Any defense could include forensic reports, such as DNA analysis or gun powder residue analysis. It might also include looking into the background of any motives an alleged victim might have in accusing the person charged with the weapon offense. In certain cases, self-defense could also be used to defend you from charges. Sometimes we can argue that the weapon was not owned illegally, or that you are not the legal owner of a weapon. There are many possibilities for your defense, but they all depend on your unique situation and charges.
Contact the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg
If you have been accused of a weapon-related offense, you will need to know your legal rights and the options you have available to you in order to defend yourself against any allegations and charges.
The laws surrounding weapons possession, carry, and use can be complex and challenging to interpret for anyone without years of legal practice. If you want to avoid the potential pitfalls of self-representation, you should speak to us as soon as you can and let us help you clarify your legal position. The sooner we can start on your case, the better.
The penalties for any weapon-related crimes or offenses can be severe and potentially have a detrimental consequence on all aspects of your life. Let our professional team handle your case. Your Fort Worth weapon offense lawyer will be familiar with the applicable laws. Attorney Isenberg has been working with Texas law for over 30 years, as a former prosecutor, state district judge, and criminal defense attorney.
You do not have to try and defend yourself on your own. You can rest assured that our dedicated team will do whatever they can to fight any charges and accusations. Call the Law Offices of Randall B. Isenberg today at (214) 696-9253 to find out how we can help you.
