Arrested at the Airport for Gun Charges? Here’s What to Do.
When it comes to airport travel, understanding the laws around gun possession is paramount for anyone arrested at the airport or at risk of getting arrested. Luckily, you don’t have to navigate this alone. Cole Paschall Law, the Fort Worth Weapon Charges Attorney, is here to help.
Can You Carry a Gun in the Airport Through the Security Checkpoint in Texas?
The short answer is no. Carrying a gun through a security checkpoint at an airport is considered unlawful carry of a weapon in Texas. In their 2018 report, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) discovered that the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) was the second leading airport in America for firearm discoveries. First-time gun charges can carry penalties of over $13,000, and repeat violations of gun possession charges can result in higher penalties.
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To avoid getting arrested for gun charges in Texas, follow Texas gun laws and the TSA guidelines for transporting firearms and ammunition. TSA regulations state that “you may transport unloaded firearms in a locked hard-sided container as checked baggage only.”
What Happens if You Get Arrested on Gun Charges in Texas?
Texas gun laws refer to airports in Section 46.03 of the Texas Penal Code, which states that you can be arrested and charged with a third-degree felony for knowingly or unknowingly bringing a weapon through a security checkpoint into a secure area of the airport. Third-degree felonies carry extensive fines and also can require jail time in a state prison for breaking Texas gun laws.
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