Fort Worth, TX Unlawful Carrying of a Weapon Defense Attorney

Knowledgeable Defense Lawyer for Charges of Unlawfully Carrying a Weapon in Fort Worth

Gun ownership is common in Texas, and the state affords many freedoms to legal gun owners. However, there are laws regarding firearms and weapons in place that, if violated, could carry serious penalties. If you have been charged with this crime, get in contact with a Fort Worth, TX unlawful weapon carrying defense attorney who can inform you of your rights and represent you in court.

At The Meza Law Firm, PLLC, we can provide you with a robust defense strategy in charges involving firearms. Attorney Edwardo Meza has over a decade of experience, so you can trust that your case will be handled by a seasoned professional.

When Can You Be Charged With Unlawfully Carrying a Weapon?

Texas gun laws are not as simple as many people think. Even though Texas allows permitless carry in some situations, a person can still face criminal charges for unlawfully carrying a weapon. In many cases, the accusation involves a handgun.

The law can also apply to certain knives in limited circumstances. A charge may depend on your age, your prior record, where you were carrying the weapon, and the way the weapon was stored or displayed. That means someone can be arrested even if he believed he was acting within his rights. A person may be charged with unlawful carrying of a weapon in Texas in situations such as these:

• Carrying a handgun on or about his person while under age 21 and not on his own premises or directly en route to a vehicle or watercraft under his control
• Carrying a handgun on or about his person after certain recent convictions, such as assault causing bodily injury, deadly conduct, terroristic threat, or disorderly conduct involving a firearm, and not on his own premises or directly en route to a vehicle or watercraft under his control
• Carrying a handgun in a vehicle or watercraft under his control while the handgun is in plain view, unless he is at least 21 or licensed to carry and the handgun is in a holster
• Carrying a handgun in a vehicle or watercraft while engaged in criminal activity other than a simple traffic offense
• Carrying a handgun in a vehicle or watercraft while prohibited by law from possessing a firearm
• Carrying a location-restricted knife while under age 18 and not on his own premises, not directly en route to a vehicle or watercraft under his control, and not under a parent or guardian's direct supervision
• Carrying a handgun while intoxicated and outside the protected locations listed by law
• Carrying a handgun while prohibited from possessing a firearm under Texas law

These charges can arise in many different ways, and the small details can impact how a charge is prosecuted. That is one reason it is important to have an attorney review the facts closely.

Penalties for Unlawful Carrying of a Weapon in Fort Worth

In many cases, unlawful carrying of a weapon is charged as a Class A misdemeanor. A conviction can carry up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $4,000. Some cases are punished less severely, such as certain knife-related allegations involving minors, which may be charged as a Class C misdemeanor.

Other cases are much more serious. If the charge falls under the firearm-prohibited-person section, it can be charged as a third-degree or even second-degree felony depending on the reason the person was barred from possessing a firearm.

A conviction can also leave you with a criminal record that affects employment, housing, and future firearm rights. For many people, those consequences last much longer than the criminal case itself.

Defenses Against Unlawful Carrying Allegations in Texas

The right defense depends on the facts. Our lawyer may argue lack of knowledge, unlawful search and seizure, mistaken identity, lack of possession, or an exception built into the statute. We may also attack weak police observations, incomplete reports, or evidence gathered during an illegal stop.

Meet With a Fort Worth, TX Unlawful Carrying Defense Lawyer

At The Meza Law Firm, PLLC, Attorney Edwardo Meza understands how quickly a weapons charge can threaten your record, your reputation, and your peace of mind. Call 817-732-6392 or contact our Fort Worth, Texas unlawful carrying defense attorney to schedule a free consultation.