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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 have been charged with a crime related to using or owning weapons, including any guns or firearms, you may not know what to expect. If you have never been convicted of a felony or if this is your first charge related to weapons, you may face fewer penalties than other defendants. However, you’re much more likely to reduce penalties by working with an attorney, whether you have been convicted of a felony or otherwise.
You should expect to go into legal matters, including court proceedings or any trials. During your legal matters, you should speak carefully about your case. Having a qualified and experienced lawyer who can speak on your behalf is also beneficial to the outcome of your case, so consider working with a lawyer from Mary E. Conn & Associates.
When you work with us, your lawyer can use legal vocabulary that is more likely to be well-perceived by court personnel, mitigate mistakes that could increase your penalties, and portray your case more positively and professionally.
Depending on who is pressing charges or otherwise involved in your claim, you should expect to run into additional legal representatives for other parties. By having an attorney of your own, you can level the playing field and have a fair chance to represent your case.
When communicating with your Mary E. Conn & Associates attorney, you should be prepared to discuss your particular circumstances, concerns, preferences, and ideal outcomes. Your attorney will also want to discuss any evidence and other information related to your legal matters.
By discussing your case with a trustworthy attorney at Mary E. Conn & Associates, you can rest assured you are in safe hands. Your lawyer can also explain what options have the strongest odds of improving your legal results.
When you retain us, you can get answers to your questions, helpful guidance, and other resources and support. Please call us now at (713) 357-4190 to retain our assistance and schedule a consultation. Our lawyers are highly experienced and have been serving clients from all walks of life since 1985. An attorney from Mary E. Conn & Associates can protect your rights, reduce penalties, and minimize any stress you might face during legal matters.
Mary E. Conn & Associates is a distinguished law firm with a commitment to providing exceptional legal defense in both state and federal courts. Led by Mary E. Conn, a seasoned criminal defense attorney with over three decades of experience, the firm is dedicated to protecting clients' rights and achieving the best possible outcomes in complex legal matters.
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