McKinney Unlawful Carrying of a Weapon Attorneys
Lawyers Addressing Charges Related to Carrying Firearms or Other Weapons in McKinney
Even though the laws in Texas do not place very many restrictions on firearm ownership and possession, there are some situations where people may face criminal charges related to carrying guns or other weapons. These charges may address carrying weapons in certain prohibited locations or while engaging in other unlawful conduct. Certain people are prohibited from carrying weapons. Violations of these laws can be serious, and people may face further restrictions on firearm ownership and other penalties.
At Texas Defense Firm, our lawyers can help clients understand when they may face unlawful carrying of a weapon charges and how they can defend against accusations related to guns or other weapons. We will work to protect our clients' Second Amendment rights and make sure they will be able to respond to claims that they carried or used weapons in ways that were prohibited by law. Our goal is to help our clients avoid convictions and resolve these cases with minimal long-term penalties.
When a Person May Be Prohibited From Carrying a Weapon
There are several categories of people who are prohibited from carrying handguns and other weapons under certain circumstances. A person who is younger than 21 years old is generally prohibited from carrying a handgun outside their own property, although they may be permitted to carry a weapon in a vehicle. People under the age of 18 are also prohibited from carrying knives with blades longer than 5.5 inches outside of their own property or vehicle unless they are under the supervision of a parent.
People who have been convicted of certain types of offenses may also face criminal charges for carrying firearms. These include offenses involving assault or domestic violence. Members of street gangs may face criminal charges for possessing firearms. In many cases, people may face misdemeanor charges for possessing firearms when they are prohibited from doing so. However, convicted felons in possession of firearms may face serious felony charges.
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Carrying a Weapon in a Prohibited Location
There are certain locations where carrying a weapon is prohibited. Charges in these cases may include:
- Carrying a weapon on school grounds
- Carrying a weapon in an airport
- Carrying a weapon in a courthouse, other court offices, a government building, or a location where a government meeting is being held
- Carrying a weapon at a polling place when voting is in progress
- Carrying a weapon at a racetrack
- Carrying a weapon in a bar, liquor store, or other location where the majority of business involves the sale of alcohol
- Carrying a weapon in a hospital, mental hospital, or nursing home
- Carrying a weapon in an amusement park
Carrying a Weapon While Committing Another Offense
In some cases, charges related to weapon possession may involve carrying a handgun while committing other unlawful conduct. A person who allegedly carried a handgun in their vehicle while they were engaging in criminal activity may face a weapons charge in addition to other criminal charges. These charges may be based on any misdemeanor or felony offenses other than Class C misdemeanor traffic violations.
Carrying a Weapon While Intoxicated
Because of the risks of how firearms may be used when people are under the influence of alcohol or drugs, criminal charges may apply if a person is accused of carrying a handgun while intoxicated. A person could be charged with an offense if they were in possession of a handgun and were not on their own property or other private property with the consent of the owner. If a person is arrested for DWI, they could face additional criminal charges for having a handgun in the vehicle at the time of the offense.
Penalties for Unlawful Carrying of a Weapon
In many cases, an unlawful carrying of a weapon charge is a Class A misdemeanor offense. A person who is convicted could be sentenced to up to one year in a county jail. They may also face a fine that could be as high as $4,000.
A person who is prohibited from possessing a firearm may face felony charges when they have been accused of unlawful carrying of a weapon. A convicted felon who violates this law may face second-degree felony charges with a minimum sentence of five years and a maximum of 20 years. A person who has been convicted of a domestic violence offense may be charged with a third-degree felony, and they could face a sentence lasting from two to 10 years.
Accusations of carrying a weapon in a prohibited location will typically result in third-degree felony charges. Certain offenses may be classified as Class A misdemeanors, including when a person is accused of carrying a weapon in a hospital or amusement park.
Collateral Consequences of a Conviction for Unlawful Carrying of a Weapon
In addition to the criminal penalties a person may face, a conviction for unlawful carrying of a weapon can lead to other types of long-term consequences. A person who is convicted of a felony will lose their right to own or possess a firearm. For people in certain professions, including those that may require a professional license or security clearance, a conviction for a weapon offense can affect their employment and career. A felony conviction will also lead to a permanent criminal record, which may limit a person's opportunities in the future.
Contact Our McKinney, TX Unlawful Carrying of a Weapon Lawyers
At Texas Defense Firm, we can review the circumstances surrounding charges involving carrying weapons in prohibited locations, possession of weapons by certain people, or other offenses involving carrying weapons. We may look at whether a location qualifies as a prohibited place, whether a person was actually engaged in criminal activities while carrying a weapon, and other factors to determine the ideal defense strategies.
Our lawyers will work to identify weaknesses in evidence against a person, and we will take steps to protect a person's firearm rights and help avoid a criminal conviction whenever possible. Contact our McKinney unlawful carrying of a firearm attorneys at 972-369-0577 to arrange a free consultation.
