Defense For Gun And Weapon Offense Charges
If you have been arrested for unlawful carrying of a weapon, possession of a prohibited weapon or another weapons offense, you need an experienced criminal defense lawyer. I am R. Todd Bennett, a defense lawyer who is board-certified in criminal law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. I have nearly two decades of legal experience, including experience as a former prosecutor. I know how weapons cases are handled, and I understand what defenses are available. I work hard to protect your rights and freedom.
Contact my law office by phone at 713-489-7763 or by email to schedule a consultation. I am well recognized as an experienced and dedicated Houston weapons offense attorney.
Firearms Violations Attorney
Texas has strict laws on what weapons you can and can’t own and what weapons require a permit. Violation of these regulations can result in serious consequences. I defend clients who have been charged with serious weapons offenses in Houston, Richmond and the surrounding areas. Some of illegal firearms cases I defend clients against involve:
- Unlawful carrying of a weapon
- Possession by a convicted felon or other prohibited person
- Possession of prohibited weapons (switch blade knife, short barrel firearm, explosives, machine guns, and other prohibited guns or illegal weapons)
- Using a weapon in the commission of a crime (armed robbery, assault with a deadly weapon)
- Other weapons crimes
Unlawful Carrying Of A Handgun
Many people misunderstand Texas conceal and carry laws. Under Texas law, if you have a handgun permit, you may be permitted to carry the handgun on your own premises, in your home, at your own business (if under your own control), in your car (permitted it is concealed from public view, you are not committing a crime and it is under your control), and in certain other limited situations.
If you carry a handgun in a restricted location, you can be charged with unlawful carrying of a handgun. Even if licensed to possess a handgun, you are not permitted to carry a handgun in the following situations:
- On school property
- Into a business that restricts handguns
- Into a bar
- Into a correctional facility
- On church property
- On the premises of a hospital or nursing home
- In your car, if not concealed
- Certain other locations
Under most situations, unlawful carrying of a handgun will be charged as a Class A misdemeanor. However, in certain cases, such as where the handgun was carried into a correctional facility or bar, the offense can be charged as a third-degree felony.
The punishment range for a misdemeanor class A weapons crime includes a jail sentence of up to one year in the county jail and up to a $4,000 fine. The punishment range for a third-degree felony includes a prison sentence ranging from two years to 10 years and up to a $10,000 fine.
Request An Attorney Consultation
If you have been arrested for carrying a switchblade knife, unlawful carrying of a handgun or any other weapons offense, talk to an experienced criminal defense attorney right away. Contact me, Houston weapons offense lawyer R. Todd Bennett, by email or by calling 713-489-7763 to request a free consultation about your criminal matter involving a gun or any weapons. .