Fort Worth Firearm and Weapon Criminal Defense Lawyer

Firearm and Weapon Offenses in Tarrant County, Texas

Both the Second Amendment to the United States Constitution and Section 23 of Article 1 of the Texas Constitution protects the right to keep and bear arms. Despite these rights, state laws still restrict the possession of certain weapons and firearms in certain places. Our attorneys specialize in defending firearm and weapon offenses in the Fort Worth area.

A conviction for a firearm or a weapon offense can have serious consequences for an alleged offender. In addition to possible imprisonment and fines, a person could also lose his or her right to own or possess a weapon or firearm in the future.

Fort Worth Lawyer for Weapon Offenses

Were you recently charged with firearm and weapon offenses in Texas? Gebhardt and Eppes, PLLC fights to protect your rights for clients in Fort Worth, Weatherford, Arlington, Cleburne, and surrounding areas in North Central Texas.

Our Fort Worth gun crime attorneys have over three decades of combined experience on both sides of the aisle, giving our firm a unique understanding of how these types of cases are handled. We can help you understand all of your legal options as soon as you call (817) 502-3600 to set up a free consultation.

Overview of Weapons Crimes in Tarrant County

• Which types of gun and weapon crimes does your firm handle?
• What weapons are considered illegal under Texas law?
• Where can I learn more about gun and weapon rights?

Types of Firearms Crimes in Texas

Multiple criminal offenses relating to weapons and firearms are listed in the Texas Penal Code. Two of the most common include:

• Unlawfully Carrying a Weapon;
• Unlawful Possession of a Firearm; and
• Possession of a Prohibited Weapon.

Additionally, there are also a variety of weapon-based upgrades on Texas crimes. Certain crimes can be reclassified as more severe crimes if an alleged offender used or possessed a weapon during the commission of the crime.

Prohibited Weapons in Tarrant County

With a few exceptions for certain professions or affirmative defenses, Texas Penal Code § 46.05 prohibits people from intentionally or knowingly possessing, manufacturing, transporting, repairing, or selling the following types of weapons:

• Explosive Weapon — Any explosive or incendiary bomb, grenade, rocket, or mine, that is designed, made, or adapted for the purpose of inflicting serious bodily injury, death, or substantial property damage, or for the principal purpose of causing such a loud report as to cause undue public alarm or terror, and includes a device designed, made, or adapted for delivery or shooting an explosive weapon;

• Machine Gun — Any firearm that is capable of shooting more than two shots automatically, without manual reloading, by a single function of the trigger;

• Short-Barrel Firearm — A rifle with a barrel length of less than 16 inches or a shotgun with a barrel length of less than 18 inches, or any weapon made from a shotgun or rifle if, as altered, it has an overall length of less than 26 inches;

• Firearm Silencer — Any device designed, made, or adapted to muffle the report of a firearm;

• Armor-Piercing Ammunition — Handgun ammunition that is designed primarily for the purpose of penetrating metal or body armor and to be used principally in pistols and revolvers;

• Chemical Dispensing Device — A device, other than a small chemical dispenser sold commercially for personal protection, that is designed, made, or adapted for the purpose of dispensing a substance capable of causing an adverse psychological or physiological effect on a human being;

• Zip Gun — A device or combination of devices that was not originally a firearm and is adapted to expel a projectile through a smooth-bore or rifled-bore barrel by using the energy generated by an explosion or burning substance;

• Tire Deflation Device — A device, including a caltrop or spike strip, that, when driven over, impedes or stops the movement of a wheeled vehicle by puncturing one or more of the vehicle’s tires (does not include a traffic control device that is designed to puncture one or more of a vehicle’s tires when driven over in a specific direction and has a clearly visible sign posted in close proximity to the traffic control device that prohibits entry or warns motor vehicle operators of the traffic control device); or

• Improvised Explosive Device (IED) — A completed and operational bomb designed to cause serious bodily injury, death, or substantial property damage that is fabricated in an improvised manner using nonmilitary components.

Texas Firearm Resources

Northwest Texas Field Offices | Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) — The ATF is the United States Department of Justice organization that investigates and prevents federal crimes involving the unlawful use, manufacture, and possession of firearms and explosives, in addition to other responsibilities. On this section of the website, you can find contact information for Industry Operations locations that can answer questions or provide information relating to shipping of firearms, proper sale/purchase/transfer of firearms, ammunition or explosives, and other firearms/explosives industry questions. Elsewhere on the website, you can also find fact sheets, forms, and statistics.

National Rifle Association of America (NRA) — The NRA is a nonprofit, gun rights advocacy organization with more than 5 million members. You can find clubs, associations, and other programs relating to the NRA on this website. The website also has additional information about upcoming events and current political issues.

Find a Weapon and Firearm Defense Attorney in Tarrant County, Texas

If you have been arrested for any kind of a firearm or weapons offense in Texas, it will be critical for you to have legal representation from an experienced attorney for firearms and weapon offenses. Prosecutors take these charges very seriously, and Gebhardt and Eppes, PLLC can fight to get the criminal charges significantly reduced or completely dismissed.

Our Fort Worth criminal defense attorneys represent clients throughout Parker County, Tarrant County, Johnson County, and many surrounding areas. Call (817) 502-3600 or submit an online form today to take advantage of a completely free, confidential consultation.