Beaumont Weapons Charge Lawyer

Beaumont Weapons Charge Attorney

If you’ve been accused of committing an offense involving the use, possession, or sale of a firearm, you should contact a Beaumont weapons charge lawyer right away. These criminal defense attorneys can help you come up with an effective strategy for defending yourself in court and minimizing the possible impacts of the pending charges.

Hire a Weapons Charge Lawyer

When you hire a weapons charge lawyer, you’re investing in your future. Weapons charge penalties can be substantial, depending on the nature of the charge, so it’s very important that you take them seriously.

Hiring a Beaumont weapons charge attorney will give you access to a knowledgeable professional who can explain the relevant laws, including how they apply to you, and come up with an effective defense strategy. Contact Renick Law Firm, PLLC, to schedule a consultation.

Understanding Weapons Charge Cases

Weapons charges involve the violation of laws that define how we are and are not allowed to interact with dangerous items like firearms, incendiary devices, explosives, and certain types of cutting instruments. These laws cover many different areas of weapons possession, including:

• Manufacture
• Sale
• Possession
• Concealment
• Use

There are both state and federal laws governing the use and possession of weapons. In the United States, 8,131 federal weapons charges were filed in the year 2024 alone. In Texas, specifically, 33,726 charges were brought by the state for weapons violations in 2023. These charges are most frequently applied to firearms, but can be applied to any kind of deadly weapon. Common charges at both the state and the federal level can include:

• Unlawful discharge of a firearm
• Illegal gun possession
• Felons carrying weapons
• Possession of firearms or other weapons in airports
• Carrying a weapon on a liquor-licensed premises
• Reckless conduct
• Selling or gifting a gun illegally
• Use of a weapon while committing a crime
• Threat with a deadly weapon
• Firearm smuggling or trafficking
• Making a firearm available to a child

People also hire weapons charge attorneys to help them get their gun rights back following convictions for felonies and certain misdemeanor crimes, such as domestic violence offenses.

Texas Handgun Laws

According to one study, 36% of Texans own at least one gun. Texas’s House Bill 910 makes it legal for anyone legally able to own a gun to openly carry it on their person in most places. There are exceptions, such as liquor stores and airports. If you want to carry a concealed weapon, you must still apply for a Concealed Handgun License (CHL). If you are concealing a handgun and do not have a CHL, you could face charges.

Illegal Weapons

While it’s legal for most people to open carry a handgun in Texas, that doesn’t mean the state allows the use of all weapons. Some weapons are always illegal, including:

• Machine guns
• Explosive devices
• Altered shotguns
• Rifles less than 26 inches in length
• Shotguns with barrels under 18 inches in length
• Rifles with barrels under 16 inches in length
• Zip improvised handguns
• Armor-piercing ammunition

If you’re caught carrying any of these weapons, you could face third-degree felony charges. It’s also illegal to carry brass knuckles and switchblades. Carrying these weapons is a Class A misdemeanor.

In Texas, guns, both legally and illegally owned, are often used to commit other crimes. Aggravated assault constituted nearly 70% of violent crimes in Texas in 2024. Since aggravated assault involves grievous injuries or the use of a deadly weapon, it almost always comes with weapons charges, as well.

FAQs

How Much Does a Lawyer Charge to Get Your Gun Rights Restored?

A lawyer could charge anywhere from around $1,200 to over $10,000 to get your gun rights restored in Texas. The cost varies depending on what legal proceedings are required. In some instances, you’ll need to have the case expunged or seek a Governor’s pardon, which can increase the cost of having gun rights restored.

How Much Does a Felony Defense Attorney Cost in Texas?

A felony defense attorney in Texas can cost anywhere from thousands to tens of thousands of dollars. Some attorneys charge flat fees, while others charge hourly rates. Either way, the cost of providing felony defense varies based on the complexities of the case and the attorney’s experience. You can expect to pay a little more for an attorney who has successfully represented many similar clients in the past.

What Should You Do If Charged With a Weapons Offense?

The first thing you should do if charged with a weapons offense is schedule a consultation with a weapons charge lawyer. Do not speak to the police without your counsel present, and be sure to document all interactions with law enforcement. If relevant, you can also collect evidence like photos and witness information to give to your attorney.

What Does a Weapons Charge Attorney Do?

A weapons charge attorney’s primary goal is to fight for the rights of their clients, which can be impacted by a weapons conviction. These lawyers typically handle both state and federal weapons charges, which can include everything from possession to manufacturing or sale. It’s also common for weapons charges to be associated with other offenses, so hire a lawyer with broad experience representing clients in criminal cases.

What Is the Most Common Weapons Charge in Texas?

The most common weapons charges in Texas are unlawful possession of a firearm and carrying without a license. It’s also relatively common to see people charged with carrying weapons that are illegal under Texas law, ranging in severity from brass knuckles to explosive devices. The penalties for these charges vary based on their severity.

Find a Beaumont Weapons Charge Lawyer

If you’re facing weapons charges of any sort, you need a Beaumont weapons charge lawyer who can help. The team at Renick Law Firm, PLLC, has handled countless weapons charges. We provide relentless representation in the courtroom and work tirelessly on behalf of our clients. Contact us today to schedule an initial consultation to evaluate the details of your case.