Weapons Possession Defense Attorney in Pearland, TX
When facing weapons charges, it’s best to rely on an attorney who can navigate the complex legal landscape with skill and tenacity. At the Law Office of John C. Caldwell, our Pearland weapons possession lawyer brings a wealth of experience and a commitment to protecting your rights and interests. Our team understands that a weapons charge can have severe consequences for your future, and we are dedicated to providing you with a robust legal defense.
Don't hesitate to reach out to us at (361) 348-8483 or fill out our online form to schedule a free consultation.
Common Weapons Charges in Texas
The law is often nuanced, and filled with gray areas. To keep it simple, let’s start with the basics—in the state of Texas, you can fire a gun when you’re hunting, at a gun range, or in the act of self-defense. Anything beyond this is legally problematic.
Some of the most common weapon charges we defend include:
- Illegal possession: Those convicted of a felony in the last five years or those subject to restraining orders are usually prohibited from owning firearms. These charges can also apply to those under the influence of alcohol or drugs while in possession of a weapon.
- Reckless discharge: Firing a weapon in an inappropriate area can result in criminal charges. This includes firing a gun over a road, street, highway, or within a neighborhood.
- Unlawful sale: Selling a weapon to a minor, a person with a felony conviction, or someone with a restraining order is illegal.
- Assault with a weapon: Assault charges can be escalated if a weapon is involved.
Penalties Associated With Weapons Possession
The consequences of a weapons-related conviction can vary significantly, influenced by factors such as the severity of the allegation and the individual's prior criminal history. The spectrum of these penalties is broad, encompassing minor fines for Class C misdemeanors at one extreme, to life imprisonment for first-degree felonies on the other.
However, it's crucial to understand that the repercussions of a conviction extend beyond immediate legal sanctions. The long-term implications can include difficulties in securing housing or employment, due to a tarnished criminal record.
Even relatively minor offenses can result in significant restrictions. Conviction of even a Class B misdemeanor can prevent you from legally owning a handgun. More severe felony weapons charges carry even more stringent restrictions, barring the convicted individual from ever possessing a firearm outside their home.
Nor is Texas state law the sole determinant of potential charges and penalties. Depending on the specifics of the case, federal charges may also come into play. When this occurs, a defendant could find themselves facing prosecution from both state and federal authorities, necessitating defense in two separate trials.
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