There is a heightened sense of security on the part of law enforcement officers at airports across the United States. DFW airport is no exception. Most people understand the need for tighter security given the climate we live in today. But completely innocent people can find themselves on the other end of the law at an airport. Dr. David Dao of Elizabethtown, Kentucky found out the hard way when he was ripped from that United Airlines jet. TSA agents are ever vigilant from extended pat downs to thorough examinations of passenger luggage. We know the rules with regard to liquids and our carry on luggage. And most people know that you can’t bring knives and firearms on an airplane. But what happens if you a lawful abiding citizen and forget that you have a firearm in a carry-on bag? You could technically be charged with unlawful carrying a weapon on a prohibited place. That is a 3rd-degree felony in Texas for which you could go to prison for up to ten years. If the State of Texas can prove that you intentionally, knowingly or even recklessly carried a gun into a secured area of an airport you could go to prison.
Intentionally or knowingly might be difficult to prove – but what about recklessness? Recklessness could be construed as accidental under the right facts and circumstances in a case. If the State of Texas believes that an individual acted recklessly with regard to a firearm in a carry-on bag, legally you can go to prison.
There are serious repercussions for offenses alleged to have been committed in an airport. If you or a loved one has been charged with an offense that occurred at DFW airport or Dallas Lovefield it is important to consult an experienced Tarrant County defense attorney.
The team of attorneys at Tarrant County based Gebhardt, & Eppes, PLLC are former state prosecutors. They possess the skill and experience to build the strongest defense on your behalf. Contact Gebhardt and Eppes, PLLC PLLC at (817) 502-3600 for a free consultation.
Gebhardt and Eppes, PLLC PLLC strongly defend individuals throughout the greater Fort Worth area including Arlington, Weatherford, Cleburne and many surrounding communities.
