Laredo Defense Lawyer Handling Gun & Firearm Charges
Weapons Charges Defense | Laredo, Texas
Facing a Weapons Charge? Call Joey First.
A firearm or weapons allegation can expose you to serious state or federal consequences. Former Chief Prosecutor Joey Tellez provides direct defense for people accused of unlawful possession, unlawful carrying, prohibited-place violations, and other weapons-related offenses in Laredo and South Texas.
These cases often turn on where the weapon was found, who knew it was there, who controlled the area, whether the search was lawful, and whether state or federal law applies.
Search and Possession Issues
Finding a Weapon Is Not the End of the Legal Analysis.
The State or federal government may still need to prove that you knowingly possessed the weapon and that the search, seizure, traffic stop, or arrest complied with the law.
A gun found in a shared vehicle, home, bag, or room may create disputed questions about knowledge, ownership, access, and control.
Charges We Defend
State and Federal Weapons Allegations
Texas and federal law regulate who may possess a firearm, where weapons may be carried, and how a firearm may affect another criminal charge. The exact exposure depends on the statute, facts, history, and location involved.
Unlawful Possession
Allegations that a person was prohibited from possessing a firearm because of a prior conviction, court order, immigration status, or another legal restriction.
Unlawful Carrying
Charges involving the manner, circumstances, or location in which a handgun or other weapon was allegedly carried.
Weapons in Prohibited Places
Allegations involving schools, courts, polling places, secured airport areas, correctional facilities, or other locations regulated by law.
Firearm Connected to Another Charge
Cases in which prosecutors allege a weapon was used, displayed, possessed, or connected to a drug, assault, robbery, or other offense.
Federal Felon-in-Possession Cases
Federal allegations brought under laws that prohibit certain people from possessing firearms or ammunition.
Firearms Trafficking and Export Allegations
Federal investigations involving purchases, transfers, transportation, trafficking, false statements, or alleged export activity.
Defense Issues
Questions That May Shape a Weapons Defense
Was the Search Lawful?
Did officers have a valid warrant, consent, probable cause, or another lawful basis to search the person, vehicle, bag, or residence?
Was There Knowing Possession?
Can the government prove the accused knew the weapon was present and exercised care, custody, control, or management over it?
Was the Weapon in a Shared Space?
Who owned or controlled the vehicle, room, container, or property where the firearm was found?
Does a Legal Prohibition Apply?
Does the prior record, court order, status, or other circumstance actually meet the law's requirements?
Are Statements Admissible?
Were statements obtained after a proper warning and waiver, or are there grounds to challenge how they were taken?
Is There a Justification Issue?
In limited situations, the facts may raise self-defense, defense-of-others, necessity, or other justification questions.
Building the Record
Evidence That Can Matter in a Weapons Case
Former Chief Prosecutor
Why Choose Joey Tellez?
Joey's former-prosecutor background gives him insight into how state and federal weapons cases are investigated, charged, and presented.
He reviews the stop, search, alleged possession, prior history, and any connection to another charge before explaining the available options.
Clients work directly with Joey and receive clear answers about the court process, risks, and decisions ahead.
What Happens Next
The Weapons Case Process
01
Arrest or Investigation
The case may begin with a traffic stop, search warrant, home search, arrest, subpoena, or federal investigation.
02
Search and Possession Review
The defense examines how the weapon was found, who controlled the location, and whether the search was lawful.
03
State or Federal Charging
The same incident may raise different issues depending on whether the case proceeds in state court, federal court, or both.
04
Discovery and Motions
The defense reviews reports, video, laboratory work, statements, warrants, and any appropriate evidentiary challenges.
05
Resolution or Trial
The next step depends on the evidence, legal issues, negotiations, and the client's informed decisions.
Common Questions
Weapons Charges Defense FAQs
Can I be charged if the gun was not mine?
Ownership and possession are different questions. Prosecutors may try to prove knowing possession even when another person owns the weapon. The location, access, statements, fingerprints, and surrounding facts may all matter.
What if the gun was found in a shared vehicle?
A shared vehicle may create disputed questions about who knew about the weapon and who exercised control over the area where it was found. Presence alone does not automatically answer those questions.
Can police search my vehicle for a weapon?
That depends on the circumstances, including consent, probable cause, officer-safety concerns, a warrant, an arrest, or another recognized legal basis. The stop and search should be reviewed closely.
Can a state weapons case become federal?
Yes. Some incidents may draw federal attention because of prior history, alleged trafficking, immigration issues, another federal offense, or other jurisdictional facts.
Can a weapons charge be dismissed or reduced?
That may be possible in some cases, but no result can be promised. The answer depends on the search, alleged possession, criminal history, evidence, jurisdiction, and whether the government can prove every required element.
Talk to Tellez Law
Facing a Weapons Charge? Call Joey First.
Speak directly with Joey Tellez about the stop, search, possession allegation, possible state or federal exposure, and decisions ahead.
Call (956) 717-8200 Request a Confidential Consultation
This page provides general information and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Every case depends on its own facts and circumstances.