San Antonio Prohibited Weapons Attorney

Weapons may be prohibited under both state and federal laws, with a range of different items being restricted. In Texas, you may face charges if you possess, manufacture, or transport the following types of weapons:

• Machine Guns – A machine gun includes any gun capable of firing more than one shot automatically without reloading with a single trigger function.
• Explosive Weapons – This includes things like grenades, bombs, and mines.
• Armor-Piercing Ammunition – This type of prohibited weapon includes ammunition for handguns meant to penetrate metal or body armor.
• Zip Guns – Zip guns are firearms that have been improved or homemade.
• Chemical Dispensing Devices – Chemical dispensing devices may emit smoke, gas, or chemical sprays, excluding small personal defense devices.
• Short-Barrel Firearms – This offense covers rifles with barrel lengths under 16 inches, shotguns with barrel lengths under 18 inches, or a total length under 26 inches.

Keep in mind that this list does not include all of the types of firearms and weapons that may be prohibited in Texas. Along with tire deflation devices, brass knuckles, and firearm silencers, there is a range of other items that may lead to charges in Texas. To learn about your potential charges, you can contact a criminal defense attorney.

There are also specific places in which carrying any type of firearm or prohibited weapon is illegal, including:

• Schools
• Polling places
• Bars
• Race tracks
• Amusement parks
• Hospitals
• Nursing homes
• Government meetings
• Secured airport areas

There is a range of specific defenses that your weapons defense attorney may use to fight the prosecution’s case against you. A few common arguments include:

• Prove Exemptions – There are exceptions to prohibited weapons restrictions, including for members of the armed forces, national guard, or government agencies, in the line of official duty.
• Prove Antique Exception – Exceptions are also made for possession of weapons that are antiques and not intended for use as an actual weapon.
• Prove Firearms Act Compliance – If the weapon in question is properly registered, you may be able to avoid or reduce your charges.
• Prove Lack of Knowledge – To prove actual possession, the prosecutor must show that you knowingly possessed the item. Your attorney may argue it was all a simple misunderstanding.
• Prove Illegal Search and Seizure – There are only specific circumstances in which law enforcement can search your person or property. Proving procedural errors by law enforcement may be an effective defense.

From time in a correctional facility to life-long impacts on employment opportunities and firearm rights, prohibited weapons offenses can have severe costs. Don’t put your future and your freedom at risk by failing to get the legal guidance you need. Reach out to John today to get a strong defense against prohibited weapons charges.

If you’ve been charged with a prohibited weapons offense in San Antonio, Texas, you can count on John at the Law Office of John G. Perez Jr. to defend your rights and your future. With his fierce dedication to defending those charged with crimes in Bexar County, John is ready to do what it takes to reach a favorable outcome in your case.

We fight for a dismissal in every case, and we won’t rest until all potential defenses have been exhausted. For defense you can trust, call John today.