McKinney Weapon Charges Attorneys
Lawyers for Firearm and Weapons Offenses in McKinney, TX
Were you arrested for a firearm violation or another weapons offense in McKinney, Texas? The experienced attorneys at Texas Defense Firm can help you fight back. Contact us at 972-369-0577 to schedule a free initial consultation with a McKinney weapons charges lawyer.
Our criminal defense team has more than two centuries of combined experience protecting the rights of the accused. We understand the state's firearm laws and how to challenge weak or overcharged prosecutions. We are ready to protect your rights at every step, no matter whether you are facing a misdemeanor gun charge or a first-degree felony.
Effective Legal Representation When Addressing Weapons Charges in McKinney, Texas
When your freedom is on the line, you need a law firm with the resources, skill, and track record to make a real difference. At Texas Defense Firm, we have built our reputation on results and client service.
Our criminal defense team has more than 200 years of combined experience, and members of our team are Board-Certified in criminal law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. We have defended clients against some of the most severe weapons charges on the books, so you can feel confident in our ability to defend you effectively.
Clients choose our firm because we offer:
- Experienced trial lawyers who do not back down from a courtroom battle
- A large and focused criminal defense team that works together on tough cases
- Local knowledge of McKinney courts, prosecutors, and legal procedures
- Personalized attention and frequent communication about your case
- A commitment to having your charges dismissed if at all possible
From the moment you hire us, we will begin building your defense with the utmost care and determination. Contact our McKinney criminal defense attorneys today to schedule a consultation.
A Brief Overview of Texas Weapons Laws
Texas law allows many residents to legally own and carry firearms, but there are still strict rules around where, how, and by whom weapons can be carried. Violating those laws can result in criminal charges, regardless of whether you own your gun legally.
Under the Texas Penal Code, some of the most common weapons-related charges include:
- Unlawful Carrying of a Weapon (UCW): You may be charged if you carry a handgun without a permit in certain locations, carry while engaging in criminal activity, or while prohibited from doing so due to criminal history.
- Unlawful Possession of a Firearm: Certain people cannot possess firearms in Texas, including convicted felons and people who are subject to protective orders.
- Possession of a Prohibited Weapon: Some weapons (such as machine guns, explosives, brass knuckles, and short-barrel firearms) are banned altogether unless specific federal or state exceptions apply.
- Unlawful Discharge of a Firearm: Firing a gun in a public place or within city limits, even without harming anyone, can lead to charges.
- Possession of a Firearm by a Felon: It is illegal for a convicted felon to possess a firearm before the fifth anniversary of their release from supervision.
The consequences of a conviction can be significant even if you were unaware of a restriction or misunderstood the law. Federal firearm laws can also play a role in some cases, and a person could face federal weapons charges. Our team will carefully assess your charges and the surrounding facts to identify the strongest possible defense.
What Are the Penalties for Weapons Charges in Texas?
Texas penalizes weapon offenses based on many factors, such as the specific conduct involved, the defendant's criminal history, and the presence of any aggravating circumstances. Some charges are misdemeanors, but many are felonies that carry years in prison and steep fines.
For example:
- Unlawful carrying of a weapon is generally a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail and a $4,000 fine. However, it can be charged as a felony if committed in certain prohibited places, such as a school or airport.
- Possession of a firearm by a felon is a third-degree felony, which carries a punishment range of two to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
- Possession of a prohibited weapon can be charged as a third-degree or even first-degree felony, depending on the weapon involved.
- Unlawful discharge of a firearm may be prosecuted as a third-degree felony in some cases, especially when the act takes place in a populated area.
If you have been accused of a felony weapons charge, you must act quickly. The sooner you speak with a lawyer, the more options you will likely have to reduce the impact of the charges or avoid a conviction altogether.
What Are the Collateral Consequences of a Weapons Charge Conviction in McKinney?
Even after serving a sentence or paying a fine, a weapons conviction in Texas can continue to affect your life for years to come. These are known as collateral consequences, and they often impact your rights in ways the court doesn't mention during sentencing.
For example, a conviction can make it more difficult to:
- Own or possess a firearm legally
- Pass a background check for employment or housing
- Maintain or obtain professional licenses
- Travel internationally or qualify for certain visas or immigration benefits
- Receive financial aid or qualify for military service
These effects apply primarily to felony convictions, but they can come into play for misdemeanor cases as well. Many of these consequences also apply even if you avoid prison time.
What Does the Criminal Justice Process Look Like in Texas?
If you have been charged with a weapon offense in McKinney, it is important to understand how the Texas criminal justice system works. While no two cases are exactly alike, most follow a similar path:
- Arrest and Booking: Law enforcement arrests you, then books you into jail, where you are fingerprinted and photographed. You may be released on bail or held until your arraignment.
- Initial Appearance (Arraignment): A judge informs you of the charges and your rights. You will enter a plea, usually "not guilty," at this stage. Bail may also be reviewed.
- Pretrial Phase: Your defense attorney investigates the case, examines the prosecution's evidence, negotiates possible plea deals, and files motions, such as motions to dismiss or suppress evidence.
- Trial: If your case proceeds to trial, both sides present their arguments, call witnesses, and submit evidence. A judge or jury decides the verdict. The prosecution must prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
- Sentencing: If convicted, the court will impose penalties based on the severity of the offense and other factors. This could include jail time, probation, fines, or other sanctions.
Contact our weapons charges attorneys in McKinney today for help with your case. We are passionate about fighting back against the prosecution, and we will do everything in our power to help you secure a favorable resolution.
If applicable, we can also file an appeal on your behalf, so your case might not be over after a conviction.
What Defenses Are Available in a Texas Weapons Charge Case?
Weapon charges often turn on technical legal issues, such as whether a search was legal or whether a person had the intent or knowledge required by law. These details give your attorney several opportunities to challenge the prosecution's case.
At Texas Defense Firm, we will look at every angle to determine the best defense strategy for your situation. Potential defenses may include:
- Unlawful Search or Seizure: If police violated your Fourth Amendment rights during the stop or arrest, the evidence may be thrown out entirely.
- Lack of Knowledge or Intent: Many weapon charges require the defendant to knowingly possess or carry the weapon. If you did not know about the weapon or did not intend to break the law, this may be a valid defense.
- Self-Defense or Lawful Carry: You may have been acting within your legal rights to defend yourself or carry a weapon under Texas law or applicable concealed carry statutes.
- Prosecutorial Overreach: In some cases, the state may overcharge a defendant or misinterpret the law. We may be able to negotiate a charge reduction or get the case dismissed outright.
Once we have reviewed the details of your arrest, we will give you a clear and honest assessment of your legal options and next steps.
Contact Our McKinney, Texas Weapon Charges Lawyers
A weapon charge does not have to define your future. With the right legal team by your side, you may be able to get your charges dismissed or resolved in a way that keeps your record clean.
At Texas Defense Firm, we know what is at stake in your case. Our lawyers are respected across Texas for their courtroom skills and client-first approach. We are here to stand between you and the full weight of the criminal justice system. If you were arrested for unlawful carrying, possession, or use of a weapon, contact our McKinney weapons violations attorneys at 972-369-0577 today for a free consultation.
