What Happens to Your Firearms After an Assault Family Violence Charge?
If you are facing an assault family violence charge, there are serious legal restrictions to consider. One of many consequences is that you may lose the ability to own any firearms. This consequence is serious for this charge, and it’s crucial to pay close attention to the restrictions you’ll be under.
To better understand these restrictions, let’s break them down step by step and convey why a defense attorney may be your best option in navigating the charge.
You’ll Potentially Lose Access to Firearms
If you are charged with assault involving family violence, the law does not allow you to have firearms. This rule is usually included in your bond conditions and remains in effect until your case is finished.
This is not optional; it is required by law. If you break this rule, you could face more charges and make your case harder to resolve.
What Should You Do With Your Guns?
The proper course of action is to remove all firearms from your possession immediately. This usually means transferring them to a trusted third party — someone legally authorized to possess them. You might consider a family member or friend to keep them safe in the meantime.
Important points to keep in mind:
- Firearms should not remain in your home if you have access to them.
- The person you transfer them to should securely store them.
- You should not have control, access, or ownership use during this period.
Will Law Enforcement Check?
A common question is whether authorities will come to your home to verify compliance. It’s not likely, however, that doesn’t mean you can ignore this rule.
If the issue ever comes up (through a report, investigation, or court review), you could face serious consequences for non-compliance. This would set you back on any progress you have made on your case.
Staying Compliant Matters
Even if enforcement isn’t immediate or visible, you are still legally obligated to follow your bond conditions.
Taking shortcuts or ignoring the rule can:
- Result in bond violations
- Lead to additional criminal charges
- Hurt your credibility in court
Simply put, it’s not worth the risk.
Firearm restrictions after an assault family violence charge are serious, and even unintentional violations can lead to additional legal trouble. That’s why it’s important to work with an experienced criminal defense attorney who understands how these conditions are enforced in Williamson County court.
An experienced criminal defense attorney can:
- Help you stay fully compliant with all firearm restrictions
- Advise you on properly transferring and storing your firearms
- Protect you from accidental bond violations
- Address any issues that arise during the pendency of your case
- Guide you through your options moving forward
Taking the right steps early can make a significant difference in your case.
If you or someone you know is dealing with an assault family violence charge in Williamson County, reach out to our office today to discuss your situation.
Assault Family Violence Gun Restrictions FAQ
Texas Board-Certified Criminal Defense Attorney with over 20 years of experience
Target
Can I still hunt if I lose access to my gun?
If you are someone who hunts often, this restriction can be very frustrating. Many people in this situation are active hunters who suddenly cannot take part in their usual activities.
One practical alternative is bow hunting.
Since bows are not considered firearms, you are usually allowed to use them under these rules. While it is not the same as hunting with a gun, it can help you stay involved in hunting and still follow the law.
Can I keep my firearms locked in a home safe?
No. If you can open the safe, you are still seen as having the firearms. They need to be taken out of your home or put somewhere you cannot access them at all.
Do I have to sell my guns?
Not necessarily. You typically only need to temporarily transfer possession to a trusted individual who can legally hold it during your case.
What happens if I don’t comply?
If you do not follow the firearm rules, you could violate your bond, face more charges, and hurt your case.
Will the police come check if I still have my guns?
In most cases, the police will not check. Still, you must follow the rules, and violations can be discovered in other ways.
When can I get my firearms back?
After your case is finished and any restrictions are removed, you may be able to get your firearms back. This depends on the outcome of your case and any ongoing legal limits.
This is some text inside of a div block.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.