Dallas Weapons Offenses Attorneys

Even though Texas has some of the most liberal gun laws in the country, there are still state and national laws that restrict the ownership of certain types of weapons and how and where these weapons can be carried and transported. Being charged with violating any of these regulations can have significant effects on an individual’s livelihood, so if you are facing weapons charges of any kind in the state of Texas, you cannot afford to take chances with your defense. Contact Law Offices of Mark T. Lassiter to speak with one of our Dallas criminal defense attorneys.

Guns are an extremely controversial political topic. Unfortunately, individuals who find themselves accused of weapons charges often risk law enforcement officials making an example of them, making effective criminal defense all the more important. At Law Offices of Mark T. Lassiter, our legal team has been helping individuals in Dallas facing weapons-related charges for years. We know what it takes to protect your rights and your good name in the face of a weapons-related accusation.

If you’re facing a weapons charge, call our Dallas weapons charges lawyers at (214) 845-7007 or use our email feature to contact our team and begin preparing your defense to the charges.

Do I Need a Weapons Charge Lawyer?

When you’re facing a weapons charge, even if you know you are innocent, do not assume that it will all work itself out. Without a Dallas weapons crime lawyer on your side, you may miss the opportunity to fight for your rights. You may not understand how to present valuable defenses that could exonerate you. Unfortunately, even though you’re innocent until proven guilty, you must still respond to the charges against you. The police and the state’s attorney want you to be convicted. However, just because they say you’re guilty doesn’t mean that a jury of your peers will find you guilty. You have the right to try your weapons charges case and assert every defense that applies.

There are many ways to approach a weapons charge. Constitutional defenses, factual defenses, and questions of interpretation of the law may assist you in your defense. With a weapons charge lawyer by your side, you know that you’re bringing the best possible defense to the charges. Only an experienced attorney can guide you through the process, ensure that no detail goes unnoticed, and give you the best chance of facing a reduced sentence or a not-guilty verdict.

Why Choose Law Offices of Mark T. Lassiter?

At Law Offices of Mark T. Lassiter, we have a wealth of experience that can work to your advantage if you’re facing weapons charges in the Dallas area. Our leader, Mark T. Lassiter, J.D., is a graduate of the South Texas College of Law and a former Dallas prosecutor. He has extensive experience with criminal charges in Texas, including all types of weapons charges. With years of experience in the trenches of criminal law, Mark Lassiter knows the details of each weapons charge in the state of Texas. He knows what defenses are successful in fighting weapons charges and what mistakes the police often make when they charge individuals.

Mark Lassiter is a board member of the Dallas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association and a member of the Criminal Law Committee for the Dallas Association for Young Lawyers. He is admitted to practice in Texas and before the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals for the United States. He is also a member of the Bar of the U.S. Supreme Court. His commitment to excellence in criminal law and his dedication to providing each person the best possible defense can be exactly what you need when you’re facing a weapons charge.

Common Weapons Offenses

Texas law restricts gun ownership and possession in several circumstances. Despite the Second Amendment protecting your right to bear arms, Texas law limits your right to carry weapons in certain locations or if you’ve been convicted of a felony. From violating Concealed Handgun License restrictions to being found in possession of an illegal weapon, there are many criminal charges that one could face concerning weapons ownership, sale, or transportation. Some of the most common of these offenses include:

A conviction on any of the above could have significant effects on your rights and freedoms, making it difficult for you to find employment, further your education, and even find a place to live. As such, if you are facing these or any other weapons charges, take action today to get the best defense possible.

According to Texas Penal Code § 411.172, it is against the law for any of the following individuals to possess or use a weapon:

Anyone under 21 years old
Convicted of a felony
Convicted of a misdemeanor within the last five years
Anyone arrested or facing charges for domestic violence
Residents who have not been living in the state for longer than six months and haven’t completed an application for a conceal-carry permit
Anyone addicted to illegal or prescription drugs
Individuals with mental disabilities
Anyone behind on child support payments and subject to collections from the Attorney General’s Office in Texas

There are also some situations where you’re not allowed to carry a gun even if you have a conceal-carry permit. You are not allowed to possess a firearm or another weapon at any of the following locations:

Religious institutions
School property
Hospitals
Public entertainment facilities
Airports
Polling stations
Within 1,000 feet of a jail or law enforcement agency
Businesses earning at least 51% of their revenue from selling alcohol

Possession of a firearm is just one charge alone. However, if you use a gun to commit another crime, such as burglary or murder, you could face additional charges. It’s critical that you consult with an experienced Dallas weapons offenses lawyer to protect your rights and create a solid defense so you don’t face time in prison.

Penalties You Could Face with A Gun Crimes Conviction

Texas takes the violation of weapons offenses seriously. If you’re arrested and charged with a gun crime, you could face severe penalties, including expensive fines and a jail sentence.

