Austin Gun Crime Defense Lawyers Protecting Your Rights And Freedom
Facing gun charges or weapons charges in Texas carries serious consequences that can permanently alter your future.
At Vazquez Law Firm, we provide aggressive defense representation for individuals facing gun crime accusations throughout the Austin area, including Travis County and Williamson County. Backed by over 30 years of combined experience, our criminal defense team knows how to challenge prosecution evidence and protect your Second Amendment rights.
What Do Texas Gun Laws Regulate?
Texas maintains specific statutes governing who can possess firearms, where weapons are prohibited and how firearms can be carried or used. State law generally permits open carry of handguns with proper licensing and constitutional carry for eligible individuals. However, certain locations, including schools, courthouses, polling places and businesses with proper signage, prohibit weapons regardless of licensing status.
What Are Common Gun And Weapons Charges In Texas?
Weapons charges in Austin and surrounding counties frequently include unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon; carrying a weapon in prohibited locations, such as schools or government buildings; illegal possession of prohibited weapons, including certain knives or brass knuckles; use of a firearm during the commission of another felony; and improper transfer or sale of firearms without required licensing.
Additional charges may involve brandishing or displaying weapons in threatening manners, possession by individuals subject to domestic violence protective orders and violations of federal firearms regulations.
What Legal Defenses Apply To Gun Crime Cases?
Skilled criminal defense attorneys challenge gun charges through multiple strategies. Common defenses include unlawful search and seizure involving evidence obtained in violation of Fourth Amendment protections; lack of knowledge that the weapon was present or that possession was illegal; valid licensing or permits authorizing possession; necessity or self-defense justifications for weapon use; mistaken identity involving another person’s possession of the weapon; and constitutional challenges to overly broad weapons restrictions.
What Penalties Do Gun Crime Convictions Carry?
Gun crime convictions result in severe consequences. Felony weapons offenses can bring two to 20 years imprisonment, depending on the specific charge and criminal history. Misdemeanor violations carry up to one year in jail. Federal convictions often impose mandatory minimum sentences. Beyond incarceration, convictions eliminate gun ownership rights, create permanent criminal records affecting employment and housing, trigger probation or parole violations, and may result in immigration consequences for noncitizens.
Reach Out To Experienced Criminal Defense Attorneys Today
Discover the difference an experienced Austin criminal defense team can make when facing weapons charges. You can set up a consultation with Vazquez Law Firm by calling 512-982-1075 or reaching out online.