Gun Crime

According to the Texas Penal Code, a firearm is defined as any device designed, made or adapted to expel a projectile through a barrel by using the energy generated by an explosion, burning substance or any other device readily convertible to that use.

Texas laws clearly define who may or may not carry a concealed weapon, as well as the situations and circumstances where carrying firearms is illegal. Texas gun carry laws and gun permit laws make it unlawful for certain individuals to be in possession of a firearm. When is it legal to carry a gun in Texas?

Gun Crime Charges

In federal court, gun charges are weapons violations being prosecuted as criminal cases by the federal prosecutor’s office. There are many offenses that can be prosecuted as federal criminal charges for gun violations or weapons charges, such as:

• Making a false statement to acquire a firearm
• A felon in possession of a firearm
• Selling without a dealer’s license
• Manufacturing without a federal license
• Carrying or using a firearm during a drug trafficking case

While these are the more common gun crime charges, they’re not the only ones. Some other charges which are not quite as common include:

• Unlawful possession of a fully-automated weapon
• Possessing an unregistered firearm
• Sales to an underaged person
• Manufacturing, importing or selling body-piercing ammunition
• Removing or destroying a serial number
• Sales or transfer to a mentally unequipped person
• Transporting or shipping stolen firearms
• Straw purchases or strawman purchases

Gun Crime and Forfeiture

When purchasing a firearm, you must fill out federal forms stating you’re not a convicted felon nor under investigation for a felony. If you are, you must check the appropriate box stating such. Sometimes gun charges are included in drug trafficking indictments, and sometimes they are indictments all on their own.

A common scenario with gun charges are forfeiture allegations. In this case, a forfeiture is the government seizing not only the firearm, but any other piece of property deemed forfeitable by the government that relates to your firearm activity.

Let Dallas Criminal Defense Attorney John R. Teakell Help

Whether you’re being investigated for a gun crime or already arrested, John Teakell can help. As a former state and federal prosecutor, John Teakell has the knowledge and experience you need to contest jurisdiction, challenge evidence, find expert witnesses, and present your case at trial.

If you or a loved one is facing gun crime allegations or forfeiture in Dallas, contact our office today.