Firearm laws in Texas are complex. The following is intended to provide an overview of relevant legal information regarding Texas firearm laws. You should consult with an experienced Sugar Land criminal lawyer if you have been charged with a firearm offense or have specific questions related to your firearms or other weapons.
Texas currently allows most persons to carry shotguns, rifles, and other long-barrel guns openly and without a permit. However, handguns must be concealed and require a CCW permit. Permits are not available to everyone. You must meet state and federal eligibility requirements. Certain factors restrict people from getting a permit. Generally, this includes persons less than 21 years of age, persons convicted of a felony, persons with violence convictions, persons subject to restraining orders, and a variety of other situations.
Also, it is important to know that just because you have firearm permit in Texas does not mean you are legally able to carry a firearm in another state. You are subject to the weapons laws of each state. A Sugar Land criminal lawyer can let you know if a particular state has a reciprocal weapons agreement with Texas that makes your permit valid in that state.
There are a variety of ways that a person can violate firearm laws in Texas. Common firearm charges include concealed firearm license violations, illegal trafficking of firearms, possession of stolen (or unregistered) weapons, possession of illegal firearms, unlawfully discharging or brandishing a weapon, and convicted felons being in possession of a firearm.
However, an experienced Sugar Land criminal lawyer knows how to prepare many different defenses depending upon the firearm offense and specific circumstances. For instance, it is not uncommon for arresting officer to violate a person's constitutional rights through illegal search and seizure procedures. If this occurs, all evidence that was acquired during the arrest (which would likely include the gun) would be inadmissible to the court. A Sugar Land criminal lawyer can advise you of the possible legal defenses that may be available in your particular case.
Contact John L. Venza, Jr., an experienced Sugar Land criminal lawyer, at (281) 971-5660 today for a free consultation to discuss your firearm matter.