Committing a crime can land you in hot water, but when a gun is present, the stakes are much higher. Texas is one of the most gun-friend, states and even by these standards, the criminal justice system takes gun possession when prohibited seriously.
It helps to understand the laws governing gun possession and what they may mean. Learn about how the Lone Star State charges people who use a gun unlawfully.
Criminal possession of a firearm
There are some groups of people who the law does not permit to own or carry a gun. The following are examples of those not allowed to have a weapon in their possession:
- Convicted felons (within five years of the sentence)
- Convicted domestic violence perpetrators
- Anyone noted in a domestic violence order of protection
Under the law, the state must prove that the barred person knew that the firearm was present or had it in his or her management, control or care. The state may prosecute in instances where the felon is near the gun, and a reasonable person may infer it was in-hand at some point. When someone in a classification like this gets caught with one, it may spell costly fines and jail time.
Carrying of a gun
Texas law prohibits individuals from carrying firearms while out and about unless they have the proper permit. A personal firearm must remain in a vehicle or watercraft that the gun owner drives, or in the home. Even those who have licenses to carry guns cannot take them everywhere. Those with a permit may not carry a firearm on school property, inside an airport, at a racetrack or to a polling place on election day. The only exception is law enforcement.
Follow this link for more information on these and other gun charges.