Firearm Charges
Odessa Firearms Charges Lawyer
Effective Representation for the Accused Across West Texas
The laws pertaining to weapons in Texas regulate the possession, sales, and use of guns and other weapons, ranging from clubs, knives, explosives, and more in our state. These laws can be complex and, without knowing or understanding them, you could find yourself charged with a crime. Ignorance of the law is not a defense in any criminal matter. That is why it is important to educate yourself if you are a potential or existing gun owner. It is also essential to bring in a criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible if you find yourself being investigated for or facing a Texas or federal misdemeanor or felony related to guns or other weapons.
At Chriesman Law, PLLC, you can depend on the knowledge, skills, and dedication of our Odessa firearms charges attorney. Shane Chriesman’s stints as a former state and federal prosecutor put him in a unique and advantageous category when it comes to mounting an aggressive defense on your behalf. When you face state or federal weapons charges, Texas or the feds are working to convict you. You will need someone whose only job is to work for you in fighting back. Shane will work to help you avoid a conviction, reduce charges or sentencing, or reach an acquittal. His only objective is securing the best possible results in your gun charge case.
Your initial consultation with Odessa firearms charges attorney Shane Chriesman is free. Contact Chriesman Law, PLLC at (432) 302-5590 to get started.
Firearms Charges in Texas
Everyone knows Texas is a state that is friendly to guns and gun owners. Texans aged 18 and above have the right to possess firearms unless they have been convicted of a felony. Furthermore, Texas allows open carry in the state as long as you have a concealed handgun license. You can also have a weapon in your home or take it to your vehicle for transport.
Otherwise, gun laws do exist and must be followed if you want to avoid unnecessary criminal charges. This is especially important due to the recent rise in violent crime rates in the largest cities across the country and the efforts of Congress to further restrict gun usage. Prosecutors across the nation aggressively prosecute and seek harsh penalties for anyone violating state or federal gun laws.
Typical firearms charges in Texas can include but are not limited to:
- Illegal carry or possession of a firearm
- Felony possession of a firearm
- Firearm carry/possession in a gun-free zone, such as a school
- Illegal gun sales
- Unlawful discharge of a firearm, such as in the direction of people, vehicles, buildings, or residences
- Committing a crime, such as assault, with a deadly weapon
Penalties in Firearm Cases
The charges and penalties you face for a gun offense will depend on the nature of the offense and how the gun was being used. For example, it is a Class A misdemeanor to sell or give a gun to ineligible persons, such as felons or minors. You also cannot carry a gun, even when licensed, into a sporting event, church, hospital, government meeting, or amusement park. This is also a Class A misdemeanor. You can be charged with a third-degree felony if you carry a gun inside a bar that earns 51 percent of its income or more selling alcohol to the public. If you use a gun while committing a violent crime, it is considered a first-degree felony.
If you have been charged with any type of firearms violation in Odessa or elsewhere in West Texas, you can rely on Shane to aggressively represent you from start to finish in the criminal process. With his knowledge and experience as a former prosecutor for the state and the federal government, he has a firm grasp on what is needed to devise and present an effective defense.
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Over a Decade of Experience as a State and Federal Prosecutor
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Knows the Ins and Outs of Criminal Law
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Committed to His Clients