Texas law and federal gun laws lay out a complex range of regulations on firearms. If you’ve been charged with unlawful possession, assault with a deadly weapon, or any other weapons crime, our weapon charges lawyer in San Antonio can help.
Navigating state gun laws can be difficult, but an experienced criminal defense lawyer can give you the guidance you need to protect your rights, including your right to bear arms. Whether you’ve been charged with unlawful possession of a firearm or more severe firearm crimes, John has the expertise needed to achieve a satisfactory outcome in your case. We can fight to protect your freedom, future, and reputation.
Being charged with a gun crime can carry with it considerable consequences. If you’re facing charges for weapons offenses, keep your rights and your freedom protected by getting help from a capable criminal defense attorney like John. Our legal team is ready to do whatever it takes to protect your best interests. Let us worry so you don’t have to.
Gun owners are required to comply with a variety of requirements under state or federal law or face serious charges. Under the Texas penal code, both unlawful carrying and unlawful possession are misdemeanors with penalties of up to $4,000 and up to one year in jail. However, possession by a convicted felon is a third-degree felony with higher penalties.
Assault with a deadly weapon is generally a second-degree felony with penalties of up to $10,000 and two decades in jail. All charges will leave you with a permanent criminal record. Keep in mind that charges can also be escalated if you have a history of similar firearm charges or a prior felony conviction. You may also face even more serious penalties if your crime involved vulnerable groups.
Don’t risk becoming a convicted felon without a fight. Get help from a gun charge attorney you can trust, like John at The Law Office of John G. Perez Jr. We’re ready to fight for your rights in local, state, or federal court if needed.
The best way to avoid being charged with a weapons crime is to understand the laws that regulate weapons in your state. Below you can check out a few of the basic factors you’ll need to know about Texas weapons laws before buying a gun:
To buy a handgun in Texas, you will need to be at least 21, but 18-year-olds can buy long guns. Only those without felony convictions, with no history of domestic violence, and with no other danger indicators will be allowed to buy guns in Texas. You will be required to pass a background check.
As stated in the section above, there are restrictions on who can own what type of gun based on age. However, the following weapons are generally prohibited in Texas: machine guns, sawed-off shotguns, armor-piercing bullets, rifles with barrel lengths of less than 16 inches, and shotguns with barrel lengths of less than 18 inches. Silencers are allowed if they were manufactured in Texas and have never left the state.
In Texas, you can openly carry guns in public places, though handguns will need to be holstered on your belt or shoulder. You can carry guns into places of business that do not openly display signs prohibiting that behavior. You can carry an unconcealed rifle in your vehicle, but handguns need to be concealed in cars or boats unless you have a license.
From carrying guns in prohibited places to owning a weapon that is prohibited, there are many types of gun charges that you may face in San Antonio. A person convicted of certain crimes may be restricted from owning or possessing firearms, and certain types of weapons are also prohibited for all Texas residents. A few of the most common offenses seen in our city include:
We offer criminal defense services to help San Antonio and Texas residents fight weapons charges in Bexar County. Whether you’re facing misdemeanor or felony charges, no matter what sort of offense you’ve been arrested for, you can count on John for reliable San Antonio firearm defense. With aggressive criminal defense and capable legal representation, you can reduce or eliminate the serious firearm charges against you.
