Gun violence is a deeply emotional and complex issue that touches the lives of countless individuals across Texas. Whether you’re a gun owner, a concerned citizen, or someone who has been directly affected by gun violence, navigating the state’s laws can feel overwhelming. Texas, being one of the largest states in the nation, has its own set of unique rules regarding firearms—rules that every resident should understand.
If you’re looking for clarity on Texas gun violence laws, recent updates, and your rights in situations involving gun-related harm, this guide can help break it all down for you.
What Are Texas Gun Violence Laws?
Texas has traditionally had some of the least restrictive firearm laws in the U.S. For many Texans, owning a gun is more than a right—it’s a part of their culture and lifestyle. However, like any right, the freedom to bear arms comes with responsibilities and legal boundaries.
Here’s a quick overview of key aspects of Texas gun laws:
- Permitless Carry: As of September 1, 2021, most Texans over 21 can carry a handgun in public without a license, provided they don’t have a criminal record that disqualifies them.
- Background Checks: While federal law requires licensed dealers to run background checks, private sales (like those between individuals or at gun shows) often don’t require one in Texas.
- Castle Doctrine: Texas law allows individuals to use force—even deadly force—to protect themselves, their families, or their property if they feel threatened.
- Red Flag Laws (or the lack thereof): Unlike some states, Texas does not have red flag laws that allow law enforcement or family members to petition courts to temporarily remove firearms from individuals deemed dangerous to themselves or others.
These laws shape not only gun ownership but also how gun violence cases are handled in courts.
Victims of Gun Violence in Texas
Gun violence affects people in devastating ways—physically, emotionally, and financially. If you or someone you love has been a victim of gun violence, it’s crucial to know your legal options for seeking justice.
1. Criminal Charges
When someone commits a violent crime involving a gun, they may be prosecuted by the state. This can result in jail time, fines, and other penalties for the offender. While criminal charges provide some level of closure, they don’t compensate victims for medical bills, lost wages, or emotional trauma.
2. Civil Lawsuits
Victims can pursue civil lawsuits against the person or entity responsible for the violence. This could include the perpetrator and negligent third parties like businesses or property owners who failed to ensure safety (e.g., inadequate security measures).
For example, if a shooting occurs at a business, and it’s found that the business owner didn’t take reasonable steps to prevent such incidents, they might be held liable.
3. Product Liability Claims
There have been situations where victims or their families filed lawsuits against firearm manufacturers, arguing that the companies should have done more to ensure their products couldn’t be misused. While these cases are challenging, they’ve played a role in sparking discussions on gun safety measures.
4. Victim Compensation Programs
Texas offers a Crime Victims’ Compensation Program to assist victims with medical expenses, counseling, lost wages, and other costs. If you're unsure where to start, speaking with an attorney knowledgeable about this program can help you access support faster.
Legal Responsibilities for Gun Owners
Owning a gun in Texas isn’t just about exercising your rights—it also requires understanding and following state laws to ensure public safety. Here are a few responsibilities that all gun owners need to be aware of:
- Storage Laws: While Texas law doesn’t require locking up firearms, leaving a loaded gun accessible to children under 17 is illegal and can result in criminal charges if harm occurs.
- Prohibited Places: Carrying a firearm in certain locations, such as schools, polling places, or secure airport areas, remains illegal despite permitless carry laws.
- Reporting Lost or Stolen Guns: While reporting isn’t required by law, it’s always recommended that you inform law enforcement immediately if your firearm goes missing.
Failing to follow these laws can lead to significant legal consequences, including fines, jail time, or loss of gun ownership rights.
Recent Changes and Ongoing Debates
The landscape of gun violence laws in Texas continues to evolve, driven by high-profile incidents and public outcry. After tragedies like the mass shootings in Uvalde and El Paso, more Texans are pushing for stricter regulations, such as universal background checks or raising the minimum age for firearm purchases.
At the same time, supporters of gun rights argue that addressing issues like mental health, school security, and law enforcement response times could have a bigger impact on reducing violence.
These debates highlight the importance of balancing constitutional rights with public safety—a tricky but necessary conversation for lawmakers, communities, and individuals alike.
How a Lawyer Can Help
If you’ve been impacted by gun violence, whether as a victim, a witness, or even as a gun owner facing legal challenges, seeking legal help could make a significant difference. An attorney can:
- Help victims file lawsuits to pursue compensation for medical bills, emotional distress, or other damages.
- Assist property owners and businesses in understanding their liability for incidents involving firearms on their premises.
- Defend responsible gun owners facing legal challenges, ensuring their rights are protected.
The legal system can be complex, especially when emotions and personal safety concerns are involved. A knowledgeable attorney will approach your case with empathy and expertise, guiding you every step of the way.
Texas Gun Violence Victim Lawyer
As we navigate the complexities of gun violence laws in Texas, it's essential to remain informed and engaged. At Hilliard Law, we are committed to providing expert legal services to those affected by gun violence in Corpus Christi, TX. Our experienced team is here to support you through every step of the legal process, ensuring you receive the justice and compensation you deserve. Contact us today at (866) 927-3420 to learn more about how we can assist you in your pursuit of justice and advocacy for safer communities.