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The presence of a weapon in the commission of various crimes frequently results in more severe penalties and additional charges beyond the primary criminal offense. One common scenario is the association of firearm possession with crimes like aggravated robbery, which can result in multiple felony convictions. Given the gravity of the possible sentence that occur as a result of these criminal actions, it becomes paramount to seek immediate assistance from skilled legal professionals, particularly the dedicated Houston weapon charges lawyers at Mary E. Conn.
At Mary E. Conn, our team understands the complexities and consequences associated with weapons-related charges. Our mission is not only to provide legal counsel but also to empathetically support individuals facing these challenging circumstances. Our weapons charge defense attorneys recognize the critical importance of swift action following an arrest to ensure your rights are protected and to explore every avenue for reducing the impact of potential convictions on your future.
In Texas, as of 2021, individuals who meet legal requirements can carry a handgun in public places without needing a License to Carry (LTC). While Texans can still obtain an LTC, which may offer additional benefits, it is not required for the legal carry of handguns. To carry a handgun publicly without an LTC, individuals must be at least 21 years of age, without prior felony convictions or certain misdemeanor convictions, not subject to an active protective order, not federally prohibited from possessing a firearm, and not intoxicated.
Handguns must be carried in a holster, but there is no requirement for a specific type of holster. However, certain locations such as bars, polling places, and schools are off-limits for carrying firearms, and flaunting a firearm in public in a way that causes alarm is a criminal offense. It is also required that a pistol kept in a vehicle must be concealed if not in a holster. Additionally, weapons charges that are included during the commission of a crime can have severe consequences on punishment ranges proposed by the prosecution.
Weapons charges in Houston, Texas are often a subset of a greater crime, but can greatly impact the punishment range of a crime. Specific weapons charges include the following:
Many criminal actions will often include the unlawful possession of a firearm as a separate charge when the firearm was used during the commission of a crime. For example, aggravated robbery often requires the commission of the crime with the use of a deadly weapon. If the person does not have the appropriate license to carry the firearm, they may face an additional criminal charge for this crime.
Our Houston, TX weapons charges lawyers can provide you with highly skilled and experienced representation in sentencing.
Penalties for weapons charges may range between small misdemeanor offenses to larger penalty offenses, depending on the facts and circumstances of your case. The state has discretion to reduce your penalty to probation and a fine if it is your first offense, although not every prosecutor will act this way. Therefore, it is important to speak with an experienced Houston weapons charges attorney who will carefully examine the facts of your case and will work hard to ensure you are not subjected to a heightened punishment range.
The penalty table below indicates the possible punishment ranges which you may face as the result of a weapons charge arrest:
| Misdemeanor Class or Felony Degree | Confinement | Optional Fine |
| Class C Misdemeanor | None | Up to $500 |
| Class B Misdemeanor | Up to 180 days in county jail | Up to $2,000 |
| Class A Misdemeanor | Up to 1 year in county jail | Up to $4,000 |
| State Jail Felony | 180 days – 2 years in state jail | Up to $10,000 |
| Third Degree Felony | 2-10 years in prison | Up to $10,000 |
| Second Degree Felony | 2-20 years in prison | Up to $10,000 |
| First Degree Felony | Life or 5-99 years in prison | Up to $10,000 |
| Capital Felony | Life in prison or death | Up to $10,000 |
The facts and circumstances of your case will have a large impact on the above penalty range table. If you have a prior felony conviction resulting in probation for several years, and were arrested on unrelated weapons charges during this time, you may face heightened felony penalties listed above. The skilled weapon chargers lawyers will better assist you in understanding the specific penalties you face on weapons charges.
The Texas Penal Code, Chapter 46, outlines the various weapons and devices that are considered illegal to possess, manufacture, or carry within the city limits. While Texas generally has lenient firearm laws compared to some states, there are still restrictions in place to ensure public safety, such as:
It’s important to note that these laws are in place to ensure the safety and well-being of the community. Violating these regulations can lead to criminal charges, fines, and even imprisonment. Therefore, it is crucial to be aware of and adhere to these laws.
If you find yourself facing weapons charges in Houston, it’s crucial not to delay seeking legal assistance, and the compassionate attorneys at Mary E. Conn are here to guide you through this challenging situation. Our team is acutely aware that each case is unique, so our lawyers approach it with the dedication it deserves.
Our Houston firearms charges attorneys are committed to your defense. For an initial, no-obligation consultation, don’t hesitate to reach out to our Houston, Texas office today at
(713) 357-4190 or by completing our contact form. Your future deserves the best defense, and Mary E. Conn is here to provide it.