What Is The Law On Unlawful Carrying Of A Weapon In Texas?

Unlawful carrying of a weapon, often referred to as UCW, is carrying on your person or in your vehicle, a handgun that is in plain view, if you are not on your own property or property that is under your control. If you have a license to carry a concealed handgun, it doesn’t have to be concealed; you can actually carry it in a holster or laced under your shoulder. If the handgun is in plain view and you do not have a license to carry, then it is not concealed inside your vehicle. If it’s in plain view and the officer comes into contact with you, he will most likely charge you for that offense. If it’s in the glove box, the console, or the trunk, then it may be legal to carry. If you get pulled over for speeding and you have a gun in your glove box, speeding is not going to trigger the improper carrying of a weapon statute.

If you are engaged in a more serious offense, like possession of marijuana or driving while intoxicated, that firearm in the glove box is now an illegal firearm and you may be charged with unlawful carrying of a weapon. You are also not allowed to carry a weapon if you are otherwise prohibited from possessing a firearm due to a prior domestic violence conviction or a prior felony conviction. You are also not able to carry a firearm if you are a member of a street gang. This is how the laws of unlawful carrying of a weapon are defined in the state of Texas.

What is The Penalty For Unlawful Carrying Of a Weapon In the State Of Texas?

In the state of Texas, carrying a weapon unlawfully is punishable as a Class A misdemeanor, which means that you can receive up to a one-year sentence in county jail and a fine not to exceed $4,000. However, there are certain places that weapons are prohibited, such as liquor stores or restaurants/ bars that earn more than 50% of their earnings from liquor sales. If you are caught unlawfully carrying a weapon inside one of these premises, it elevates the offense up to a third-degree felony, which is punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

For more information on Unlawful Carrying Of Weapons In Texas, a free initial consultation is your next best step. Get the information and legal answers you are seeking by calling (512) 478-9898 today.