Thanks to the Second Amendment, law-abiding citizens living in the United States have the legal right to bear arms. Residents in the state of Texas may choose to obtain the proper permit and license to purchase assorted firearms for hunting or safety and protection. Many of these individuals will carry their firearms in a concealed holster while going out, whether they are shopping, dining at a restaurant, or even visiting a local park.
While it makes sense for people to carry a firearm for protection purposes, you may need to know what would happen to your firearms license if you were convicted of driving while under the influence. The team at Flood & Associates is here to help you understand what can happen to your gun license after such a conviction takes place.
What Are the Texas Firearms Laws?
One of the most important Texas firearms laws that you need to know is that if you are a convicted felon, you cannot legally purchase a firearm or carry one around with you. When you are first convicted of DWI in the state of Texas, it is often considered a Class B Misdemeanor and not a felony, but it will depend primarily on the situation. While the first offense is often classified as a misdemeanor and not a felony, you could be convicted of a felony DWI if you had children under the age of 15 in your vehicle at the time of your arrest.
The punishment is often more serious when drivers choose to operate a vehicle while intoxicated when they have young children in the vehicle with them due to the increased risk of causing harm to innocent people. If your DWI charge is a felony charge and you get convicted of that charge, you will no longer be able to legally carry your firearm because of the Texas DWI and firearms rule.
What to Do If You Think You Are at Risk of Losing Your Firearms License
If you believe that you are at risk of losing your firearms license because you were arrested and charged with DWI, you need to consult with a Texas DWI attorney. If it is your first offense and no one else was in the vehicle with you when you were pulled over, you may still have the opportunity to keep your license and firearm despite a conviction.
However, it all depends on the circumstances surrounding your arrest. Your Texas criminal defense attorney wants to hear all the essential details from you before working hard to build a defense. The primary purpose of building the defense for you is to try to prevent you from being convicted of a felony, especially when you would like to continue to have the right to carry your firearm.
Accused of Driving While Intoxicated? Let Flood & Associates Help
If you have been accused of driving while intoxicated and are now facing charges, you need legal assistance. Hiring a criminal defense attorney with DWI experience is a must. You may be concerned about being charged with a felony and losing the firearm that you carry around with you for protection. The team at Flood & Associates is ready, able, and willing to help you. Call our office at (713) 224-5529 to book a consultation!
