Unlawful Carrying of a Weapon Lawyer in Houston Fighting for Clients’ Rights

Unlawful Carry of a Weapon, also known as UCW, is essentially about offenses that involve the illegal possession of a handgun, illegal knife, or club. More often than not, this is a Class A misdemeanor in Houston, although it can easily turn into a third-degree felony in certain situations. Generally, a person without a felony conviction can carry a handgun on his own property or property they control, as well as en route to a vehicle they own. If you’ve been charged with unlawful carrying a weapon, you’ll want to reach out to a criminal defense lawyer right away.

Are There Exceptions to Unlawful Carrying of a Weapon?

Even if an individual is in a place they’re legally allowed to carry without a license, they are prohibited from possessing a firearm while committing any offense more than what’s punishable with a traffic ticket. Let’s say you leave your handgun in your car while you go to work, then you go to a holiday party and have a few drinks, get stopped for a DWI. Under Houston law, law enforcement can charge you with Unlawful Carrying of a Weapon because you were committing a crime greater than a Class C Misdemeanor. So, while you were originally not planning to commit the crime of UCW, since you have the handgun while committing an offense greater than a traffic ticket, you may be charged with UCW.  Another exception to the ability to carry a handgun in Texas is inside airports or other prohibited places. To learn about all the various exceptions, speak to a lawyer knowledgeable on criminal law today.

What is the Punishment for Unlawful Carrying a Weapon?

Like is the case in most states, illegally carrying a handgun without a license in Texas is a Class A Misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail and up to a $4,000 fine. That said, punishment can quickly be increased to a third-degree felony if the individual charged illegally carried a handgun on any premises that sells alcoholic beverages. If you’re charged as a felony, the range of punishment is two to ten years in state prison and up to a $10,000 fine. Unlawful Carrying a Firearm is a serious crime with severe punishments, you’ll want a good lawyer in your corner from the start to build a winning defense.

What Does the Texas Penal Code Say About Carrying a Weapon on a College Campus?

Public universities are required by law to allow firearms on college campuses and dorms. That said, college presidents have been given authority to create gun-free zones within the campus, and most do. Private colleges in the state may opt-out of the campus carry. With the rise in school shootings, the vast majority of private universities have elected to make their campus’ gun-free. Even public universities have large gun-free zones in an effort to create a safe campus. If you’re unsure whether you’re allowed to carry a firearm on your campus, reach out to a criminal defense lawyer who can answer any questions you might have.

Can an Unlawful Carrying a Weapon Lawyer Really Help Me?

If you are arrested or charged for Unlawful Carrying of a Weapon, a lawyer that specializes in unlawfully carrying a firearm can be a huge boost to your case. You’ll want someone working hard to build the best possible defense. You can trust the Law Office of Michael H. Pham to craft a compelling defense against your charges. Call us at (713) 236-7791.