Unlawful Carrying of a Weapon (UCW) Defense in Texas
Charged with a Gun Crime in Dallas, Fort Worth, Denton, or Plano? Call Texas Defenders at 214-306-9696 Today.
Texas is a gun-friendly state, but that doesn't mean carrying a firearm is risk-free. Even under the state's permitless carry laws, you can still be arrested and charged with Unlawful Carrying of a Weapon (UCW) for a wide range of violations.
If you're facing a UCW charge in Dallas, Tarrant, Collin, or Denton County, the consequences can be serious. At Texas Defenders, we help people charged with gun crimes protect their rights, avoid jail time, and keep their records clean.
What Is Unlawful Carrying of a Weapon in Texas?
Under Texas Penal Code § 46.02, it is a crime to carry a handgun on your person or in your vehicle if:
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You're under 21
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You're engaged in criminal activity (even a small drug possession)
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You're intoxicated or impaired
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You're a convicted felon
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You carry the weapon in a prohibited place (bars, schools, government buildings, airports)
Many people are surprised to be arrested for UCW even though they legally own the firearm. These cases often arise from traffic stops or misunderstandings about where and when you can carry in Texas.
Common Ways UCW Charges Arise
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Pulled over with a gun and marijuana or THC in the car
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Carrying a weapon into a bar, school, or posted building
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Underage person carrying without proper legal authority
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Possessing a handgun while intoxicated
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Felon in possession of a firearm
Even in permitless carry states like Texas, these situations can lead to criminal charges.
Penalties for Unlawful Carrying of a Weapon
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Class A Misdemeanor
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Up to 1 year in jail
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Up to $4,000 fine
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Third-Degree Felony (for carrying in bars, schools, or other restricted locations)
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2 to 10 years in prison
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Up to $10,000 fine
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A conviction can affect your right to own or carry weapons in the future and can damage your criminal record permanently.
How Texas Defenders Beats UCW Charges
We take an aggressive, strategic approach to defending UCW cases, including:
✅ Challenging the Stop and Search
If the police violated your Fourth Amendment rights, we fight to suppress the weapon as evidence.
✅ Fighting the “Criminal Activity” Link
Even a Class B drug possession charge isn't enough unless the state can prove active criminal activity connected to the weapon.
✅ Raising Exceptions for Legal Carry
We examine whether you were legally carrying under Texas's constitutional carry law.
✅ Seeking Dismissal or Diversion
For first-time offenders in Dallas, Tarrant, Denton, and Collin counties, we often pursue dismissals or non-disclosure-eligible outcomes.
Local Experience That Matters
We fight UCW charges across the North Texas region:
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Dallas County – Dallas, Garland, Cedar Hill, Duncanville
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Tarrant County – Fort Worth, Arlington, Mansfield, Hurst
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Collin County – Plano, McKinney, Frisco, Allen
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Denton County – Denton, Lewisville, Flower Mound, The Colony, Little Elm
Our relationships with prosecutors and judges across these counties give your case the advantage it needs.
Don't Let a Gun Charge Ruin Your Record
Gun laws in Texas are confusing, and even law-abiding citizens can find themselves facing criminal charges after a misunderstanding or a traffic stop. Let Texas Defenders fight to protect your rights and your future.
📞 Call us now at 214-306-9696 for a free consultation.
We defend UCW charges in Dallas, Fort Worth, Denton, McKinney, Plano, and beyond.