Texas Gun Violence Victim Lawyer

At Hilliard Law, our attorneys are committed to addressing the pressing issue of gun violence. We recognize the significant impact of this societal problem and are dedicated to advocating for justice and change. We believe in fighting for the rights of victims and their families, and we are committed to making a positive impact in the fight against gun violence.

If you or a loved one has been impacted by gun violence in Texas, navigating the aftermath can be overwhelming and difficult. As a victim, you have rights that need to be protected and advocated for. This is where a compassionate and dedicated Texas gun violence victim defense lawyer becomes indispensable to your cause.

At Hilliard Law, we understand the deep trauma and long-lasting effects that gun violence can inflict on individuals and communities. Our firm is committed to supporting victims and their families, ensuring that they are treated with the utmost care and respect throughout the legal process. Our experienced attorneys are well-versed in Texas gun laws and victim compensation claims, striving to secure the justice and financial support that victims of gun violence rightfully deserve.

These tragic events are particularly devastating and unfortunately occur in various settings, including schools, shopping malls, churches, public spaces, and workplaces—locations where safety should be paramount, and gun violence should never be encountered. In the aftermath of such incidents, victims and their families rightfully demand accountability and comprehensive changes to prevent future occurrences.

In the face of such adversity, you should not have to stand alone. Contact Hilliard Law for a free consultation, and let us shoulder the legal burden while you focus on healing and recovery. Our team will meticulously review your case, clarify your entitlements, and guide you through every step of the journey towards justice. 

Reach out to us at 361-203-4394 to discover more about our compassionate approach to victim advocacy and how we can aid you in this challenging time.

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.

Advocacy and Legal Support for Gun Violence Survivors

In the relentless pursuit of justice for survivors of gun violence, Hilliard Law offers comprehensive advocacy and legal support services. Understanding the profound impact of such traumatic events, our firm is dedicated to providing survivors with the resources and representation they need to go through the legal system.

Survivors of gun violence may experience various challenges, from psychological trauma to physical injuries, and often face substantial financial burdens due to medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, and loss of income. Hilliard Law is committed to easing these burdens by advocating for the rights of survivors and seeking the compensation they deserve.

Our legal team employs a meticulous approach to each case, ensuring that every aspect of the survivor’s experience is considered in the pursuit of justice. We work tirelessly to hold responsible parties accountable, whether through direct litigation or by advocating for policy changes that enhance protections for gun violence survivors.

We understand the importance of community support and the role it plays in the healing process. Hilliard Law collaborates with local organizations and national networks to connect survivors with the necessary services, including counseling, medical care, and support groups.

By offering a combination of legal experience and compassionate advocacy, Hilliard Law stands as a pillar of support for survivors of gun violence, working to restore a sense of safety and security to their lives.

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.

Hilliard Law’s Commitment to Justice

Hilliard Law is committed to pursuing justice against gun crimes and will take every necessary step to ensure that criminal charges and weapons charges are brought to court. Our team will work closely to build a strong case, but we will not back down from the opposing criminal defense attorney in our pursuit of justice. We will fight tirelessly to ensure that you receive the justice you deserve.

Here at Hilliard Law, we stand as a beacon of hope for victims of gun violence. Since our founding in 1985, we’ve dedicated ourselves to making a significant impact by tackling challenging social justice and civil rights cases. Our work includes representing victims of the Sutherland Springs, Texas shooting and achieving a landmark settlement against a financial institution that engaged in discriminatory practices.

We treat every client with the utmost respect and compassion, recognizing that each case carries its own story. Our approach to legal strategy is customized to meet the specific experiences and needs of our clients. We’re committed to removing financial barriers to justice by operating on a contingency fee basis, ensuring that legal representation is accessible to all victims.

Our unwavering mission to pursue justice relentlessly underpins our dedication to advocating for victims’ rights and providing legal representation that truly resonates with the core of their struggles. We are here to offer help, and anyone in need of assistance is encouraged to reach out to us at Hilliard Law at 361-203-4394 or contact us today.