Texas has very liberal gun laws, but if you are found to be carrying a weapon unlawfully, you could face serious penalties. Texas open carry laws allow most people to carry a weapon legally in several places.
If you are facing charges of unlawfully carrying a weapon in Texas, you need a weapons defense attorney to guide you through the process of handling these charges. You can contact Carter Law to help. We have a proven track record of defending anyone charged with UCW.
Open Carry in Texas
Texas allows anyone over the age of 21 who is licensed to carry a weapon in Texas. Since September 2021, Texas law has allowed open carry in a belt or shoulder holster. Those who carry a weapon need not have a permit, and weapons may be carried openly or concealed.
However, there are restrictions on who can carry a handgun, club, illegal knife, or other harmful weapons in Texas, and if someone violates any of these restrictions, they could be charged with unlawfully carrying a weapon.
Some of the restrictions include:
- Anyone under the age of 21
- Someone with a prior felony conviction within five years
- Someone who has been convicted of family violence
- Anyone restricted from carrying under federal laws
- A person who is intoxicated
- Any person who has an affiliation with a street gang
If you have been charged with UCW in Texas, contact Carter Law immediately. We can help investigate the conditions under which you were arrested and will work hard to have charges dismissed, minimized, or, when applicable, be prepared to defend you in court.
What is Unlawfully Carrying a Weapon in Texas?
There are several places where carrying a weapon in Texas is unlawful. The consequences can be serious and could result in jail time and fines and could potentially harm your chance of legally carrying a weapon in the future. Some of the restrictions gun owners should be aware of include:
- Gun-free zones exist on both college campuses and high school campuses. You cannot possess a weapon in these cases.
- Local bars or any business that is in business primarily dedicated to alcohol sales are gun-free zones.
- Any business that has a clearly displayed sign that prohibits handguns.
- Airports are gun-free zones.
You cannot be in possession of a handgun if you are found in violation of another law. For example, if you are charged with DWI and the officer finds a weapon in your vehicle, you may also be charged with unlawful carry. There are also differences in who may carry – for example, a licensed person may have more flexibility in where they can carry a weapon.
While UCW is typically charged as a Class A misdemeanor, it does not mean these charges are without penalties. If found guilty, you could face up to one year in county jail and a fine of up to $4,000.
Anyone who is charged with carrying a weapon into a prohibited area could be facing a third-degree felony charge of UCW in Texas. If found guilty, you could face up to 10 years in prison and fines of up to $10,000.
A weapons defense attorney at Carter Law can help you defend against these charges.
What to Do if You’ve Been Charged with Unlawful Carry
There is no time to waste if you are facing an unlawful carry charge or UCW Texas charge. These cases can be very complicated, and prosecutors are often motivated to set an example for others. If you are facing a UCW Texas charge, contact a guns and weapons defense lawyer at Carter Law immediately.
Our team has the skills and experience you need to help defend against these charges. You should not take these charges lightly; the penalties are too harsh. If you have been charged with unlawful carry, contact us immediately.
Guns and Weapons Defense Lawyers in Houston, TX
Carter Law has experience handling a variety of guns and weapons charges. When you are facing a UCW charge in Texas, you cannot afford to take chances with your freedom or your finances. Carter Law has a proven track record of helping its clients with these types of charges.
Contact Carter Law today by filling out our online contact form to schedule a free case review. Time is of the essence; please act immediately.
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