Legal Firearms and Weapons in Texas
In Texas, the following types of weapons are legally allowed to some degree:
- Handguns
Including pistols and revolvers, commonly used for self-defense. - Rifles
Long-barreled firearms used for hunting and sport shooting. - Shotguns
Firearms designed for firing pellets, often used for hunting. - Semi-Automatic Weapons
Firearms that repeatedly fire when the trigger is pulled. - Silencers
Devices attached to firearms to suppress noise.
Knives are also permitted, although knives with blades over 5.5 inches have special restrictions.
What Weapons Are Illegal in Texas?
Although the state has relatively loose laws concerning firearms, there are many types of weapons that Texans are not allowed to own. These weapons are illegal to possess, manufacture, transport, or sell in Texas:
- Machine Guns
Fully automatic firearms. - Short-Barreled Firearms
Rifles with barrels less than 16 inches and shotguns with barrels less than 18 inches. - Explosive Weapons
Bombs, grenades, rockets, and similar devices. - Armor-Piercing Ammunition
Handgun ammunition designed to penetrate body armor. - Zip Guns
Improvised firearms created without proper regulations.
Someone found with one of these prohibited weapons can be charged with a third-degree felony.
The Second Amendment Right to Bear Arms in Houston
The Second Amendment guarantees the right to bear arms, but this right comes with certain limitations and responsibilities. While most Houstonians have the right to own and carry firearms, they should be aware of these specific regulations:
- License to Carry
People 21 and older do not need a license to carry a gun in Texas, whether open or concealed. - Open Carry
Texas requires a holster when a handgun is visible, although the type of holster is not specified. - Concealed Carry
Concealed weapons do not require a holster. - Prohibited Places
Firearms are not allowed in certain locations, including schools, polling places, courts, and businesses that post signage prohibiting firearms. - Private Property
Property owners have the right to prohibit firearms on their premises, and violators can face criminal charges.
Violating gun laws in Houston can lead to serious legal consequences. However, state and federal laws are constantly changing, and sometimes, the legal lines are not so clearly drawn. Our firm is dedicated to protecting your Second Amendment rights when you’ve been accused of a weapon crime.
Types of Weapon Crime Charges We Handle
Our team at Turnbull Legal Group handles a wide range of weapon crime cases. If you’ve been accused of any of the following, contact our attorneys today:
- Unlawful Carrying of a Weapon
Carrying a weapon in prohibited places, while intoxicated, or without a proper holster. - Possession of Prohibited Weapons
Owning illegal firearms or weapons, such as machine guns or explosives. - Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon
Using a weapon to commit an assault. - Felon in Possession of a Firearm
Carrying or owning a firearm despite having a prior felony conviction. - Illegal Discharge of a Firearm
Unlawfully firing a gun, whether in public or private. - Weapons Trafficking
The illegal sale, transport, or distribution of firearms. - Firearm Enhancements
Cases where weapon use leads to enhanced penalties for other criminal charges.
Whether the best tactic is to move for dismissal, negotiate for a lesser charge, or take your case to trial, we’ll explain your options and offer knowledgeable guidance.
What Are the Penalties for Weapon Crimes in Texas?
Other Consequences of Weapon Crime Convictions
Weapon crime convictions carry severe penalties that extend beyond prison time and fines. A misdemeanor or felony conviction can impact your civil rights, employment opportunities, and personal reputation.
We Guide You Through the Criminal Justice Process
We provide our clients with comprehensive legal support through the following stages:
- Initial Consultation
Discuss your case and outline possible defense strategies. - Case Investigation
Assess the charges, gather evidence, and interview witnesses. - Strategizing
Develop a customized defense strategy. - Pretrial Motions
File motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges, when appropriate. - Negotiations
Negotiate with prosecutors to seek reduced charges or plea bargains. - Trial Preparation
If needed, get ready for trial by organizing evidence, developing arguments, and preparing witnesses. - Court Representation
Aggressively defend you in court, challenging the prosecution’s case at every stage. - Post-Trial Support
Provide ongoing support and explore options for appeals if necessary.
As your case proceeds through the legal system, we’ll explain the next steps and keep you informed throughout.
What Is the Best Defense for Weapon Crime Charges?
The best defense depends on both your and the government’s actions. After investigating the most effective strategies, we might put forth the following defenses:
- Unlawful Search and Seizure
Challenge evidence obtained through illegal searches. - Constitutional Violations
Challenge any violations of your constitutional rights. - Improper Handling
Argue that law enforcement mishandled the evidence. - Lack of Knowledge
Argue that you were unaware of the weapon’s presence. - Self-Defense
Demonstrate that you possessed or used the weapon for self-defense. - Mistaken Identity
Prove that you were wrongfully identified as the perpetrator.
Our meticulous lawyers aim to leave no potential defense strategy unexamined.
Take Immediate Action: Contact Our Houston Weapon Crime Lawyers
Don’t let a criminal charge jeopardize your future. Our Houston weapon crime lawyers are ready to protect your rights. Contact us now to schedule a free consultation and begin building a strong defense strategy.
