Justin Wilson
Senior Attorney
Have the police arrested you for unlawfully carrying a weapon? You may not have realized that carrying a weapon under certain circumstances could break the law. However, a conviction for unlawfully carrying a weapon can have significant consequences for your future. You need experienced legal advocacy to help you pursue a favorable resolution to your charges. Contact My Dallas Criminal Lawyer today for an initial case evaluation with an experienced Dallas unlawful carry of a weapon defense attorney to discuss your options.
Table Of Contents
Do You Need an Attorney to Face Unlawful Carry of Weapon Charges?
When facing the criminal justice system on charges of unlawfully carrying a weapon, an attorney can help you secure a better outcome for you. Let a lawyer from My Dallas Criminal Lawyer assist you in facing criminal prosecution by:
- Investigating your charges to obtain evidence that can help us build a compelling legal defense
- Reviewing the facts of your case to identify potential case strategies
- Helping you understand your charges and the potential outcomes of your case to ensure you can make informed decisions
- Contesting the prosecution’s case against you at every opportunity, including defending your rights by seeking to exclude evidence unlawfully obtained by police
- Fighting your case as hard as necessary, even when that means going to trial
Why Choose a Defense Lawyer from My Dallas Criminal Lawyer?
Getting charged with unlawful carrying of a weapon in Dallas can put your reputation, freedom, and future at risk. As a result, your choice of legal representation may be one of the most important decisions you make in your case. Turn to the legal team at My Dallas Criminal Lawyer to help you fight for a favorable resolution to your charges because:
- Our criminal defense lawyers have earned a reputation for thorough case preparation, vigorous courtroom advocacy, and top-quality client service.
- We tailor our strategy to each client’s specific needs, concerns, and goals in their unique case.
- When you choose our firm to represent you, you will work directly with a seasoned criminal defense lawyer who will hear your story, explain your options, and persuasively advocate for a positive outcome.
- Our attorneys leverage their extensive knowledge and litigation experience to protect your rights and interests in the criminal justice system.
Understanding Unlawful Carry of Weapon Charges in Dallas
Texas’s unlawful carrying weapons statute, Section 46.02 of the Texas Penal Code, makes it an offense to carry a weapon under certain circumstances:
- Individuals under 21 or who have prior violent criminal convictions may not carry a handgun unless they’re on their own property or inside or directly en route to their vehicle
- People may not carry a handgun in plain view in a vehicle or boat unless they are 21 or older, possess a license to carry, and keep the gun in a holster
- A person may not carry a handgun while engaging in criminal activity other than Class C misdemeanors related to traffic or boating
- Individuals under 18 may not carry a location-restricted knife unless they’re on their own property or inside or directly en route to their vehicle
- A person cannot carry and intentionally display a handgun in public unless they carry it in a holster that makes it partially or wholly visible
- Individuals may not carry handguns while intoxicated unless on their own property, in their own vehicle, or with permission to do so on someone else’s private property or in their vehicle
- A person who is prohibited from possessing a firearm may not carry a handgun outside their own property or vehicle
Frequently Asked Questions About Unlawful Carry of Weapon Charges
Common questions clients facing unlawful carrying weapons charges may have include:
What penalties could I face for a conviction for unlawful carry of weapons?
By default, unlawful carrying of weapons constitutes a Class A misdemeanor in Texas, which imposes a penalty of up to one year in jail, a fine of up to $4,000, or both incarceration and a fine. However, unlawfully carrying a location-restricted knife as a minor constitutes a Class C misdemeanor, which carries a fine of up to $500. Furthermore, unlawfully carrying a handgun while prohibited from possessing a firearm constitutes a third-degree felony if a person’s prohibition stemmed from a Class A misdemeanor domestic violence conviction or from an order of protection, or a second-degree felony if a person’s conviction stemmed from a felony conviction.
A third-degree felony conviction can impose a penalty of two to ten years in prison and a potential fine of up to $10,000. A second-degree unlawful carrying weapons conviction imposes a penalty of five to 20 years in prison and a potential fine of up to $10,000.
What defense strategies could I pursue against charges of unlawful carry of weapons?
When facing charges for unlawfully carrying weapons, you might have various defenses to raise against your charges. Potential defense strategies for your case might include:
- Lack of Intent – The unlawfully carrying statute sometimes requires an offender to have acted with a specific degree of criminal intent (e.g., intentionally, knowingly, recklessly).
