Principal Office
15110 Dallas Pkwy #400
Dallas, TX 75248
(972) 528-0478
15110 Dallas Pkwy #400
Dallas, TX 75248
(972) 528-0478
Years Defending Texans
Cases Dismissed
Criminal Cases Handled
Counties Served Across Texas
Available | Serving All of Texas
Being arrested for a weapons or gun crime in Dallas can result in severe penalties including years in prison, substantial fines, and the permanent loss of your right to possess firearms. If you’re facing firearm-related charges, you need an experienced Dallas weapons lawyer who understands Texas gun laws and will fight aggressively to protect your rights.
At the Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy, we have successfully defended clients against weapons charges throughout Dallas County since 2002. Our team has dismissed over 1,000 cases in the Dallas–Fort Worth area and understands how to challenge evidence, identify constitutional violations, and build strong defenses.
Because weapons charges often intersect with broader criminal allegations, working with a seasoned Dallas criminal defense lawyer ensures every aspect of your case is handled strategically from the start.
Dallas prosecutors handle a wide range of weapons and firearm offenses under both Texas state law and federal statutes.
Under Texas Penal Code § 46.04, certain individuals are prohibited from possessing firearms, commonly those with prior felony convictions or those subject to protective orders for family violence.
Common scenarios that lead to unlawful possession charges include:
Penalties: Generally classified as a third-degree felony, punishable by 2-10 years in prison and fines up to $10,000. However, under certain circumstances (such as when the firearm is found at the person’s own premises after the five-year restriction period), it may be charged as a Class A misdemeanor.
Even with a valid License to Carry (LTC), Texas law prohibits weapons in specific locations. Many people don’t realize that constitutional carry laws still include numerous restrictions.
Prohibited locations include:
Penalties: Typically classified as a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in county jail and fines up to $4,000. Additionally, your LTC may be revoked.
Texas law prohibits civilian possession of certain types of weapons entirely. These charges often carry both state and federal implications.
Examples of prohibited weapons:
Federal vs. State Charges: Many illegal weapon cases trigger federal prosecution, which typically carries harsher penalties and mandatory minimum sentences.
Texas law provides for enhanced penalties when weapons are used or possessed during the commission of other crimes. These cases are aggressively prosecuted.
Enhancement scenarios include:
Critical Note: Even if you don’t use the weapon, simple possession during another crime can result in significant sentence enhancements.
Texas has some of the most gun-friendly laws in the United States, but recent changes have created confusion about what’s legal.
As of September 1, 2021, Texas law allows most adults 21 and older to carry handguns without a license. However, constitutional carry doesn’t mean unrestricted carry.
Key restrictions include:
While not required for basic carry, an LTC still provides important benefits:
Even law-abiding gun owners can face serious charges due to:
The consequences of weapons convictions vary significantly based on the specific charge and your criminal history. Here’s what you could face:
| Charge Type | Classification | Prison Time | Fines | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unlawful Possession | 3rd-Degree Felony | 2-10 years | Up to $10,000 | Permanent firearm ban |
| Carrying in Prohibited Area | Class A Misdemeanor | Up to 1 year | Up to $4,000 | LTC revocation |
| Illegal Weapon Type | 3rd-Degree Felony | 2-10 years | Up to $10,000 | Federal prosecution possible |
| Weapon During Crime | Enhanced Felony | 5-99 years | Varies | Consecutive sentencing |
| Federal Weapon Charges | Varies | 10+ years | $250,000+ | Mandatory minimums |
Beyond immediate penalties, weapons convictions can result in:
Our experienced Dallas firearm defense attorneys have successfully challenged weapons charges using various defense strategies.
Many weapons charges require proof that you knowingly possessed the firearm. We can challenge these cases when:
The Fourth Amendment protects against unreasonable searches and seizures. Common violations in weapons cases include:
When police violate your constitutional rights, we file motions to suppress evidence, which often results in dismissed charges.
Texas’s recent constitutional carry law has created confusion even among law enforcement. We’ve successfully defended clients who were arrested based on outdated interpretations of Texas law.
Common scenarios include:
Weapons charges sometimes result from:
Our thorough investigations often reveal these issues and lead to dismissed charges.
When your freedom and future are at stake, you need attorneys who understand both the law and the local legal system.
We’ve handled weapons cases in Dallas County courts for over 20 years. This experience gives us insight into:
Unlike firms that push for quick plea deals, we prepare every case for trial. This approach often leads to better plea offers because prosecutors know we’re willing to fight.
Our trial preparation includes:
As Richard McConathy explains: “When you get Team McConathy, you’re not going to see a bunch of revolving faces. Just like an all-pro offensive line, you don’t want to have to be mixing out parts every other year.”
You’ll work with the same experienced team throughout your case, ensuring continuity and building the strongest possible defense.
Your actions immediately after arrest can significantly impact your case outcome.
Time is critical in weapons cases. Early intervention by experienced attorneys can:
Don’t wait – contact us immediately for a free, confidential consultation about your case.
The Law Offices of Richard C. McConathy has achieved successful outcomes in numerous weapons cases. Here are some actual results from our files:
Individual results may vary. Past success does not guarantee future outcomes.
If you’re facing weapons or gun crime charges in Dallas, don’t wait to get experienced legal representation. The sooner we begin working on your case, the better your chances of a favorable outcome.
Free consultations available – We’ll review your case and explain your options at no cost.
📞 Call Now: (972) 528-0116
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🏢 Dallas Office:
15110 Dallas Pkwy #400
Dallas, TX 75248
We defend your rights aggressively and fight for your freedom.
For more information about related criminal charges, visit these pages:
Yes, Texas allows constitutional carry for most adults 21 and older who are legally eligible to possess firearms. However, numerous restrictions still apply, including prohibited locations, federal restrictions, and intoxication prohibitions. Having an LTC still provides additional benefits and protections.
The unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon is typically a third-degree felony punishable by 2-10 years in prison and fines up to $10,000. However, penalties can vary based on the specific circumstances and location where the weapon was found.
Yes, weapons charges can often be dismissed based on constitutional violations, insufficient evidence, lack of intent, or procedural errors by law enforcement. Our attorneys evaluate every detail of your case to identify the strongest defense strategies and work toward dismissal when possible.
State charges are prosecuted under Texas law and handled in county courts, while federal charges involve violations of federal statutes and are prosecuted in federal court. Federal weapons charges typically carry harsher penalties, including mandatory minimum sentences and longer prison terms.
Yes, weapons charges can impact employment, especially in fields requiring professional licenses, security clearances, or positions of trust. Even arrests without convictions can affect some employment opportunities, making it crucial to fight the charges aggressively.
Whether you're facing a felony charge or fighting a traffic ticket, every case deserves serious attention. Get an experienced defense team in your corner now.
