The short answer is yes, it is possible for many people to own a Firearm with a DWI charge in Texas. However, if you are facing a DWI charge, you want to avoid a conviction whenever possible, and you should do so with help from a reputable Austin DWI attorney.
That being said, let’s take a look at how misdemeanors and felonies affect your rights when it comes to gun licenses and ownership in this state.
How Misdemeanors Affect Firearms Possession in Texas
There are certain misdemeanors that can automatically make it unlawful for a gun dealer to sell you a gun. For example, if you happen to get convicted of domestic violence in The Lone Star State or have a protective order, then no one can legally sell you one, and you won’t be able to legally buy one either.
The organization also points out the fact that if a person happens to be under indictment for any crime that has a potential jail sentence of twelve months or more, then that person also wouldn’t be able to legally buy or be sold a gun. A conviction for that crime, of course, would render the same results.
When it comes down to whether or not a person can purchase or be sold a handgun if they had previously received a DWI charge in Texas, it just depends on how many times they’d been charged with a DWI in the past. For instance, if it’s their first time, it’ll be viewed as a Class B misdemeanor, and their gun license would get suspended while their case is being investigated.
If they’re found not guilty, the suspension will be lifted. But, if they’re convicted, they’ll have to wait a whole five years before they could even apply for a firearm again.
So, you actually can possess a firearm with a DWI charge in Texas if you wait it out and do not get another DWI within a ten-year period. For example, if you make it through the first five years with no other charges, get your gun license back, then get another DWI before the decade is out, the State of Texas sees that as you being chemically dependent, and your gun privileges will be taken away indefinitely.
How Felonies Affect Firearms Possession in Texas
Some DWI offenses are felonies, which include causing an accident and serious injury. If you have a felony, the restrictions are a little different. But, the answer is still yes, it is possible that you can possess a firearm, even if you have one of these harsher crimes on your criminal record.
The time frame that you’d have to wait to attain a firearm is the same, which is five years after you’ve been released from prison, parole or supervision. But, the thing is that you won’t be able to have that weapon outside of your home, and you can never have a License to Carry (LTC) again.
Contact Your Trusted Austin DWI Lawyers
If you face DWI charges or have questions about weapons offenses, you want legal representation with thorough knowledge of your type of situation. Contact us today at TK Injury Lawyers for your free consultation.
The post Can You Possess a Firearm with a DWI Charge in Texas? first appeared on TK Injury Lawyers.
