San Antonio Weapons Crimes Attorneys

Explore Your Defense Options with Calfas Law Group

The state of Texas keeps a close eye on gun owners and imposes serious penalties on those who violate the law. Gun and weapons charges can also be part of a larger crime, such as assault or armed robbery. Weapons are designed for protection, and Texas weapons laws are put in place to ensure that their use is limited to self-defense and sport.

If you or a loved one have been charged with a weapons crime, it is advised that you speak with a knowledgeable San Antonio weapons crimes lawyer today. At Calfas Law Group, we're prepared to partner closely with you in this matter and ensure that the facts are asserted and your rights are protected throughout the entirety of your case.

Start Fighting Your Case Today. Contact our Calfas Law Group offices to request a confidential case evaluation with our legal team.

Texas Gun Laws

In Texas, state gun laws differentiate between handguns and small arms such as shotguns and rifles. Carry laws also differ depending on what type of weapon is being carried.

Handguns
Handguns can be carried freely in the following places:

• A person’s place of residence or other property owned by the weapon carrier
• Inside a private automobile or watercraft (with a clean criminal record)
• On fishing or hunting grounds (with proper licensing and appropriate handgun)
• The handgun must be kept in an area inaccessible to persons under the age of 17.

A concealed handgun can be carried legally as long as the bearer also has a state-issued Concealed Handgun License (CHL). Owners of private property can prohibit CHL carriers from carrying a concealed weapon on their property with a legal notice of trespassing in compliance with the Texas Penal Code. Concealed handgun carry is restricted in civic structures and public areas in which proper warning is given.

Small Arms
Shotguns and rifles can be carried in a manner that is either open or concealed as long as the bearer carries them nonthreateningly.

Use of Force

Texas gun law protects the use of force or deadly force in certain situations and they all must include some element of self-defense. If the carrier of a gun finds it reasonable to use force to defend him or herself or others, then force may be authorized.

General situations in which force or deadly force is allowed are:

• Forcible entry (into a home, business or vehicle)
• Attempted murder
• Kidnapping
• Sexual assault
• Robbery

Illegal Weapons Charges

Possession of any of the following is illegal without National Firearms Act or NFA registration:

• Automatic weapons
• Short-barrel shotguns
• Short-barrel rifles
• Smoothbore pistols
• Silencers

Carrying any of these weapons without registration can incur penalties that range from fines to prison.

Felon in Possession of a Firearm

Convicted felons are not allowed by law to be in possession of a firearm. There are only two ways for a convicted felon to regain the right to carry a weapon:

1. Maintain a clean record in residence for five years
Texas state law allows felons who have stayed out of trouble for five years to hold a firearm within their place of residence for self-defense. Federal law does not allow this but defers to state law in nearly all cases.

2. Be pardoned by the president of the United States
A pardon from the president is extremely rare and expensive. It is the only means by which a felon can regain the right to his or her firearm.

Knowing Texas gun law is only part of presenting a gun and weapons charges case. You’ll need a legal professional by your side to defend your right to bear arms. We know what your Constitutional Rights are and what can be done to ensure that they are recognized throughout every stage of your case.

The time to act is now. Call (210) 405-8315 today to start discussing your arrest and your legal options.