Dallas Unlawfully Carrying a Weapon Attorneys
Texas allows its residents a relatively high degree of freedom in carrying weapons to protect themselves and their families. Unfortunately, a violation of the state’s weapon carry laws can still carry harsh punishment if you are convicted. Being charged with carrying a weapon illegally can have an impact on your life, your freedom, and your finances, so contact an experienced criminal defense attorney for assistance right away.
We at Law Offices of Mark T. Lassiter understand your situation and are here to help. Mark Lassiter is experienced and knowledgeable in many areas of criminal defense, from minor offenses to serious felonies. Contact the Dallas weapon offense lawyers at the Law Offices of Mark T. Lassiter at (214) 845-7007 today for a confidential consultation to discuss your defense today.
Do I Need a Defense Lawyer?
If you have been charged with unlawfully carrying a weapon, there are significant penalties under Texas law. Such a conviction is typically a Class A misdemeanor, which may result in a fine of up to $4,000 and as much as one year in jail. However, if you are convicted of unlawfully carrying a weapon at any establishment that may legally sell alcoholic beverages, your crime can be classified as a felony in the third degree. This type of infraction can lead to a prison sentence of up to ten years along with a fine of as much as $10,000.
Moreover, a criminal conviction for unlawfully carrying a weapon can result in negative effects on your reputation as a working professional, an employee, and a parent. Depending on the severity of the crime, an unlawfully carrying a handgun conviction may make it harder to obtain licenses for your profession and be a barrier to furthering your career goals. What’s more, if you have children, a conviction may result in a Child Protective Services (CPS) investigation of your parenting abilities. If currently in the process of divorce, you may even lose custody of your children or child visitation rights.
Overall, a conviction for unlawfully carrying a weapon can lead to severe professional and personal consequences, many of which can be devastating and seriously affect your future and your family’s future. If you try to defend yourself or leave your defense up to an overworked public defender, you are likely to face many of these penalties. That’s why contacting a Dallas defense attorney with experience defending clients against charges of unlawfully carrying a handgun is crucial to winning your case.
Why Hire Law Offices of Mark T. Lassiter to Handle My Case?
Dallas criminal lawyer Mark T. Lassiter, JD has a wealth of experience and credentials that make him a leader among defense lawyers in the area. He has served as a Dallas County prosecutor and is highly-knowledgeable about the state’s laws and conviction process. He is also currently a board member of the Dallas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association and has been named one of the Top 100 Trial Lawyers. Mark Lassiter understands the laws and has the skills to win your case.
Unlawful Carry Laws
It is critical to know what defines your charge as well as the potential consequences of unlawfully carrying a weapon in Texas. Texas Penal Code § 46.02 states that an infraction may occur when you are aware that you are carrying “a handgun or club” (a club is defined here as a “blackjack, nightstick, mace, or tomahawk”) on property that is not your own.
The law states that it is permissible to be “en route” to the “motor vehicle or watercraft” that you own, rent, or lease. However, even if you are operating your own “motor vehicle or watercraft,” a handgun must not be “in plain view, unless the person is licensed to carry a handgun under Subchapter H, Chapter 411, Government Code, and the handgun is carried in a shoulder or belt holster.”
Even if you are licensed to carry a handgun in a shoulder or belt holster, you must not be simultaneously participating in unlawful activity, “other than a Class C misdemeanor that is a violation of a law or ordinance regulating traffic or boating.”
This is just the very beginning of this lengthy and complex statue. There is no need, however, for you to attempt to navigate the laws and the court system on your own. An experienced criminal defense lawyer can help you understand why you were charged and how best to defend yourself.
Defenses Against Unlawful Carry
Often, when charged with unlawfully carrying a weapon, a person may not even have been aware that they committed a crime. The most common legal defenses in these circumstances may include assertions that:
- The handgun was not in plain view
- Someone misidentified the alleged offender
- There was nothing unlawful about the weapon in question
- The person charged with unlawfully carrying a weapon did not do so intentionally
- The person charged with unlawfully carrying a weapon was legally fishing, hunting, or engaged in another related sports activity
If you have been charged with unlawfully carrying a weapon, the lawyers at Law Offices of Mark T. Lassiter are here to help you navigate the often stressful and confusing Texas court systems.
Dallas Defense Lawyers Are Here to Help
You have options if you have been charged with unlawfully carrying a weapon. Mark Lassiter has the knowledge and experience necessary to win your case. At Law Offices of Mark T. Lassiter, we are committed to providing you with full-service legal representation in order to keep your life on track.
Whatever the circumstances of your unlawfully carrying a weapon charge, our gun crimes lawyers are dedicated to getting you results. Call Law Offices of Mark T. Lassiter today for a 100% free consultation at (214) 845-7007. You can also request a confidential, free case evaluation.