Weapons Charge Attorneys in Corpus Christi & Dallas, Texas

While Texas is considered a gun-friendly state, it aggressively prosecutes weapon-related charges. That is why anyone charged with a weapons offense may need legal counsel to fight for their freedom and future.  

If you are facing weapons charges in Corpus Christi, Texas, or surrounding areas, including Dallas and Fort Worth, contact our team at The Torres Law Firm. The Torres Attorneys have a reputation for their ability to provide powerful and aggressive representation to clients arrested or charged with a weapons offense. 

Common Weapons Charges in Texas  

Texas Penal Code recognizes a wide range of weapons offenses, including but not limited to: 

• unlawful possession of a weapon 

• unlawful carrying of a weapon 

• felon in possession of a weapon 

• improperly discharging a gun 

• unlawfully selling weapons 

• using weapons in the commission of a crime 

While individuals who have a valid license are allowed to do certain things with their weapons, there are many things that are considered a crime in the state of Texas. For the purposes of criminal prosecution, the term “weapon” can be defined as a firearm, club, or knife with a blade longer than 5 ½ inches.  

Unlawful Carrying of Weapons vs. Unlawful Possession in Texas 

When facing weapons charges in Texas, many people do not understand the difference between unlawful carrying of weapons and unlawful possession: 

1. Unlawful carrying of a weapon. Under Texas law, you must meet specific requirements to be allowed to lawfully and openly carry a handgun: be 21 or older, have no prior felony convictions for which the punishment has happened in the past five years, have no prior family violence convictions, not be a member of a street gang, not be prohibited from carrying firearms under state/federal law, not be intoxicated (unless in your own residence). While there are certain exceptions that may apply, individuals who do not meet the above-mentioned requirements can face criminal charges for unlawful carry of a weapon.  

2. Unlawful possession. You can be charged with unlawful possession in Texas if you were intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly carrying a handgun on your person while under the age of 21; if you’re 21 and older and prohibited from possessing a firearm; or if less than five years have passed from the date of your release from confinement and you’re caught in possession of a firearm. This charge also applies to individuals who have been convicted of a family violence assault or are currently subject to a family violence-related protective order.  

Where Weapons Are Prohibited   

Texas law also prohibits persons from possessing weapons in certain places. Unless exceptions apply, Texas law prohibits persons, including those with a valid license, from knowingly, intentionally, or recklessly possessing firearms on the premises of: 

• a public or private institution of higher education, including K-12 school;  

• a passenger transportation vehicle of educational institutions;  

• the grounds or buildings in which any school-sponsored activity is conducted; 

• a polling place on election day; 

• a racetrack; 

• in the “secured area” of airports; 

• governments courts or court offices;  

• businesses with a liquor-related license/permit (only if the business derives more than half of its income from selling/serving alcohol for on-premises consumption); 

• a correctional/civil commitment facility;  

• a hospital or nursing home; and 

• an amusement park.  

This is not an exhaustive list of places where weapons are prohibited under the Texas Penal Code. In addition, Texas law also makes it illegal to carry certain types of weapons, including brass knuckles, switchblades, machine guns, chemical weapons, sawed-off shotguns, zip guns, and silenced firearms.  

Reach out to our weapons charges attorneys in Corpus Christi, Texas, if you are facing criminal charges for possession of weapons in a prohibited area or possession of an unlawful weapon.  

Possible Penalties  

Weapons charges are taken very seriously by Texas courts. Individuals convicted of weapons offenses can face serious penalties, including time behind bars in jail or prison. Other possible penalties include hefty fines and the loss of the right to own/carry weapons for the rest of your life. Weapons offenses range from a Class A misdemeanor to a first-degree felony with a maximum prison term of 99 years. 

Because the penalties for weapons offenses can be harsh and long-lasting, you need a skilled criminal defense lawyer to advocate for your rights and help you mount the most effective defense possible.