While Texas gun laws are relatively liberal, the state takes its gun laws seriously, and it has serious legal charges and sentences to back this up. If you own or own and carry a gun in the State of Texas, it is important to stay abreast of the state’s rules, regulations, and restrictions related to owning and carrying weapons.
License to Carry
If you plan on carrying your gun on your person (outside of your own property), you need a license to carry (LTC). To obtain a license to carry a handgun (LTC) in Texas, the following must apply:
You must be at least 21 years old (the age limit is reduced to 18 for members of the military).
You must meet all federal qualifications to carry a gun, which involves passing a training program as part of your license application.
Carrying a gun without an LTC can lead to a sentence of up to a year in jail and to fines of up to $4,000 (predicated on the circumstances involved in your case).
Where It Is Always Illegal to Carry
There are certain places that it is always illegal to carry a gun in the State of Texas, including all of the following:
Churches, synagogues, and other places of worship
Schools (both primary and secondary)
School vehicles
Polling stations
Hospitals
Government buildings
If you choose to carry a gun in Texas, it is important to be mindful of all the relevant rules, including where it is illegal to do so. If you do run into trouble, seek the professional legal counsel of a seasoned Harker Heights criminal defense attorney today.
Weapons that It Is Illegal to Own
Texas draws the line on ownership of certain kinds of weapons, and all of the following are prohibited throughout the state:
Explosive weapons
Machine guns
Short-barreled firearms
Zip guns
Being involved in the manufacture, transportation, or repair of any illegal weapon is similarly illegal.
The Consequences of a Conviction
The consequences of a gun crime conviction can be exceptionally steep. In addition to a time behind bars and hefty fines, you can also face difficult social consequences (due to the public nature of your conviction) that include:
Making it more difficult to rent a house or apartment
Making it more difficult to obtain a home loan
Making it more difficult to gain acceptance at a college or university, to obtain a school loan, and/or to live on campus
Making it more difficult to find a new job
Marring your social standing in the community
The legal consequences of a gun-related charge should never be discounted.
Reach out to an Experienced Harker Heights Criminal Defense Attorney Today
If you are facing a Texas gun charge, look no further than Brett Pritchard at the Law Office of Brett H. Pritchard in Harker Heights. Mr. Pritchard is a dedicated criminal defense attorney with an exemplary record guiding cases like yours toward beneficial resolutions. We are here to help you, so please do not hesitate to contact us online or call us at (254) 781-4222 for more information today.