Weapons Charge Lawyer Houston TX
We Stand Up to Serious Charges
- Proven Success Against Felony Weapons Charges
- Free Consultations
- Reach Us 24/7
- Named "The Best of the Best in Criminal Defense" by the Houston Chronicle
“Dismissed.”
"Paul Doyle worked arduously and diligently resulting in my case being dismissed. Special thanks to Paul, Trevor and Maria for your courtesy and professionalism. I highly recommend Paul Doyle & Associates if you find yourself in need of an awesome Criminal Defense Attorney. Thanks again!"
— Robby, 5-Star Google Review
What Our Attorneys Can Do for You
When You Contact Our Law Firm in Houston, TX
- Provide A Free Case Review
Our defense attorneys are familiar with this area of the law and know which details to look for when reviewing your case. During your free consultation, you can tell your story to Mr. Paul Doyle and Mr. Trevor Sharon, and they will provide you with an honest assessment of your case and determine how they can be of service. - Help You Obtain the Best Outcome
Your chances of receiving the best possible outcome in your case improve greatly when you're represented by defense attorneys like Paul Doyle and Trevor Sharon. With the help of our criminal defense attorneys, your best possible legal outcome can be identified and pursued. - Make Your Position Understood
You are more than the charges you face. Everyone who faces charges contains multitudes, and you can count on Paul Doyle & Associates to communicate the truth, your humanity, and your side of the story to a judge and jury in a way that is easily understood.
Understanding Firearm
Laws in Texas
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In Texas, House Bill 1927 allows anyone who qualifies under the law to carry a handgun in a public place without a license to carry. However, even though Texas is known for its tolerant firearm laws, gun crimes can still carry harsh punishment, resulting in misdemeanor and felony charges. This is why it's important to seek legal counsel in cases where handguns and other firearms are involved, even in Texas.
What Is Considered a Weapon?
Though most people associate the term "weapons charge" with firearms, weapons charges can arise from anything that can be used to inflict harm on another person, including:
A club or baton
Devices that dispense chemicals
(not including pepper spray)
Brass knuckles
Certain knives
Explosives
Armor-piercing ammunition or bullets
Firearms, both homemade and otherwise
Give Yourself the Best Odds By Choosing Paul Doyle & Associates In Houston
When a person receives a weapons charge, they're faced with the possibility of serious penalties that can affect them for the rest of their life, including jail time, steep fines, and difficulty finding work. Discussing your case with an attorney can give you the best possible chances of minimizing or dropping criminal charges that have been brought against you.
If you're in the Houston, TX, area and you're facing gun charges or other weapons charges, a lawyer can make all the difference in the outcome of your case. We invite you to request a free consultation with Paul Doyle and Trevor Sharon by calling:
(713) 228-9200
Houston, TX, Chooses Our Attorneys
“Paul and his team are the real deal!! All business, the very best!”
—Shelley, 5-Star Google Review
Meet Our Acclaimed Attorneys
Paul Doyle
Paul spent seven years as a prosecutor in the Harris County District Attorney's Office, during which time he played a crucial role in thousands of criminal cases and hundreds of jury trials. This allowed him to gain first-hand knowledge of the tactics used by government prosecutors to build cases and obtain convictions.
He now draws upon this background to develop strategies to dismantle government prosecutions. Paul's consistent success has led to widespread recognition. Among other honors, he has been featured in Forbes Magazine's Texas Leaders in Law and had his firm ranked in the Houston Chronicle's "Best Criminal Defense Attorneys" list in 2022.
Trevor Sharon
Trevor is a graduate of the University of Texas School of Law in Austin. In practice since 2013, he has handled hundreds of complex criminal cases, with many revolving around gun charges, aggravated assault, and murder.
Every year from 2019 to 2023, he has been named a Super Lawyers® Rising Star. This honor, which is reserved for a maximum of 2.5% of young attorneys in the state. Our attorney has earned this great acclaim in large part due to his personal approach with clients, helping them find hope in what seems like a hopeless situation.
