Gun Crimes Lawyers in Pearland

Experienced Attorneys Defending the Accused

Maybe you accidentally fired your weapon while cleaning it or didn’t realize that the constitutional carry law doesn’t apply to schools. Or maybe you’re being accused of something you didn’t do at all. Accusations of gun crimes are very serious and require a rigorous defense. Protect your rights and your future when you work with the attorneys at The Kahn Law Firm, P.C.

What Are Some Common Gun Crimes in Texas?

Texas has specific laws regarding who can own, buy, and operate a gun, where the gun can be carried, and when it can be discharged. A gun crime charge is an accusation that you have violated one of these laws. Some examples of common gun crimes in Texas include:

• Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
• Unlawful discharge of a firearm
• Unlawful possession of a firearm
• Unlawful carry (violations of the constitutional carry law)
• Gun trafficking
• Unlawful sale of a firearm
• Possession of a stolen firearm
• Illegal modification of firearms

There are also crimes that involve guns, such as murder or aggravated assault, but these are generally classified as violent crimes instead of gun crimes even if a firearm was involved.

What Is Constitutional Carry?

In September 2021, the Firearm Carry Act of 2021 went into effect in Texas. This act is more commonly known as the constitutional carry law, and it allows some gun owners to carry a firearm without having a license to carry. According to this law, anyone who is at least 21 years old and eligible to purchase and have a firearm is allowed to carry a gun without a permit, with some exceptions. Some of those exceptions include — but are not limited to — being convicted of certain misdemeanor crimes within the last 5 years, being a fugitive from justice, or having a felony conviction.

If you are found carrying a gun and do not meet the qualifications for coverage under the Constitutional carry law or are carrying a gun in a prohibited area, you can face criminal charges.

Does Texas Have a Stand Your Ground Law?

Texas does have a “stand your ground” law, which can also sometimes be referred to as the “castle doctrine” law. These laws allow citizens to use deadly force to protect themselves, their families, or their property under specific circumstances. For example, if someone unlawfully and with force enters your house and you defend your property with a gun, it’s possible to avoid criminal charges.

These cases can get quite complex, so it’s important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible if you believe that you have acted in self-defense. A lawyer can provide counsel on how to answer officers’ questions, how to cooperate while protecting your rights, and what your options are.

What Are the Penalties for Gun Crimes?

The penalties for a gun crimes conviction depend on the charge and whether you have any previous convictions. Some firearms offenses, such as unlawful possession of a firearm, can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony. A misdemeanor conviction is punishable by up to 12 months in jail, while a felony charge can mean 10 years in prison. How long the jail sentence is depends on the degree of the felony charge. A sentence for a gun crime conviction also often involves fees and fines that can total thousands of dollars.

A weapons charges conviction — particularly if it is a felony — can also have a long-ranging impact on your life. It can keep you from being able to have firearms after you’ve served your sentence and could keep you from being able to work in certain jobs.

How Can a Criminal Defense Attorney Help Me?

A gun charge can change your life, and your first call should always be to a lawyer. Understanding the gun laws in Texas is crucial to avoiding accidental gun charges. If you’ve been arrested for a gun crime, you need an experienced criminal defense attorney who knows how to fight these types of charges.

Call 713-999-6549 to speak to a member of our team at The Kahn Law Firm, P.C. We’re here to help.