Some Information on Texas Firearm Codes

Gun laws vary widely by state and county. They are also subject to frequent changes, so keeping abreast of these developments is important for any private citizen in possession of a firearm.

Texas Gun Basics (as of January 2008):

• No permits, licenses, or registration are currently required by the state concerning the purchase, possession, and carrying of rifles and shotguns.
• These same rules apply to handguns, with the important exception that carrying such a weapon on one’s person does require a permit.
• Handgun carrying permits are obtained by supplying the state with an application that includes proof of age, official passport-style photographs, acknowledgment of pertinent firearm regulations, fingerprints, proof of residency, and permission to access personal records.
• Restrictions on possession include conviction of a felony or Class A misdemeanor involving the person’s household.
• Selling a firearm to anyone under 18 without expressed permission from a parent or guardian, or to someone who is visibly intoxicated, is a criminal offense.

Even if a person is licensed to carry a handgun, it is unlawful to bring this or any other firearm into the following areas:

• A government court
• A business that derives over 50 percent of its business from alcohol sales
• An educational institution (note: currently under consideration as of April 2009)
• Any professional sporting or interscholastic event
• A hospital, place of worship, amusement park or race track
• The security area of an airport
• A correctional facility

Discharging a firearm in a public place is illegal, as well as displaying it in a threatening manner. A slew of additional regulations and codes apply involving use by minors, machine guns, and other important subjects.

Contact Us

Conviction of firearm-related offense can have huge consequences on your life. If you have been charged with such a crime, contact an Austin criminal defense lawyer at the firm of Ian Inglis by calling 1-800-589-1808 today.