This post is written to conclude and recap my series on the handling of gun-related charges in Laredo and other south Texas areas. I felt it was necessary to write on this issue due to the fact that residents of our state face serious consequences when they are arrested with a firearm. I also felt it necessary to write on this issue due to the fact that most people are unsure of how to proceed in such situations. The goal of my recent articles has been to provide information which will help people to have a better understanding of their situation. It has also been my goal to provide information which will assist with the selection of a criminal defense attorney. If you or a loved one are in need of assistance then contact my office today to speak with a lawyer.
I have addressed a number of topics over my recent posts. The issues which I have analyzed include:
- How search and seizure issues impact gun cases
- How the use of a gun impacts additional criminal charges
- Texas’ state laws against felons possessing guns
I chose to address these issues for multiple reasons. First, it is not uncommon for a firearm to be discovered only through law enforcement’s violation of a defendant’s Fourth Amendment rights. If such a violation occurred, it may be possible to have the gun excluded from evidence. Depending on the facts of the case, such an exclusion may lead to a dismissal of the charges. Second, individuals are often caught with guns while committing other crimes. Possessing, or worse yet using, a firearm during the commission of another offense can lead to a substantial elevation of the penalties which an accused will face. Finally, it is important to understand that Texas is like many other states in that it prohibits a felon from possessing a firearm. This means that it is illegal for a convicted felon to even hold a gun, regardless of who owns the weapon.
One point I stressed in each of these articles is that it is crucial to immediately contact a criminal defense attorney after one has been arrested. It is understandable that a person may think that there is “nothing they can do” after a firearm has been discovered. The truth of the matter, however, is that an accused will often have options as to how they may proceed. As a Laredo gun crimes lawyer, I am experienced in handling such matters. Contact my office today to schedule an initial consultation. I also handle matters in other south Texas areas.