Unlawful carrying of a weapon

Class A misdemeanor
Maximum of one year in jail
Up to $4,000 in fines

If the offense occurred at a business with a liquor license or at another place that engages in the sale of alcohol, the penalties are:

Third-degree felony
Two to ten years in prison
Up to $10,000 in fines

Illegally selling a weapon

Class A misdemeanor
Maximum of one year in jail
Up to $4,000 in fines

If you sold a firearm to a minor, the penalties are:

State jail felony
180 days to two years in state jail
Up to $10,000 in fines

Carrying a concealed gun or firearm at an airport or another public place

Third-degree felony
Maximum of 10 years in prison
Up to $10,000 in fines

If the state decides to charge you with this offense under Texas Penal Code § 46.02, you could face the following penalties:

Class A misdemeanor
Maximum of one year in jail
Up to $4,000 in fines

Convicted felon who possesses a firearm

Third-degree felony
Maximum of 10 years in prison
Up to $10,000 in fines

Violating concealed handgun license

Third-degree felony
Maximum of 10 years in prison
Up to $10,000 in fines

Unlawful brandishing or discharging a weapon

Brandishing or discharging a firearm near or in the direction of another person, vehicle, building, or home is known as deadly conduct. The penalties are:

Third-degree felony
Maximum of 10 years in prison
Up to $10,000 in fines

If you brandish or discharge a firearm within the corporate limits of a municipality with a population of at least 100,000, you could face:

Class A misdemeanor
Maximum of one year in jail
Up to $4,000 in fines

At Law Offices of Mark T. Lassiter, we understand the overwhelming stress you might be feeling. When you’re facing a possible prison sentence, it could ruin your family, reputation, and future. We will protect your rights and ensure you receive a fair sentence or find a way to get the charges against you dropped or reduced.

What Are the Possible Defenses to Gun Crimes in Dallas?

Even though Texas law restricts gun ownership and possession in some ways, there still may be viable defenses available to you if you’re facing a gun charge. For example, under Texas law, starting on January 1, 2016, licensed handgun owners can openly carry their weapons in the state of Texas in many circumstances. Click here if you were arrested for violating Texas’ open carry laws.

Weapons laws are complex. Sometimes, even the police may not understand them. You may have the right to possess the weapon, and the police may have charged you in error. The defense to your weapons charge may be asking the court or the jury to interpret the law properly and correct any misunderstandings associated with the circumstances involved in the charges against you.

You can also defend yourself based on a lack of proof of the charges against you. Each weapon charge depends on elements that are specific to the charges. For example, the police must show actual possession for most types of weapons offenses. Demonstrating possession is often more complex than the police like to admit. If the firearm is simply near you or someone may have planted it in your car or home, the police may not be able to prove the charges.

The U.S. Constitution may protect you from a weapons charge, so constitutional defenses may also apply in your case. In addition to your right to bear arms, you also have the right to be free from unlawful search and seizure under the U.S. Constitution. Your attorney can help you determine if a constitutional defense applies and how to assert your legal rights.

Talk with a Dallas Gun Crimes Defense Lawyer Today

A weapons charge can result in a significant interruption in your life. Don’t take a weapons charge sitting down. You can fight back by mounting the strongest possible defense. Mark T. Lassiter and our legal team have the skills to represent you if you’re facing a weapons charge in the Greater Dallas area.

If you or someone you love is facing a weapons-related charge of any kind, our lawyers from Law Offices of Mark T. Lassiter can ensure your rights are upheld throughout the legal process. Call (214) 845-7007 for the aggressive, experienced legal representation you need.

TESTIMONIALS

“He handled an unjust ticket for me and was very thorough and on time with notices, etc. His communication was short and to the point without false fluffy words or promises.”

Pat-

When my son received a DWI, I wanted to get him THE BEST lawyer I could find. I researched for two days, and then I found Mark Lassiter. I looked no further. As soon as I read about him, I knew that I found THE BEST. From the moment I met him, I had COMPLETE confidence in him. At the end of my son's trial, Mr. Lassiter came through with a defense case so impressive that the case was dismissed before the prosecutors finished their argument. I will always be grateful to him.

Susan-

Mark is a very intelligent professional defense Attorney on my DWI offense that Mark convinced the jury that i wasn't guilty i highy recommend Mark to my family and friends once again thanks Mark

Carlos-

I had my first DWI charge and I was unclear of next steps. I was getting propositioned left and right by less ethical lawyers and one even "claimed" my case and I missed my court date. However, Mark Lassiter and his amazing paralegal took care of everything. They were very prompt and clear with their communication on every step of the process. Also if anything came up I got a call right away and they let me know what I needed to do next. Honestly made this stressful situation manageable. I already recommend them to anyone who is going through the same situation as me. That said he does come at a premium cost but is worth every penny, and his team is willing to work with you on payment plans.

Anon-

I recently was referred to contact Mark Lassiter by a colleague and called him for a consultation related to a recent arrest for public intoxication in Dallas. He was terrific; I had never been arrested before and was unsure of what the appropriate next steps would be. He was detailed in his step-by-step approach and provided me sound legal advice on how he would handle this case.I elected to hire him as my attorney and it was the best decision. He handled my case and was able to get the charges dismissed. As a professional it was imperative to be able to get this charge removed from my record.If you are in need of a criminal defense attorney, I would highly recommend Mark's services.

PS-

I am a very satisfied and a relived client. After meeting with various lawyers Mark was the one who won me over. Walking into his office you will be impressed of all his credentials. He is professional and aggressive which is what everyone looks for in a attorney. Every other lawyer I interviewed mentioned to "plea deal", I knew that meant settling. A DWI on my record was the LAST thing I wanted. I was very hopeless and scared (considering it was my first offense) but Mark always reassured me that I had a very good case. Ultimately, Mark did a phenomenal job in the court room (he had the prosecutors speechless), which resulted in a dismissal. I recommend this man to everyone I know. Thank you Mark, I owe you my life.

NG-