Dallas Weapons Crime Defense Lawyer
Weapons Crimes
When you or a loved one is charged with a weapons case, you need an aggressive Dallas weapons attorney to get you the best result possible. The best weapons case lawyers have experience, investigate their cases thoroughly, and aren’t afraid to fight for their clients. If you’re looking for that type of lawyer, you’ve found Mike Howard, award-winning Dallas weapons lawyer.
Dallas Weapons Crimes Lawyer
If you or someone you love has been accused of a weapons crime in Dallas, contact the Law Office of Mike Howard. Most importantly, Dallas weapons crimes lawyer Mike Howard has the experience, trial skills, and dedication that you need when you are fighting for your life. We will do everything we can to fight for you. Moreover, Mr. Howard will give you an honest assessment of your case and explain the law and your legal options.
A Different Kind of Lawyer
We approach our clients differently than a lot of lawyers. Above all, our philosophy is that being a great lawyer is more than getting you a great result. First, our office is centered around you. This means we start by truly listening to you to understand your case and your goals. Further, our team works to provide you a client experience that is as easy and stress-free as possible. Answering your questions and keeping you informed is very important to us. Most importantly, we treat you as a person, not a number. Finally, our goal is to achieve the best possible result for you. If you’re looking for a different kind of lawyer you’ve come to the right place.
Our Case Process
Listen & Understand
Open Communication
Fight for Justice
Weapons Charges in Dallas
First and foremost, police and prosecutors go after weapons crimes aggressively in Dallas. Having an experienced and knowledgeable Dallas weapons crimes lawyer in your corner can make all the difference.
Weapons crimes cover several different types of allegations. First, there are offenses like unlawful carrying of a weapon and unlawful possession of a firearm. Further, there are offenses that involve the use or exhibition of a deadly weapon during the crime. For example, these include aggravated assault with a deadly weapon or aggravated robbery. Dallas weapons crimes attorney Mike Howard breaks down the most common offenses below.
Unlawful Carrying of a Weapon
A person commits unlawful carrying of a weapon (Texas Penal Code 46.02) if they intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly carry on or about their person a handgun, illegal knife, or club if the person is not:
- on their own premises or one under their control. OR
- inside of or directly en route to a motor vehicle or watercraft that is owned by the person or under their control.
Moreover, a person commits an unlawful carrying weapon if they intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly carries a handgun in plain view in a vehicle. However, an exception to this rule is people licensed to carry and carrying in a shoulder or belt holster. Further, carrying while engaging in criminal activity or as a member of a criminal street gang is illegal. Finally, carrying while being legally prohibited from carrying a weapon is illegal.
Unlawful Possession of a Firearm
A convicted felon commits unlawful possession of a firearm (Texas Penal Code § 46.04) if they possess a firearm before the 5th anniversary of their release from confinement, probation, or parole. Moreover, after the 5th anniversary, the possession of a firearm outside their home is still illegal.
Unlawful Possession of a Firearm Related to Family Violence
It is also unlawful possession of a firearm if a person who has been convicted of assault family violence possesses a firearm before the 5th anniversary of their release from confinement or probation.
Deadly Weapon Cases
The use or exhibition of a deadly weapon during the commission of another crime carries significant consequences. For example, assault causing bodily injury is generally a Class A misdemeanor. However, if it is committed with a deadly weapon, it becomes aggravated assault, a second-degree felony.
Further, the use or exhibition of a deadly weapon during the commission of (or during the immediate flight from) any crime makes the offense ineligible for regular probation. Moreover, it requires that the person serve half of a prison sentence before they even become eligible for parole).
For more information about deadly weapons cases, see our aggravated assault and aggravated robbery pages.
Resources and Information
See our criminal defense resource center for more information from Dallas weapons crimes lawyer Mike Howard on fundamental rights in a criminal case, definitions of culpable mental states (intentionally, knowingly, etc), defenses to prosecution, and more.
Weapons Offense Penalties
Unlawful Carrying of a Weapon
Unlawful carrying of a weapon is generally a Class A misdemeanor. As a result, you could face up to 1 year in jail and up to a $4,000 fine. If the weapon is carried on a premises licensed or permitted to sell alcohol, it is a third-degree felony. As a result, you could face 2 – 10 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine.
Unlawful Possession of a Firearm
Unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon is a third-degree felony. As a result, you could face 2 – 10 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine. If, however, a person with a history of family violence unlawfully possesses a firearm, the offense is a Class A misdemeanor. As a result, you could face up to 1 year in jail and up to a $4,000 fine.
Defending Weapons Charges in Dallas
First and foremost, the prosecutor must prove their allegation beyond a reasonable doubt. If the prosecutor cannot rule out each and every possible reasonable doubt, the presumption of innocence prevails. As a result, the court must find you not guilty. This means you don’t have to prove that you didn’t do it. You don’t have to prove anything!
The only way the prosecution wins is if the jury believes their story is the only reasonable way it could’ve happened. If they have any reasonable doubts that it actually happened, they must find you not guilty. If they reasonably think it could’ve happened another way, they must find you not guilty. This is the highest burden of proof in our justice system. When implemented by a skilled Dallas weapons crimes attorney, it can be a powerful weapon.
Choosing the Right Weapons Crimes Lawyer in Dallas
Searching for weapons crimes lawyers in Dallas can be overwhelming. After all, you are choosing someone who will hold your life, your future, and your family’s future in their hands. You have to be comfortable with them and feel that you can trust the information and advice they give you. Lawyers are supposed to always work in their clients’ best interest. That shouldn’t just be meaningless talk.
First, talk to several lawyers to get a feel for them and their staff. Do they take the time necessary to get to know you, to listen to what’s important to you, and answer your questions? Second, do they show you that you matter to them as a person and not just as a fee? Third, beware of lawyers who put the hard sell on you, who make big promises. No lawyer should ever make a guarantee about a case. Finally, absolutely avoid a lawyer who doesn’t communicate the scope of the work and their fee clearly in a written contract.
What Makes Mike Howard Different
Many attorneys take advantage of their clients’ ignorance of the criminal justice process. We take the opposite approach. A knowledgeable client is a happy client. Therefore, we provide a wealth of information in the way of articles about criminal offenses, blog posts, and videos for free on our website.
Visit Our YouTube Channel for informational videos and client testimonials.
Visit Our blog for posts on cases, defenses, and criminal law information.
Dallas Weapons Crimes Attorney Mike Howard
Above all, I strive to help my clients through difficult times with compassion and integrity. In Dallas innocent people can get accused, charged, and convicted when they don’t have a Dallas weapons crimes attorney fighting for them. I believe in standing up for people facing criminal accusations and helping them navigate all that comes with being thrown into the criminal justice system.
Client-Centered
The cornerstone of my law practice is focusing on my clients as individuals. I start by taking the time to understand not just the facts of their case, but who they are and what they need. Because I know the criminal justice system can be intimidating, I explain the process, their rights, and their options. Client communication is extremely important to me, so I make sure my team and I do everything possible to quickly answer questions and return messages.
Willing to Fight
Most importantly, I am willing to fight a case in court. I have a track record of delivering fantastic results at trial. While not every client and case needs to go to trial, it can make a difference. When your Dallas weapons crimes attorney has a reputation as a skillful trial lawyer who fights for their clients, however, it makes all the difference in the world.
Awards and Accolades
Dallas Weapons Crimes Lawyer
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Disclaimer: The information here is not legal advice. Reading this site does not create an attorney-client relationship with Dallas weapons crimes lawyer Mike Howard. If you have a legal problem contact an attorney to get specific legal advice. Nothing on this site is intended to be legal advice or a substitute for legal advice.