San Antonio Weapons Charges Lawyer

Attorney for Weapon and Firearm Offenses in San Antonio, TX

Weapons charges in the state of Texas range from Class C misdemeanors to serious felonies. Carrying an illegal gun is less serious than firing a weapon in a public place, but both are punishable by jail time and fines. To make sure you can defend against criminal charges, call Attorney Sam Lock at the Law Offices of Sam H. Lock immediately following an arrest for a weapons violation in Central or South Texas.

Sam Lock serves clients in San Antonio, Pecos, Austin, Waco, Del Rio, Midland, and El Paso in cases of all types, from assault charges to traffic stops that may involve additional weapons charges. These cases can be quite complicated, and you need the knowledge and skill of an experienced defense attorney to successfully combat charges of this nature.

If you have been accused of using a firearm or other weapon during a crime, the charges you may face are likely to be especially serious, especially if you are a repeat offender. These cases can have grave consequences, including life in prison in the most extreme cases. For more than 25 years, Attorney Lock has been working to prove the innocence of clients who find themselves up against state weapons charges and federal firearm violations.

Unlawful Discharge of a Firearm

Texas protects the right of its citizens to bear arms. However, there are restrictions on the handling and usage of guns, and violations can land you in trouble with the law. One such offense is the unlawful discharge of a firearm, defined as "recklessly" firing a gun in a city of 100,000 people or more. To secure a conviction for this offense, the prosecution must prove that the firing of the weapon was reckless, which is unfortunately an easy case to make. Shooting in any place where people are likely to congregate—such as a park, a neighborhood, or a school zone—can be considered dangerous even if no people appear to be around. This offense is a Class A Misdemeanor, and if convicted you could face a fine of no more than $4,000 and up to a year in jail.

In certain circumstances, you could also face charges of deadly conduct if your reckless discharge of a firearm put other people in "imminent danger." You can also be charged with deadly conduct if you intentionally fire at another person or people or at a habitation, building, or vehicle without making sure nobody is inside. In this case, deadly conduct is a third degree felony, with penalties that may include a fine of no more than $10,000 and anywhere from two to 20 years in prison.

Note also that convicted felons are prohibited from owning guns in the state of Texas, and failure to comply with this law may result in a charge of unlawful possession in addition to unlawful discharge. A conviction for a gun crime can destroy your life, and to determine the best steps to take to avoid or minimize consequences, you should consult with a skilled criminal defense lawyer who can help you secure the best outcome in your case.

Reach Out to a San Antonio, TX Weapons Offenses Attorney

After you have been arrested, some people may tell you that you will have to plead guilty to avoid a trial, but Sam Lock is not among them. He understands that these matters are usually much more complicated and that you have options for defending against a conviction. He knows how to investigate allegations of illegal weapons possession, and he will not give up on you, even when the evidence may seem overwhelming.

Attorney Sam Lock has more than 25 years of experience representing clients accused of criminal offenses, including white collar crimes, sex crimes, and violent crimes. He has received acclaim for his reasonable, compassionate attitude and his commitment to providing a thorough defense. To schedule a consultation and get started with your defense, contact our firm today by calling 210-226-0965.