What qualifies as a weapon offense in Texas?

Weapon offenses include unlawful possession of firearms, carrying weapons in restricted areas, using a weapon during a crime, and violating state or federal regulations regarding firearms or other weapons.

What is unlawful possession of a firearm in Texas?

Unlawful possession occurs when an individual who is prohibited by law, such as felons or those with certain restraining orders, owns or carries a firearm.

What are the penalties for weapon offenses in Texas?

Penalties vary depending on the offense and can range from fines and probation to significant prison sentences for felony convictions.

Can weapon offenses affect my future firearm ownership?

Yes, certain weapon offense convictions, especially felonies, can lead to the loss of firearm ownership rights under both Texas and federal law.

Are there defenses to weapon offense charges?

Defenses may include proving lawful possession, lack of intent, insufficient evidence, or violations of your constitutional rights during the search or seizure process.

Can weapon offenses be expunged from my record in Texas?

Some weapon offenses may qualify for expungement or record sealing if the charges were dismissed or deferred adjudication was successfully completed.

What is the punishment for carrying a firearm in a restricted area?

Carrying a firearm in a restricted area, such as a school or government building, can result in misdemeanor or felony charges, depending on the circumstances.

Can I carry a firearm without a permit in Texas?

Texas law allows permitless carry for most individuals over the age of 21. However, restrictions apply for certain individuals and in specific locations.

How can a lawyer help with a weapon offense charge?

A lawyer can analyze your case, challenge evidence, negotiate reduced charges, and advocate for your rights in court to achieve the best possible outcome.

What should I do if charged with a weapon offense in Dallas?

Contact a criminal defense attorney immediately. Avoid making statements to law enforcement without legal representation, as anything you say can be used against you.

Crimes of Moral Turpitude (CIMT) Defense

A theft, fraud, or assault charge shouldn’t end your residency. We protect non-citizens in Texas from deportation and inadmissibility.

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What Makes a Crime “Moral Turpitude”?

In U.S. immigration law, a Crime Involving Moral Turpitude (CIMT) refers to conduct that is inherently base, vile, or depraved, and contrary to the accepted rules of morality. Conviction of a CIMT—or sometimes simply admitting to the facts of one—can result in your Green Card application being denied, your visa being revoked, or immediate deportation proceedings.

Offenses commonly classified as CIMTs include theft, fraud, aggravated assault, and domestic violence. Because standard criminal lawyers often do not understand CIMTs, they may recommend a plea deal that keeps you out of jail but automatically triggers deportation. We step in to prevent that.

Is Shoplifting a Crime of Moral Turpitude?

Yes, theft offenses, including shoplifting, are almost always classified as Crimes Involving Moral Turpitude because they involve an “intent to permanently deprive” someone of their property.

However, you may qualify for the Petty Offense Exception. If you only have one CIMT on your record, the maximum possible penalty for the crime was exactly one year or less, and you were not sentenced to more than six months in jail, you may be saved from deportation. Our firm analyzes your criminal record to aggressively apply this exception to protect your immigration status.

Domestic Violence Deportation Defense in Texas

A domestic violence conviction is one of the most dangerous charges for a non-citizen. Even a misdemeanor assault charge involving a family member can classify you as a “deportable alien” under federal law, stripping you of your residency.

Defending against the deportable label requires fighting the specific definitions of the Texas Penal Code. We scrutinize the charges to dispute “crimes of violence” classifications, negotiate to remove family violence findings, and prevent these charges from destroying your life in the U.S.

Immigration Lawyer for Theft Charges in Plano & DFW

If you have been charged with theft in Collin County or the surrounding DFW area, standard criminal defense tactics are not enough. A deferred adjudication or probation for theft is still considered a “conviction” for immigration purposes.

Pleading Down is Essential: To save your visa or Green Card, a theft charge must often be negotiated and amended to a non-CIMT offense. We work strategically with Texas prosecutors to amend charges from “Theft” to safer offenses like “Class C Criminal Trespass,” keeping your immigration record entirely clean.

Waivers for Crimes of Moral Turpitude: INA 212(h)

If you already have a CIMT conviction on your record, all hope is not lost. You may be eligible for a 212(h) Waiver of Inadmissibility.

This waiver allows the U.S. government to forgive certain criminal convictions, including CIMTs, prostitution, and simple possession of marijuana (under 30 grams). To win a 212(h) waiver, we must prove that your U.S. citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident spouse, parent, or child would suffer “extreme hardship” if you were deported or denied a visa. We have extensive experience building the robust, evidence-heavy hardship cases required to win these waivers.

Protect Your Residency. Contact Us Today.

We provide expert crimmigration defense across Plano, Dallas, Fort Worth, McKinney, Frisco, and all of North Texas.

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