When is possessing a firearm in Texas legal? Understanding gun laws can be tricky, especially since these laws are constantly changing from state to state. To help you better understand what you can and can’t be charged with in regards to possessing a firearm in Texas, we’ll detail some of the scenarios where firearm possession in Texas is illegal.
Texas Gun Laws in Regards to Firearm Possession Charges
Compared to most states, the state of Texas is fairly lax on gun laws. However, there are still plenty of firearm possession scenarios where you can quickly end up on the wrong side of the law in Texas.
To start, there are groups of people who are not allowed to possess a firearm in Texas at all. For instance, if you are a convicted felon or if you have been declared mentally unfit, you are not allowed to purchase or even possess a firearm. Even being caught with a firearm that you do not own can still land you in a lot of trouble.
Other scenarios where you could be charged with a crime related to firearm possession relate to carrying your firearm in public. Texas is an open carry state, meaning that individuals can carry a long rifle firearm without any sort of permit. If an individual chooses to carry a handgun in public that firearm must be visible, holstered and that person must have a license to carry. If you conceal your weapon under your coat, in your purse, or anywhere else, you must have a concealed carry permit to be legal as well. The open carry without the need of a license only applies to long barreled rifles or shotguns.
There are also places in Texas where it is not legal to carry a firearm at all, regardless of whether it is clearly visible or what permit you have. Bringing a weapon into gun-free zones such as schools and hospitals can lead to serious charges.
Defending Firearm Possession Charges in Texas
Texas may not have as strict of gun laws as seen in many other states. Nonetheless, if you break one that Texas does have on the books the consequences are often severe. If you have been charged with illegal possession of a firearm in Texas, we encourage you to contact the experienced attorneys at Gebhardt and Eppes, PLLC today.