“Best lawyer in town!”
“Paul is the best lawyer in town! If you are aiming for dismissal this is your guy!”
— Ben, 5-Star Google Review
A Closer Look at Weapons Charges
Mr. Doyle and Mr. Sharon are prepared to defend those who have been charged with several weapons-related offenses, including:
- Carrying a weapon unlawfully. In Texas, unlawful carrying of a weapon means possessing a handgun while intoxicated, committing a crime, or in restricted locations.
- Aggravated assault or assault with a deadly weapon. This involves injuring or threatening someone using a weapon, often resulting in serious felony charges.
- Violations of concealed handgun permits. Examples include carrying in prohibited places, improper concealment, or trespassing where guns are banned.
- Threatening with a deadly weapon. Threatening someone with a deadly weapon can be considered a felony offense, regardless of whether it causes injury.
- Self-defense with a deadly weapon. In Texas, deadly force in self-defense is only legal if it’s reasonable, proportionate, and used to stop serious, imminent threats.
- Airports weapon violation. Bringing a loaded firearm through an airport security checkpoint is a common example. This is illegal, even with a concealed handgun license.
- Selling an illegal weapon or firearm. For example, selling a stolen firearm is a felony.
- Felon in possession of a weapon. In Texas, felons can’t possess firearms. Five years after their sentence, they may legally keep a gun at their home.
- Illegal discharge of a handgun or other firearm. It's illegal to discharge a firearm recklessly, especially near roads, homes, public places, or in ways that endanger others.
Possible Defense Strategies
During your case review in Houston, Paul Doyle & Associates will explain all possible avenues of defense and create a custom strategy based on your unique circumstances. Some arguments our lawyers may make during your case include:
You Unknowingly Had the Weapon
There are plenty of scenarios in which a defendant may have been found with a weapon they didn't know they had.
Disputing the Definition of a Weapon
The definition of a weapon or a deadly weapon is a broad term, and often the most important issue at trial. Paul Doyle uses weapons experts to create an effective and thorough defense.
You Acted in Self-Defense
In Texas, it is legal to defend yourself when you believe your life is in immediate danger and another person is acting violently or making threats of violence.
5-Star Review From a Satisfied Houston Client
"These guys got me out of huge federal situation saved my home and got me probation they are the best!!!"
— Daisha, 5-Star Google Review
Charges Can Be Elevated
Unlawful possession of a firearm in Texas is typically considered a Class A misdemeanor, which can result in a fine of $4,000 and up to a year in jail. Depending on the circumstances of your case, you may be facing a felony charge or a misdemeanor. Additional circumstances that will be considered in your case include:
Prior Felony
Convictions
If you're a convicted felon and you were in possession of a weapon, the consequences you face are higher. For example, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon carries a penalty of up to 10 years in jail and/or $10,000 in fines.
The Weapon Was Used to Commit a Crime
The involvement of a weapon in a crime like a robbery or assault can escalate charges from misdemeanors to felonies.
Hiring a criminal defense attorney may be your best option at minimizing charges or having them thrown out altogether. We are available on nights and weekends to provide the legal counsel you need.
Businesses Must Be Clear When Prohibiting Firearms
In 2021, HB 1927 changed Texas law to allow most residents aged 21 and up to carry a handgun in a holster openly without the need for a permit. Generally speaking, handguns can now be carried in outdoor public spaces, public areas of city buildings like libraries, and in places of business that do not prohibit such carrying.
For a business to prohibit firearms, its owners must have posted signage in both English and Spanish that reads similarly to, "Pursuant to Section 30.05, Penal Code (criminal trespass), a person may not enter this property with a firearm." The signage must also be clearly visible and specifically printed to have contrasting colors with block letters that are at least one inch high.
If you have been charged with a firearms offense in a business that did not meet these thresholds, our attorneys may be able to seek a dismissal of your charges.
