Illegal Carry Attorney in Parker County

Weatherford Lawyer for Unlawfully Carrying a Weapon

There are many legitimate reasons for a person to want to carry personal protection in the form of a firearm. Guns are often thought of as "equalizers." A good firearm will allow even the frailest little old lady to defend herself against the strongest bad guy. While Texas has fairly lenient gun laws in general, it is still possible to find yourself in legal hot water for unlawfully carrying a weapon. While your desire for personal safety is understandable, it is important that the right legal procedures are followed.

Soraya Joslin, P.C. is skilled in helping those who have been charged with unlawfully carrying a weapon. We understand that many people charged with this offense did not intend any harm and had no plans to use the weapon in an unlawful manner. If you are facing charges for carrying a weapon illegally, our attorneys will strive to keep this charge from affecting your life if at all possible.

Weatherford Lawyer Explains Unlawful Carry Charges

Unlawfully carrying a weapon generally means that you had an unauthorized weapon on your person in a public place. While a substantial percentage of these cases involve a firearm, other types of weapons could also lead to this charge. Even simple weapons, like billy clubs or some types of knives, could lead to an arrest.

Of course, Texans have a number of good reasons to carry weapons. Wildlife can pose a risk in more rural areas. Our large cities can be dangerous in certain areas, prompting many law-abiding citizens to desire a weapon for protection. However, carrying a weapon without the proper permits or in restricted areas can still lead to criminal charges.

Many individuals who are arrested for this offense did not know that they were in violation of state law by carrying their weapon in the place they were arrested. Simply forgetting that your lawful concealed carry gun is holstered and walking into a bar or a church could put you on the wrong side of the law.

Common reasons people are arrested for unlawfully carrying a weapon include:

• Visibility - Generally, concealed weapons should be kept out of sight.
• Off-limits location - Even for Concealed Handgun License holders, there are certain zones you cannot enter while carrying, including governmental meetings, amusement parks, and jails.
• Intoxication - Even if you are lawfully permitted to carry a gun, becoming intoxicated while doing so is unlawful.

If you are facing this misdemeanor charge, it is important to take your defense seriously. There could be a lot at stake.

Potential Penalties for Unlawful Carry in Texas

While these charges can come from a momentary lapse in judgment or simple carelessness, the consequences could alter the course of your life. Unlawfully carrying a weapon is a Class A misdemeanor in most cases, meaning that it carries up to a year of jail time. You may also face fines of up to $4,000 in addition to significant community service time. This offense can be charged as a felony in certain cases, leading to a potentially longer term of incarceration.

How Our Lawyers Defend Unlawful Carry Cases

There are a number of possible defense strategies we may use depending on the particular facts and circumstances of your case. We will strive to build the best defense available in your case. Common defenses include:

• Exemptions - Some people, like security guards, may be exempt from certain regulations regarding where they can and cannot carry.
• Lack of requisite intent - When you are used to carrying your weapon everywhere, it becomes easy to forget that you have it on you when you walk into a gun-free zone. Your charges may be dismissed or reduced if it can be shown that you made a simple mistake.
• Own premises - Generally, you are permitted to carry weapons on your own premises, such as on your private land.

We will carefully examine the facts of your case to create a personalized and strong defense.

Contact an Eastland County Weapons Charges Lawyer

Soraya Joslin, P.C. is experienced in defending people who have been charged with unlawfully carrying a weapon in Texas. Our goal is to minimize the impact this charge will have on your life in any way we can. Contact us today by calling 817-599-7005 to arrange a free consultation.