Weapons Charge Defense in Temple, Texas
Attorney Frank Cimino · Serving Temple, Bell County and Central Texas
Texas generally allows adults 21 and older to carry a handgun without a license, but gun owners can still face criminal charges. Where you carry, your criminal history, and how a weapon is handled all matter. Attorney Frank Cimino defends people facing weapons charges in Temple and throughout Central Texas.
Weapons Charges We Handle
- Unlawful carrying of a weapon
- Carrying in prohibited places, such as schools, courts, and businesses that post notice
- Unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon
- Possessing a firearm while under a protective order or after a family violence conviction
- Deadly conduct and discharging a firearm
- Weapons charges combined with drug or other offenses
Building Your Defense
- Whether the stop and search were legal
- Whether you actually possessed the weapon
- Whether a legal exception or defense applies
- Your eligibility to own and carry a firearm
This is one part of Frank’s criminal defense practice, which also includes DWI, assault, and other misdemeanor and felony cases.
Weapons Cases in Bell, Coryell and McLennan Counties
Frank defends weapons charges in Bell, Coryell and McLennan counties, including cases that start with traffic stops in Temple, Killeen, Belton and Copperas Cove. Because many residents of the area are active-duty soldiers or veterans at Fort Hood, weapons cases here often raise questions about both state and federal law, and about how a conviction could affect a military career or the right to own firearms in the future.
What Happens After a Weapons Arrest in Temple or Killeen
After a weapons arrest, the firearm is usually seized and held as evidence. You will see a magistrate, who sets bond, and bond conditions often prohibit possessing firearms while the case is pending. Getting a lawfully owned firearm back usually requires a court order after the case is resolved.
Frank looks closely at why you were stopped, whether the search of your car, home or person was lawful, and whether you were actually a person prohibited from carrying. Texas law on carrying handguns changed in 2021, and many arrests turn on details, such as where the weapon was, your age and your record.
Weapons Charge Questions and Answers
Do I need a license to carry a handgun in Texas?
In most cases, no. Since 2021, many adults 21 and older who are not otherwise prohibited can carry a handgun without a license. Some people are still prohibited, including people with certain criminal histories, and a license to carry still has benefits.
Where is it illegal to carry a gun, even with a license?
Texas prohibits carrying in places such as schools, courthouses, polling places on election day, secured areas of airports and businesses that make most of their money from alcohol sales. Private businesses can also post signs banning firearms.
Can a person with a felony conviction own a gun in Texas?
Under Texas law, a person with a felony conviction may possess a firearm only at home, and only after five years have passed since release from confinement or supervision. Federal law is stricter and generally prohibits it entirely.
What happens to my gun after an arrest?
It is usually held as evidence until the case is over. If the case is dismissed or you are found not guilty, Frank can ask the court to return it.
Can a weapons charge be reduced or dismissed?
Sometimes. An unlawful search, a mistake about whether you were legally prohibited, or a lack of proof that you knew about the weapon can all lead to a reduced charge or a dismissal.
Facing a Weapons Charge? Talk With Frank.
Call (254) 220-4096 or send us a message to talk with Attorney Frank Cimino about your case. Office: 704 North 3rd St., Temple, TX 76501.
This page provides general information, not legal advice. Contacting the firm does not create an attorney-client relationship.