Aggressively Defending Gun and Weapons Criminal Charges
Most weapons charges carry the prospect of some jail time and expensive fines. Additionally, depending on your criminal history, conviction on a weapons charge may result in your being prohibited from owning a gun in the future.
Weapons Charges – State and Federal
The Shapiro Law Firm counsels and represents clients charged with the following kinds of weapons violations:
- Sawed-off shotgun
- Illegal weapons sales
- Possessing explosives
- Carrying brass knuckles
- Possession of a switchblade
- Unlawfully carrying a weapon (UCW)
- Possessing a firearm as a convicted felon
- Modification of a semi-automatic to an automatic weapon
- Carrying a concealed weapon in an airport or other public place
At the Shapiro Law Firm, we evaluate our client’s case in order to determine the most effective means for helping them avoid the worst possible outcome. We also investigate the charges against our client, especially in cases where police make a car stop and then claim probable cause justified a search of your car. When improper police conduct is involved, our office has been successful in having the evidence against our client thrown out in court and the charges against them dismissed.
Even if you were carrying a concealed weapon without a permit, don’t assume there is nothing you can do. Protect yourself and be informed – call the criminal defense attorneys of the Shapiro Law Firm at 972-833-8196.
Consequences of a Weapons Conviction in Texas
If you are convicted of a weapons offense in Texas, the consequences can vary based on the type of charge and your criminal history. Some offenses are misdemeanors, while others are felonies, both carrying serious penalties.
For example:
- Unlawfully carrying a weapon (UCW) is often a Class A misdemeanor and can lead to up to a year in jail and a fine of up to $4,000.
- If you are caught possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, it is usually a third-degree felony, which could result in two to 10 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine.
- Possessing a weapon in a prohibited place, such as a school or airport, can also be charged as a felony, depending on the circumstances.
These penalties can increase significantly when weapons are used during the commission of another crime. In some cases, mandatory minimums apply. In addition to jail time and fines, you may also face probation, community service or mandatory counseling.
Impact on Firearm Ownership Rights
A weapons conviction can affect your right to own or possess a firearm in the future. Under both Texas and federal law, certain convictions, particularly felony offenses, may lead to permanent loss of your gun rights.
You may also be prohibited from possessing a firearm if you are subject to certain protective orders or if your conviction involves family violence, even if it is a misdemeanor.
Restoring these rights is difficult and often not guaranteed. The safest approach is to avoid a conviction in the first place. That is why it is critical to speak with our skilled defense attorney as early as possible in the process.
Prior Criminal Record and Weapons Charges
A past criminal record can impact your current situation in the following ways:
- Increased sentencing range
- Loss of eligibility for probation
- Automatic felony upgrade for some charges
- More aggressive prosecution
In Texas, prior convictions, especially for felonies, can trigger sentencing enhancements under repeat offender laws. Even if the prior charge was unrelated, prosecutors may use it to argue for harsher penalties.
Presenting Your Case to the Court
When the evidence against you is not in question, it’s best to cooperate with authorities in the hopes of reducing the charges or sentence against you. With over 40 years of experience in dealing with our criminal court system, our criminal defense attorneys understand how prosecutors and judges view different kinds of illegal weapons cases, what they’re likely to do if you have a criminal record and what needs to be done to convince them to consider reducing the charges against you.
Talk to an Experienced Plano Weapons Charges Lawyer
Getting an attorney involved early on in a weapons case can make a big difference later on, especially where the illegal sale or purchase of weapons is involved. Contact our office at 972-833-8196 and schedule a consultation.