Gun laws are complicated, and you may have questions about state and federal firearms laws in Texas. States create their own gun laws, varying significantly from state to state. Federal laws are applied uniformly to all states. If you possess a firearm or are considering acquiring one, it is important to understand the applicable laws.
Houston criminal defense attorneys at Vinas & Graham, PLLC, represent clients charged with firearms violations in federal and state courts. They know that it is critical to understand state and federal gun laws so that you do not unknowingly or accidentally break the law in Texas.
Age To Purchase And Possess Firearms
In general, Texas residents do not need any special licenses or registration to purchase or own a gun. You must be 18 to buy a firearm, but you do not have to be 18 to possess one. It is legal for a minor to purchase a firearm with parental consent or to receive a gun as a gift.
Open And Concealed Carry
States typically have open carry and concealed carry laws. In open carry states, gun owners are permitted to carry a firearm in plain sight, such as in a holster. In concealed carry states, people may carry hidden or concealed guns. Permits are required in some states to open or conceal carry firearms.
Under Texas’s former concealed carry laws, only people who had taken a safety class and had secured a permit could legally carry concealed weapons. However, as of September 1, 2021, the law recently changed, and now, if you are 21 or older, you can keep a concealed weapon in public without any required training or licensing.
Gun Laws In Texas
In general, it is legal in Texas to open or conceal carry a firearm if you meet the age requirements and you have not otherwise lost your right to purchase and possess firearms. However, other exceptions could prevent you from carrying a gun in Texas.
For example, federal building officials may restrict firearms on their premises. Guns may also be prohibited in other places, such as schools, sporting events, airports, and businesses that receive significant revenue from alcohol sales.
Texans under the age of 21 may also be allowed to carry weapons under some circumstances. So long as they are not otherwise prohibited from possessing firearms, residents between the ages of 18 and 20 are permitted to carry guns after they complete training and secure a permit to carry.
Using And Carrying Your Firearms
When you use and carry your firearm, you must do so in a safe and responsible manner. For example, having a gun in public while intoxicated is illegal. You also may not point or fire at someone unless it is in self-defense or defense of others. Misusing your firearm can result in criminal charges.
Gun Laws In Other States
Whether you are permitted to carry your weapons in states other than Texas depends on the other state’s laws. Some states have reciprocal carry laws that allow residents from other states to carry firearms when visiting. If you comply with their permit, age, and other requirements under their reciprocity laws, you may carry your firearm in other states.
Reporting The Sale Of Firearms
Some federal and state laws require sellers to report the sale of firearms under specific circumstances. For example, licensed sellers must report the sale of two or more handguns that occur within five days of each other. In Texas, sellers are required to disclose the sale of certain types of rifles, such as AR-15 rifles.
Some rules that apply to licensed firearms dealers do not apply to unlicensed sellers. In Texas, a private seller may not have to disclose sales that are otherwise required to be reported by federally licensed sellers.
Losing Your Gun Rights
You lose the right to possess firearms in Texas if you are the subject of a domestic violence restraining order. You may also lose your right to own and purchase firearms if you have a felony or domestic violence conviction. Under some circumstances, you may be eligible to have your rights reinstated.
Contact A Texas Gun Laws Attorney Today
If you have questions about firearms laws, contact a Texas gun laws attorney today at 713-229-9992 or online. Attorneys at Vinas & Graham, PLLC, represent clients in Texas federal and state court matters. They know gun laws and how they apply to different circumstances.
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