Houston criminal lawyers know that charges involving guns and other weapons are not taken lightly in Texas. Weapons charges can fall under the category of misdemeanor or felony, and include penalties such as jail time, fines and other harsh penalties.
If you’ve been arrested and charged with a weapon or gun-related crime, the Houston weapons crimes lawyers at Ricardo N. Gonzalez & Associates can help explain your legal rights and pursue the best defense for your case.
Types of Weapons Charges
There are a wide range of possible charges in Texas involving guns and other weapons, including:
1. Unlawful carrying of a weapon
2. Violation of concealed handgun laws
3. Assault with a deadly weapon
4. Using a weapon in self-defense
5. Carrying concealed guns at airports, courthouses, polling places, schools or other prohibited areas
6. Illegally selling a weapon
7. Felon in possession of a gun
A weapons charge may also arise from the accusation of using a weapon in the commission of another criminal offense, such as kidnapping, robbery or sexual assault. These offenses are known as aggravated offenses.
Possession of a weapon in the commission of another crime can dramatically increase the penalties for the offense. If the prosecutor in your case seeks a weapons enhancement charge, it is essential to have an experienced attorney who will aggressively fight for you.
When you are charged with a weapons-related offenses, it’s best to immediately contact one of our Houston weapons crimes lawyers to begin pursuing every possible legal avenue.
What Can Be Considered A Weapon?
While you might think a weapons charge involves the use or possession of a firearm, there is a much broader range of weapons that could be subject to such a charge. According to section 46.01 of the Texas Penal Code, these items also can lead to criminal charges:
1. Knives, daggers, Bowie knives, switchblades, Tomahawks, spears, swords
2. Armor-piercing ammunition
3. Blackjacks
4. Chemical dispersing devices
5. Clubs/nightsticks
6. Explosive devices
7. Firearm silencers
8. Mace
9. Handguns, zip guns, short-barrel firearms, machine guns
Getting Help From A Houston Weapons Crimes Lawyer
If you’ve been accused of a gun or weapons crime or had a weapons charge added to another offense, getting started on your defense immediately is vital to a successful defense. Contact the Houston weapons crimes lawyers at Ricardo N. Gonzalez & Associates today to schedule a consultation with an experienced trial attorney who will thoroughly and aggressively defend your rights.
