Texas Law And Constitutional Carry

Recently, a new gun law has been passed in the state of Texas. Now, Texans are able to carry their legally owned firearms in public, free of a need to undergo gun training or obtain gun permits. Permit-free gun carrying is a large change to gun laws, if you are wondering how this change impacts you and your rights, connect with a Texas legal professional.

What Has Changed with Constitutional Carry

Before the change, it was a requirement that Texans who wish to carry a handgun obtain an official license. This is true if the gun was openly carried or a concealed weapon. In order to obtain a license, the individual would need to complete a written exam, participate in a certain amount of training, and take a performance exam. Plus, background checks would be performed.

With the passage of the constitutional carry law, it is no longer necessary for a Texas handgun owner to obtain a license, but in order to buy a firearm, a background check will still be performed.

While this is a large change to Texas gun laws, it is important to note there are still places where firearms are not allowed, even with the constitutional carry law in place. These no firearm allowed places include the following:

• Courtrooms, jails, and prisons
• Government buildings and polling sites
• Bars and other places where the majority of income is from alcohol sales
• Airports and schools
• Sporting events
• National park buildings and federal property
• Hospitals

Also, private businesses and land owners can make rules about what is appropriate when Texans are on or in their space. For example, a business could post signage that states weapons are not permitted. Then, bringing a weapon into their space would be illegal.

Law Enforcement Officers Allowed to Question

Within the bill, a law enforcement officer is allowed to question and disarm an individual when it is reasonable and necessary. This is possible when it is needed for the protection of individuals, including the officer themselves or the person carrying the firearm. There are also enhanced penalties for some offenders included in the bill, such as felons and domestic violence offenders who have a handgun in their possession.

In addition to Texas, constitutional carry laws are in place in 19 other states, but the details of these laws vary. If you were arrested for carrying a weapon or are unsure how the change in Texas law impacts your case, talk to a Houston criminal lawyer. Laws change, it is important to understand how those shifts can affect your rights, particularly if you are facing a charge.

Are you unsure what to do because you or someone you love was arrested while in possession of a firearm? Our experienced legal team can defend you against criminal charges and explore non-disclosure options. We have the knowledge to protect you whether the alleged crime was minor or serious. Reach out to the legal team at Ayson Law Firm to understand your rights. Contact us today for a free consultation with a Houston criminal defense attorney today.