While Texas is known as one of the most gun-friendly states in the U.S., it doesn’t mean that there aren’t any laws regarding unlawful possession of weapons guns and firearms.
In Texas, individuals are able to carry handguns openly or concealed, but there are specific conditions that one must follow.
Keep reading to learn about the consequences of being charged with unlawful possession of a firearm or weapon and see how PCS Bail Bonds can help you get a weapons, guns, and firearms bail bonds in Tarrant County.
What Is Unlawful Possession of a Firearm or Weapon?
In order to carry guns openly or concealed in Texas, you must:
- Obtain a concealed handgun license
- Be at least 21 years old
- Have a clean criminal and psychological record
Individuals who do not meet the stipulations above and are caught carrying a gun or concealed weapon can be criminally charged with unlawful possession of a firearm or weapon in Texas.
According to the Texas Penal Code, a person is committing unlawful possession of a firearm or weapon “if the person intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly carries on or about his or her person a handgun or club; and is not:
- On the person’s own premises or premises under the person’s control;
- Inside of or directly en route to a motor vehicle or watercraft that is owned by the person or under the person’s control”.
What Are the Types of Weapon Charges?
There are various types of weapon charges an individual in Texas could face. Depending on the crime, one could face simple misdemeanor charges and fines. Keep in mind that these charges could be increased to a felony charge if the weapon was involved in an incident.
Carrying a Concealed Weapon
As said earlier, in Texas, individuals are allowed to carry concealed weapons provided that they have an appropriate license, they are of appropriate age, and don’t have a criminal background. A person could be charged for unlawful possession of a firearm or weapon if they don’t have a licence and knowingly carry the weapon.
They could also be charged if they are carrying a weapon that’s deadly and not a handgun. Carrying weapons and firearms such as a rocket launcher, miner, torpedo, mine, etc. is illegal in Texas.
Making a Firearm Accessible to a Child
Making a firearm accessible to a child could lead to serious charges as well. In the Texas Penal Code, it states that, “A person commits an offense if a child gains access to a readily dischargeable firearm and the person with criminal negligence:
- Failed to secure the firearm; or
- Left the firearm in a place to which the person knew or should have known the child would gain access.”
If a child is able to access the firearm, discharges it, and causes death or serious bodily injury to themselves or someone else, the individual could be charged with a Class A misdemeanor.
It is also illegal to store, transport, or abandon an unsecured firearm in a place where children are likely to be and can obtain access to the firearm.
Firearm Smuggling
The Texas Penal Code also states that if the person knowingly engages in the business of transporting or transferring a firearm that the person knows was acquired in violation of the laws of any state or of the United States, they are committing an offense.
For further clarification, a person is considered to engage in the business of transporting or transferring a firearm if the person engages in that conduct on more than one occasion or for profit or any other form of remuneration.
Firearm smuggling is considered a third-degree felony in Texas. If there are three or more firearms involved, then the charges increase to second degree felony.
Illegal Weapon Possession Fines & Penalties in Texas
If an individual is found in possession of brass knuckles or a switchblade, then it is considered a Class A Misdemeanor. This could mean a sentence of up to one year in jail and fine mounting up to $4,000.
If an individual is found in possession of any other weapon that’s classified as a prohibited weapon, it could be classified as a third-degree felony. This could mean a minimum of two years and maximum of 10 years in prison and fines of up to $10,000.
The good news is that you can most likely get a bail bond if you’ve been charged with unlawful possession of a firearm. There isn’t really a fixed number on how much bail will cost since it’s based on a case-by-case basis. In Texas, however, bail amount is based on your record, how the gun was obtained, and if authorities believe you could be a flight risk.
How PCS Bail Bonds Can Help
If you or a loved one was arrested on a weapons charge in Texas and is looking for weapons, guns, and firearms bail bonds in Tarrant County, feel free to reach out to PCS Bail Bonds. We can help you get out of jail, so you can build a defense for yourself.
Spending time in jail because you cannot afford bail should not be your only option, which is why we provide 10% lower bond fees than our competitors. With help from our trustworthy bail bondsmen, you can maintain your freedom until your trial date.
We serve clients in Fort Worth, Texas, and other municipalities in Tarrant County, and we process our clients’ requests quickly and efficiently. Our bond agents are always on call and we can be down to the jail in under 30 minutes.
Contact us now by phone at 817-335-1655, at our e-mail, visit in-person, or fill out our bail bond request form. You can be confident that you’re working with experts who are dedicated to helping you. Se Habla Español.