San Antonio Weapons Charges Defense Attorneys
Fighting for Your Freedom & Future
Unlike many other states, Texas has favorable laws regarding guns. Any Texan over the age of 18 can own a gun provided that he or she is not a felon. As of a few years ago, you can openly carry a gun in Texas as long as you have a concealed handgun license. Despite these advantages, if you violate any of the state’s weapon laws, you may find yourself arrested and facing criminal charges. At Smith & Vinson Law Firm, we are thoroughly versed in all of the fine print of Texas law. If you are facing a weapons charge, we have the knowledge and resources you need.
We handle all types of weapon charges, including:
- Illegal possession or carrying of a weapon, which includes unlawful possession, a felon in possession, and unlawful possession in a weapons-free zone
- Illegally selling of a weapon
- Improper discharge of a weapon
- Use of a weapon during the commission of a crime
- Threat with a deadly weapon
- Assault with a deadly weapon
- Aggravated assault
We urge you to bring your case to our San Antonio weapons charge lawyers to learn your legal options and to let us fight back in your defense.
Contact Smith & Vinson Law Firm at (210) 960-9557 today.
When You Need a Weapon License
In certain circumstances, you will not need to obtain a license, such as carrying a gun in your home or carrying one to your car in order to transport it. In almost all other situations, however, you will need to obtain a license in order to carry it. Under Texas law, a weapon includes not only firearms but knives that have blades more than 5 ½ inches long and clubs.
Potential Penalties
The penalties for weapons charges are based on several factors, including the type of weapon, whether it was being used or just carried, and whether other crimes were involved in the incident. These factors will all influence the penalties you will face.
Examples of weapons charges include:
- A Class A misdemeanor for the possession of a switchblade or brass knuckles
- A third-degree felony for the possession of any other outlawed weapon
- A Class A misdemeanor for selling a gun to a felon or underage individual
- A Class C misdemeanor for leaving a loaded gun in a place where a child may find it
- A Class A misdemeanor for carrying without a valid license
- A third-degree felony for carrying at a school, court, racetrack, or polling place on an election day
- A Class A misdemeanor for carrying at a church, hospital, government meeting, amusement park, or sporting event
- A Class B misdemeanor for firing a gun in public. This is elevated to a Class A misdemeanor when it is done in a city with a population of 100,000 or more
- A first-degree felony for using a gun during the commission of a crime, regardless of whether it is fired or not
Under our Constitution, we are guaranteed the right to bear arms – but this right has limitations per state law for the protection and safety of the public. Therefore, if you are found violating these state-mandated restrictions, you will need a tough attorney who knows your rights and how to aggressively defend them in court. Our San Antonio criminal defense attorneys are trial-tested and ready to stand up for you.
Contact our office for a free initial consultation. Call the firm today at (210) 960-9557.