Dallas Gun Crimes Lawyer Defends Weapons Charges

Takeaways:

Gun charges in Texas can lead to jail time, fines, and permanent loss of firearm rights. A Dallas gun crimes lawyer helps challenge unlawful searches, weak evidence, or misapplied statutes. Charges often involve weapons possession, unlawful carrying, or use of a firearm during another crime. A strong legal defense can make the difference between conviction and dismissal.

Texas is known for strong Second Amendment protections, but it also has strict rules about how, when, and by whom a firearm can be carried. Not all violations are obvious, and many people get charged without realizing they broke the law.

Here are some of the most common gun-related offenses prosecutors file in Texas, along with what they mean and the penalties involved:

These charges can be filed independently or stacked with other offenses. Understanding what the state must prove is key to building a strong defense, and the sooner that process begins, the better.

Getting arrested on a gun charge can be overwhelming, but what you do next matters. Even small missteps, like talking to the police or missing deadlines, can affect your outcome. Here’s how to protect yourself early.

The police may try to get you talking, but anything you say can be used against you. Politely decline to answer questions and ask to speak with an attorney as soon as possible.

It might be tempting to explain your side publicly, but don’t. Social media posts, texts, or group chats can be pulled into evidence. Let your legal team do the talking on your behalf.

Start collecting anything tied to your case, permits, purchase records, or witness names. The earlier your lawyer has this information, the stronger your defense. Delays can mean lost details or fading memories.

Missing court or violating bail terms can lead to a bench warrant or new charges. Stay organized, follow every instruction, and notify your attorney immediately if something changes or feels unclear.

Not all lawyers handle weapons cases regularly. You’ll want someone who understands gun laws and knows how local courts handle these charges, especially when your rights are on the line.

The first few days after an arrest are critical. With the right help and smart steps, you can often stay ahead of the charge and fight back with confidence.

Texas takes firearm offenses seriously, and the consequences go far beyond the courtroom. Depending on the charge, you could be facing steep financial costs, lost rights, or even years behind bars. Here’s what you need to know.

In Texas, having a gun during an arrest doesn’t always mean you’ll face just a weapons charge. Sometimes, that firearm becomes the reason a low-level offense is upgraded into something far more serious.

Here’s how that escalation can happen:

If you’re accused of using or displaying a firearm while committing another offense, like theft or assault, the charge can jump from a misdemeanor to a felony. The weapon doesn’t need to be fired to trigger this.

In cases involving drugs or domestic violence, simply having a firearm nearby can elevate the charge. Texas courts often treat the presence of a weapon as an aggravating factor that increases criminal exposure.

If you’ve been previously convicted of a felony or are under a protective order, possession of a firearm can result in immediate felony charges. Prior history makes prosecutors more likely to push for enhancements.

The presence of a firearm can change how your case is charged, how it’s prosecuted, and how much time you could spend in jail. That’s why legal help is critical the moment charges are filed.

While Texas law supports the right to bear arms, there are clear limits on who can legally possess a firearm. Some of these restrictions are based on state statutes, while others come from federal law.

Knowing whether you’re legally allowed to own or carry a weapon is critical, especially if you’re facing charges tied to possession. Here are some common reasons a person may be prohibited from legally possessing a firearm in Texas:

If you’ve been convicted of a felony, Texas law prohibits you from possessing a firearm for five years after your sentence ends. After that, possession is still restricted to your residence only.

Anyone convicted of a misdemeanor involving family violence cannot legally possess a gun under federal law. This applies even if the case happened years ago and no jail time was served.

If you’re currently under a protective order due to allegations of domestic abuse, stalking, or harassment, you’re barred from possessing firearms until that order expires or is lifted.

Individuals who have been found mentally incompetent by a court or involuntarily committed to a psychiatric facility may lose the right to own or carry firearms under federal restrictions.

Habitual users of controlled substances or those convicted of drug-related offenses may face temporary or permanent bans on gun ownership, depending on the case and its classification.

Individuals without lawful immigration status, including undocumented immigrants, are not permitted to possess firearms under federal law, regardless of state residency or employment.

Even if your record seems clean, certain past charges or legal issues can impact your right to carry or own a firearm. An attorney can help verify your status and challenge any charges built on incorrect assumptions.