McKinney Gun Lawyer

When it comes to carrying weapons in the McKinney area and thought the state of Texas, all people are expected to understand the law and abide by it. Provisions relating to the weapon possession and carrying are listed in the Penal Code of Texas Chapter 46. Weapons as stated by law refer to any firearms, clubs and explosives that can inflict serious injury to anyone.

A Texas resident is expected to fully understand that there is difference between possessing a handgun, rifle or shotgun and carrying them intentionally in prohibited places. Even though, obtaining a license is not necessary to own a handgun, shotgun or rifle, there are some restrictions to such privilege.  One very important policy is for the weapon to remain inside the premises owned or controlled by the individual.  If a firearm needs to be transported, it should be inside the trunk of a vehicle the person has control and ownership. The person is also required to drive directly to the intended point of destination.

Generally speaking, an individual commits the offense, if he or she unlawfully carries an illegal knife, firearm or club, which falls under the definition of a weapon. By carrying one of these weapons with intention and knowledge, he or she is subjected to legal punishment. Recklessly bringing weapons even without intention is still considered punishable. If a person transports a weapon in a motor vehicle, he or she will be held liable to a criminal offense if the weapon is in plain view or found inside the passenger compartment.

If a person needs to carry concealed handguns for valid purposes, he or she can acquire a license application from the dealer of the handgun or any agencies approved by the Department of Public Safety. This department also handles all the license application and conduct thoroughly reviews the qualifications of the applicant for obtaining the license. Part of the review process is to conduct a background check on the applicant’s criminal history. This is to ensure that the license is granted to a law-abiding citizen. Aside from other legal documents, the applicant must also accomplish a handgun proficiency course, and at the end, submit a program certificate to the Department of Public Safety. The proficiency certificate can only be produced by a qualified handgun instructor.

There are also guidelines set in terms of places where handguns are not permitted to be carried. Most of these places are public areas controlled by the government. Examples are government courts, school grounds, hospitals, nursing homes, places of religious worship, amusement parks and correctional facilities.

The unlawful carrying of a weapon law offers a broad range of definitions and provisions. This may result to a lot of confusion on the part of the individual. Issues such as which objects are considered as weapons and reckless carrying of handguns are highly debated in court. Do not get into the trap of not knowing what to do in case you get into this sort of situation. Call the McKinney area attorneys at The Goolsby Law Firm today. Our lawyers can offer reliable and comprehensive counsel in unlawful weapon carrying cases to achieve a more positive result for you.