Texas Handgun Permit

Texas law does not require people to have a permit to carry a handgun in most public places. The law was changed in 2021, but you can still obtain a Texas handgun permit. Texans may still want to obtain a handgun permit for several reasons. For example, if you want to carry your handgun in another state, you may be required to have a permit. Texas has reciprocity agreements with numerous states. If a state has a reciprocity agreement with Texas, your Texas handgun permit should allow you to carry your firearm in that state. The rules for carrying an unlicensed handgun in some places differ from licensed carry laws. Therefore, some people obtain a handgun permit to carry their firearm in more places. Likewise, a business owner could prohibit unlicensed carry on their property. If you do not have a permit, you will not be able to carry your firearm at that business establishment.

What Is the Process of Obtaining a Texas Handgun Permit?

If you want to obtain a handgun permit in Texas, you must:

• Verify you are eligible to carry a firearm in Texas
• Attend four to six hours of training and pass a written test and firearm proficiency exam unless you meet a special condition to exempt this qualification
• File an online application and pay the required fees
• Submit supporting documentation, including your Certificate of Training
• Submit fingerprints

Handgun permits are typically issued within 60 days of the complete application packet being received by the Department of Public Safety. The handgun license fee is $40, but some people may qualify for discounts.

What Are the Qualifications for Carrying a Handgun in Texas?

You must be at least 21 years old to carry a handgun in Texas. However, HB 918 gives adults between the ages of 18 and 20 years the ability to obtain a license to carry if they are protected under a magistrate’s emergency protective order or other types of protective orders.   Some individuals are prohibited from carrying a handgun in Texas. It is unlawful for individuals to carry a handgun if they:

• Are a convicted felon and five years have not passed since their confinement or release from community supervision, mandatory supervision, or parole, whichever date is later
• Are a member of a criminal street gang
• Have a history of substance or alcohol abuse
• Were convicted of domestic assault, and five years have not passed since the end of their sentence
• Are subject to a protective order
• Have been adjudicated as mentally ill or committed to a mental institution
• Are prohibited from carrying a handgun under federal law

The above list is not all-inclusive. There may be other circumstances that prevent someone from carrying a handgun. If you carry a gun in Texas, you are expected to know the law and follow the law. Ignorance of the law is not a defense to illegal possession of a firearm.

Penalties for a Conviction for Unlawful Possession of a Firearm in Texas

If you have been arrested for unlawful possession of a firearm, you are likely facing a Class A misdemeanor charge by default. The presumptive sentence for a conviction is up to one year in county jail. You may also be fined up to $4,000. However, unlawful possession of a firearm can be charged as a third-degree felony if you carry a handgun in restricted locations. If you are convicted of felony possession of a firearm, you could face up to ten years in prison and a maximum fine of $10,000. Federal charges may apply to unlawful possession of a firearm. If so, the penalties can be more severe because of federal sentencing guidelines and mandatory minimum sentences. In addition to fines and jail time, a weapons conviction can have collateral consequences. A criminal record can impact many aspects of your personal and professional life. Talk with a lawyer about potential defenses to unlawful possession of a firearm, such as unintentional possession, mistake of fact, or illegal stop and search.

Get Help With a Weapons Charge in Texas

Weapons crimes can result in severe penalties. If you are facing charges, it’s important to hire an experienced criminal defense lawyer who can help you understand and assert your legal rights. Contact an attorney today to schedule a free consultation. Remember: you’re innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Contact the Texas Criminal Defense Attorneys at Barton & Associates Attorneys at Law. Call us at (210) 500 0000

For more information, please contact our [CITY] [PRACTICE AREA] law firm, Barton & Associates Attorneys at Law, at our offices located in Texas.

Barton & Associates Attorneys at Law, PLLC San Antonio 922 S Alamo St, San Antonio, TX 78205 (210) 500 0000

Barton & Associates Attorneys at Law, PLLC Corpus Christi 5110 Wilkinson Dr Suite 210, Corpus Christi, TX 78415 (361) 8006 780