As a parent, getting a call from the police station concerning your child can be one of your worst nightmares. If your child happened to be carrying a weapon, they may be facing severe charges. Children are often impressionable, striving to impress their friends and loved ones, and may have simply found themselves in the wrong place at the wrong time. While children under the age of 18 can go through the juvenile system, when weapons are involved, they may find themselves being charged as an adult. During this time, it is important that any weapons charge be tackled with the help of a criminal defense attorney.
What weapons are prohibited in Texas?
All states in America have some sort of restrictions governing the possession of weapons, whether it be a total restriction, limits based on age, or the need to carry some sort of permit.
Some weapons that are always prohibited in Texas include:
- Explosive weapons
- Improvised handguns
- Machine guns
- Brass knuckles
- Rifles with barrels less than 16 inches long
- Any altered weapon less than 26 inches long
- Shotguns with barrels less than 18 inches long
- Switchblade knives
In addition to these weapons, anyone under the age of 18 and without the proper permits may find themselves facing charges for:
- Guns of any kind
- Knives of any kind
- Clubs of any kind
When a juvenile possesses any of these weapons, they can be charged just like an adult. In Texas, this can mean a number of things. If your loved one has been accused of a weapons crime in San Antonio, The Law Office of Guillermo Lara Jr. can help. Get started with a free consultation.
Get Experienced Legal Help For a Juvenile Weapons Charge
A juvenile charged with a weapons crime may face a range of charges. If brought to court in the juvenile system, the court does not have to follow any sort of strict sentencing guidelines as long as it is aimed at rehabilitation. This means that a child may find themselves facing a warning, community service, diversion programs, probation, detention, and more. If your child is facing adult charges, their sentencing will be aimed at punishing them for their crime.
One of the most important things you, as a parent, can do when your child is brought up on a weapons charge is to take an aggressive approach from the beginning. A criminal record, even one obtained before the child is legally an adult, can have an impact on their educational and employment opportunities in the future.
Protect your child’s future. Call a San Antonio criminal defense lawyer now!