Weapons and Firearms Offenses Lawyer in Austin Texas

Austin Texas Criminal Defense Lawyer Bill White has extensive experience in all types of criminal cases including weapons and firearms offenses. The distinctions between legal weapons and illegal weapons are not well-known by most people. Texas does not currently have any laws on the books regarding possession of handguns, shotguns, or rifles by those 18 years or older without felony convictions. A rifle, shotgun, or other long-barreled firearm may be carried openly, however a permit to carry is required for handguns (issued only to those 21 and older), and they must be concealed. Permits can be obtained from the Texas Department of Safety. It is important to remember that firearm license-holders are subject to the firearm laws of the state in which they are carrying, and not to the laws of the state in which the permit was issued.

If you have been charged with a weapons or firearms charge, contact Austin Criminal Law Attorney Bill White to discuss your options. With his experience on both the prosecutor's and the defense's side of the courtroom, Bill has a unique insight into criminal defense cases. He will be your dedicated representation from initial consultation to litigation proceedings.

Concealed carry is allowed in Texas, provided the individual has a Texas-issued CCW permit or is permitted in a state with which Texas has a reciprocity agreement.

The concealed handgun law sets out the eligibility criteria that must be met. For example, you must be qualified to purchase a handgun under the state and federal laws. Additionally, a number of factors may make you ineligible to obtain a license, including: felony convictions and some misdemeanor, including charges that resulted in probation or deferred adjudication, pending criminal charges, chemical or alcohol dependency, certain types of psychological diagnoses, protective or restraining orders, or defaults on taxes, governmental fees, student loans or child support.

Weapons Offenses in Austin Texas

Austin Texas criminal defense attorney Bill White handles a multitude of weapons offenses in state and federal courtrooms throughout the state including:

• Conceal and carry license violations
• Possession of an illegal firearm (automatic weapon, sawed off shotgun, et al.)
• Unlawfully carrying a weapon
• Unlawful brandishing or discharging a weapon
• Illegal firearms trafficking
• Possession of stolen or unregistered weapons
• Convicted felon in possession of a firearm
• Possession of explosive devices

Illegal Search and Seizure

How the weapons were discovered by law enforcement is extremely important to each case. The United States Constitution and the Texas Constitution protect people from unreasonable search and seizure. The "Exclusionary Rule" states that evidence, including weapons, found by way of an illegal search or seizure may not be used at trial.

Whether it involves an illegal knife or an automatic weapon�??call or Contact Austin Criminal Defense Attorney Bill White to discuss your options.

Texas Weapons and Firearms Information

• City of Austin Police Department
• Texas Statutes and Penal Code
• Texas Department of Public Safety

Contact criminal defense attorney Bill White to discuss your case.