People understand that citizens have the right to bear arms, and they respect the right to own firearms to protect themselves and their family members. But what happens when you make a mistake with a gun that lands you in legal trouble? A conviction on a gun law violation could result in a lengthy prison sentence and a heavy fine and jeopardize your right to bear arms, which is why you should seek counsel from an experienced criminal defense attorney.
A Fort Worth gun lawyer could investigate the facts of your case and work determinedly to protect you by fighting hard to help you get your life back on track.
The state has relatively liberal laws on firearms ownership and is a constitutional carry state, where most adults are allowed to carry handguns either concealed or in the open without a permit, license, or background check. However, although the laws are very favorable to gun owners, there are some limits that need to be respected. When someone violates these restrictions, they could face harsh legal consequences.
Not all firearms and other types of weapons are legally permissible. Owning or possessing machine guns, sawed-off shotguns, improvised firearms, or silenced firearms could cause someone to face third-degree felony charges.
A conviction on possessing illegal weapons requires proof of intent. A dedicated gun attorney in Fort Worth could argue an individual did not have the intent to carry prohibited weapons or they were not in violation of the law because they were allowed to carry the weapons due to their status as a member of the armed forces or police. The individual could also present evidence showing they had registered the weapon in another state.
In addition to laws restricting the types of weapons that people can possess, state and federal laws also regulate other areas of gun ownership.
Anyone who has been convicted of a federal or state felony crime cannot own a gun for five years, or they could face third-degree felony charges. People convicted on domestic violence charges or who have a restraining order or protective order against them are also not allowed to possess weapons. The federal government also places additional restrictions on who cannot own a gun.
Individuals can face serious charges if they sell, give, rent, or let someone borrow a weapon if they know that the other person is a minor, drunk, a convicted felon, intends to use it to commit a crime, or has a restraining order against them.
People who use a gun during the commission of a violent crime, such as an assault or robbery, could face first-degree felony charges.
State law restricts where and how an individual can knowingly or recklessly discharge a firearm.
For questions about whether an individual was in violation of either state or federal law, it is critical to work with an attorney who has experience fighting both state and federal gun charges. A gun lawyer in Fort Worth could examine the facts from a particular situation to devise the most effective defense strategy.
Weapons charges are serious offenses. You could face incarceration and fines, and with a conviction on gun charges on your record, you might also find it hard to get a job, obtain a loan, or succeed in a child custody dispute. You might also lose your gun rights.
To have your best chance of a favorable outcome, you need to work with a knowledgeable Fort Worth gun lawyer who is not afraid to fight hard. Call a dedicated legal team who will stand up for your rights.
(817) 732-6392
