An Experienced, Tenacious San Antonio Weapon Offenses Attorney Can Help Resolve Your Legal Issues

Hiring the right San Antonio gun crimes lawyer can make the difference between success and failure

The Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution gives every American citizen the right to own and bear arms. Even so, a variety of state and federal laws in Texas regulate weapons and how they may be used. In many cases, having weapons charges added to other criminal charges increases the penalties.

If you face criminal charges involving a weapons or firearms violation, you need the services of an experienced weapon offenses attorney who practices in the jurisdiction where you have been charged. Joseph P. Appelt in San Antonio has years of experience in this area. We can assist you if you need a gun crimes lawyer.

Specific Texas weapons offenses

The Texas criminal code prohibits the possession of many types of weapons, some of which fall outside the category of firearms, unless they are federally licensed or antiques. Such banned weapons include the following:

A knowledgeable criminal defense lawyer or weapons offenses attorney can also explain the specific penalties tied to owning any of these weapons. Owning a switchblade or brass knuckles is a Class A misdemeanor, but owning any of the other types of weapons is a third-degree felony, punishable by serious jail time and a fine of up to $10,000.

Other weapons offenses include committing a felony or misdemeanor domestic assault crime while possessing any kind of firearm within five years of the end of your sentence, or selling or giving a weapon to someone who is not allowed by law to possess one. Leaving an unsecured and loaded firearm where a child can access it also qualifies as a gun crime.

Carrying and using weapons in Texas

It is illegal to carry any weapon in Texas without a state license, except under very limited circumstances that a weapons offense or gun crime attorney can explain to you. The following items are considered weapons under Texas law:

Even if you have a permit to carry a weapon openly, you may not do so in certain places, including sporting venues, churches, hospitals or businesses selling alcohol.

Unless you are defending yourself or someone else, it is a gun crime to use a firearm in public. Such a weapons offense is tried as either a Class B or A misdemeanor, depending on the location in which the gun is discharged. Using a gun or weapon while committing another criminal offense usually increases those other crimes to an aggravated status, making them punishable as first-degree felonies.

A San Antonio weapons offense and gun crimes lawyer on your side

Gun crimes and weapons offenses are serious matters that are prosecuted vigorously by Texas law enforcement. Joseph P. Appelt, P.C. in San Antonio can advise you if you face any such charge. Contact us online or at [ln::phone] today. We offer easily accessible offices and accept all major credit cards. Se habla espanol.