Texas Gun Violence Victim Lawyer

Understanding Texas Gun Violence Laws

The Texas legislature has established an intricate set of statutes governing firearm possession and use, including regulations on those who carry concealed handguns. These comprehensive laws involve restrictions on firearm possession, carrying requirements, and infringement penalties.

For instance, individuals under 21 or those with certain convictions are prohibited from carrying weapons. Texas Penal Code Section 46.02 and Section 46.04 mandate specific prohibitions for carrying a handgun, including requirements for holstering and location-based restrictions. Violations can lead to serious legal consequences under Chapter 12 of the Texas Penal Code.

The law permits qualified individuals to publicly carry a handgun without a license, given that the firearm is holstered. Texas Penal Code Chapter 46 does not restrict who can carry a long gun, such as a rifle or shotgun. Texas law empowers private property owners to decide the allowance of guns on their property, with mandatory notice if guns are banned and identifies places where weapons are categorically prohibited.

Types of Firearms and Weapons in Texas

Texas law recognizes a range of firearms and weapons, each governed by specific regulations. Among these, possessing an illegal firearm is a serious offense. The law defines ‘firearm’ as any device designed, made, or adapted to expel a projectile through a barrel by using the energy generated by an explosion or burning substance. A handgun is defined as a firearm that is designed, made, or adapted to be fired with one hand. This type of firearm is commonly used for personal protection and target shooting.

Other types of firearms include ‘short-barrel firearms,’ which are rifles with a barrel length of less than 16 inches, or shotguns with a barrel length of less than 18 inches. A ‘machine gun’ is any firearm capable of shooting more than two shots automatically, without manual reloading, by a single function of the trigger. In this category, machine guns are often considered the most powerful and dangerous. The law also defines a ‘location-restricted knife’ as a knife with a blade over five and one-half inches.

Legal vs. Illegal Gun Possession

In Texas, legal firearm ownership necessitates individuals to be above 18, devoid of felony convictions, and in compliance with state and federal laws. The recent HB 1927 allows Texans to open or carry concealed handguns without a concealed handgun license.

It’s important to note that a convicted felon or individuals with certain domestic violence misdemeanors are prohibited from firearm possession. Those found in possession of a firearm outside their premises after the proscribed period post-release face a third-degree felony charge, extending to unlawful possession of metal or body armor.

Illegal possession of a firearm in Texas can have severe consequences, including a misdemeanor weapons offense. Unlawful carrying of a firearm can result in a Class A misdemeanor or a third-degree felony, depending on the circumstances of the possession and the individual’s criminal history. Understanding these laws and potential charges requires the experience of a seasoned gun violence defense lawyer like those at Hilliard Law.

The Impact of Gun Violence on Families and Hilliard Law's Role in Healing

Gun violence has become a tragic aspect of life in the United States, affecting countless families and communities across the country. The ripple effects of such incidents extend far beyond the initial act, leaving emotional scars, financial strain, and a long-lasting sense of loss and insecurity. Hilliard Law recognizes the profound impact that gun violence has on individuals and society as a whole.

Determined to offer a beacon of hope amidst this crisis, Hilliard Law is dedicated to helping those affected by gun violence. Our team provides compassionate legal support, aiming to alleviate some of the burdens that families face in the aftermath of such incidents. We strive to secure the justice and compensation that victims and their families need to embark on the path to healing and recovery.

Representing Victims of Gun Violence

Victims of gun violence often endure complex application processes and overwhelming paperwork when accessing victim compensation funds, leading to disparities in funding and eligibility criteria among different states. Major barriers to compensation include a lack of awareness about available programs and significant difficulties in the application process, compounded by the requirement of law enforcement cooperation.

Law firms like Hilliard Law prioritize:

• Treating gun violence victims with compassion and individual attention
• Taking on cases of any size
• Targeting systemic abuses that contribute to gun violence

Our work goes beyond courtroom representation to include advocacy for legislative changes and improved support for survivors.

Pursuing Compensation

The pursuit of compensation for gun violence victims can pose significant challenges. Victim compensation funds can provide financial relief for various expenses incurred due to gun violence, but reimbursement amounts and eligibility may differ. A major challenge is that most insurance policies do not cover intentional shootings.

Despite these challenges, legislative efforts to increase reimbursement caps and federal funding have positively impacted the support available to victims. Gun violence defense lawyers play a crucial role in advocating for reforms to make compensation more accessible for all survivors. Legal challenges still exist, such as those arising from laws like Colorado’s repealed punitive gun industry immunity, which hinder victims’ pursuit of compensation through lawsuits.

Prevailing in lawsuits can lead to significant settlements, as seen in the $11 million-plus settlement for families affected by the Virginia Tech shooting. Compensation programs may offer specific provisions reflecting the diverse needs of gun violence victims.

Advocating for Change

Gun violence defense lawyers not only provide legal representation but also actively champion change. Their efforts have led to legislative changes at federal and state levels, improving access to victim compensation and setting standards of conduct for the firearm industry, including in states like California, Colorado, Hawaii, New York, Delaware, New Jersey, Illinois, and Washington.

Hilliard Law extends our legal experience beyond the courtroom. We engage directly with communities, advocating for human rights, and addressing systemic issues such as financial institution racism and border patrol brutality through high-profile cases.

The Legal Aftermath of Gun Violence

The trauma of gun violence extends beyond the immediate impact, leaving victims and their families to figure out what legal rights they have. Understanding your rights and the intricacies of the law is essential in seeking justice and compensation. We at Hilliard Law stand at the forefront of this journey, offering our guidance through the legal aftermath of such incidents.

When gun violence shatters lives, legal recourse can seem like a daunting path. With the right legal representation, victims can find a pathway to healing and recompense. We provide comprehensive support, from interpreting the nuances of Texas gun laws to representing victims in court. Our attorneys are dedicated to ensuring that every victim’s voice is heard and their rights are vigorously defended.

Our firm’s experience extends to assisting with victim compensation claims, a critical aspect for those facing financial burdens due to medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. We are committed to demystifying the legal process and providing clear communication and transparency at every step.

In the wake of gun violence, we are a source of hope, offering a combination of legal prowess and compassionate advocacy. We stand with victims and their families, fighting for the justice they deserve in the aftermath of such devastating events.

Resources for Gun Violence Victims

Various resources are available to aid the recovery and justice pursuit of victims affected by gun violence, a form of violent crime. Texas residents affected by gun violence can seek financial assistance through the Crime Victims’ Compensation (CVC) Program for various crime-related costs. Children and youth affected by school shootings have access to resources provided by the National Child Traumatic Stress Network and SAMSHA, while families can turn to resources from Victim Connect and the National Institute of Mental Health.

Additionally, advocacy efforts have led to legal assistance networks and administrative improvements for claim processing, making it easier for survivors to access the resources they need.

We are here to offer help, and anyone in need of assistance is encouraged to reach out to us at Hilliard Law at (361) 882-1612 or contact us today.