- Lack of Possession – A defendant may argue that the evidence does not prove they had actual or constructive possession of the weapon.
- Lawful Carrying – Defendants may provide evidence of a firearms license that legalized their carrying of a handgun.
- Unlawful Search by Police – A defendant may assert that police seized a weapon through an unlawful search that lacked a warrant or probable cause.
What steps should I take after an arrest?
Following an arrest, you can best protect your interests by invoking your right to remain silent, refraining from answering questions or speaking to the police, and requesting to consult a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.
Contact Our Firm Today to Discuss Your Legal Options
After an arrest for unlawfully carrying weapons, you deserve experienced legal counsel who can help you pursue a favorable resolution to your charges. Contact the team at My Dallas Criminal Lawyer today by calling 214-949-4117 to arrange a confidential consultation with a knowledgeable weapons charge defense attorney. We look forward to learning about your case and helping you understand how we can assist you.
Last Updated: November 4, 2025
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August 2025
Acquitted
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Dismissed
Second-Degree Felony Sexual Assault of a Child
Ellis County
August 2025
Dismissed
Assault Causes Bodily Injury to a Family Member
Collin County
August 2025
Felony Reduced
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Denton County
July 2025
NO-BILL
3 Counts of Manslaughter & 3 Counts of Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon
Dallas County
June 2025
Dismissed
Second-Degree Felony Aggravated Assault with Deadly Weapon
Denton County
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Felony No-Billed & Motion to Revoke Withdrawn
State Jail Felony Injury to Elderly & Motion to Revoke Misdemeanor Probation
Dallas County
May 2025
Deferred Adjudication
Second-Degree Felony Aggravated Assault w/Deadly Weapon Reduced to Class A Misdemeanor Discharge of Firearm in Certain Municipalities
What Our Clients Say
Thomas A.
Justin Wilson and Justin Harris were amazing. Highly recommend them.
Lybbie
I trust Justin for any legal related questions and he certainly delivers. I recommend him 100% as he is committed to you from start to end- no matter the situation.
Cristal D.
Absolutely the best team you could ask for. From start to finish, the entire office was professional, compassionate, and truly dedicated. They made me feel heard, respected, and confident during one of the most stressful times of my life. Their communication was consistent, and you can tell they genuinely care about their clients and their outcomes.
If you’re looking for a lawyer who is sharp, honest, and will fight for you like it’s personal – this is the team you want on your side. I can’t thank them enough for everything they did. They truly are the best in the business.
Natalie M.
Justin Harris was an exceptional lawyer- he is hardworking and dedicated and will reach your needs and more.
He was reliable and professional in every way. He makes sure that you are not only heard but seen. When working with Justin- it gave me strong trust that he cared and that he is a man of his word.
Highly recommend this law firm. Justin and the team handled my case with the upmost care, always kind and professional, and let me know all the details every step of the way.
Prof. Carlos R.
My first impression with Justin and Heidi was that they are a first class law firm, very professional and very open to answering questions and making a person feel appreciated. I am glad I met both at Formation in Frisco Texas.
Alex C.
I have come to know Justin and his team through my practice as a civil lawyer, and Justin has always impressed me with the way he treats his clients, and his ability to clearly explain options. He works tirelessly to be prepared for all his cases, and always treats others with professionalism and respect.
Joshua J.
Justin is a super professional lawyer with positive results. I would refer Justin to any one who needs help with anything. Justin gets it done with positive results.
Yoker V.
I highly recommend Justin 100%, the total positive experience started the moment we first spoke. Justin is a complete and total professional and a highly skilled lawyer outside and especially inside the courtroom. My case had its challenges but Justin skillfully did his research and presented the court and jury a master class. At the end of trial the judge looked at prosecutor and said ” that’s how its done” YLV
Donna D.
Knowledgeable, patient, listened to what my situation needed. Impressed with my Attorney and his service.
Mukesh K.
I have absolutely no hesitation in declaring that Justin is one of the finest attorneys you will ever find to represent your case most effectively yet very ethically. He is extremely professional and very deliberate in his advice and charting the right course of action appropriate for the situation. I used him for a DUI case and cant stress enough how much trust he developed in me and got the best outcome possible for me by getting the case dismissed. Good luck to the reader. Go with Justin.