Gun Crimes

Georgetown Gun Crime Defense Lawyer

Facing a Firearm Allegation? Get a Defense Review From Former Texas Prosecutors

A firearm allegation may involve carrying, possession, a prohibited location, a prohibited weapon, or a gun connected to another alleged offense. We provide criminal defense representation for state and federal charges, beginning with a close review of the accusation and supporting evidence.

Early details matter. Where officers found the firearm, who allegedly possessed or controlled it, and whether a search or seizure occurred can shape the defense. The location, alleged conduct, criminal history, and involvement of another offense may also determine which laws and courts apply.

Call (512) 961-4555 to discuss a gun or weapon allegation with our Georgetown criminal defense attorneys. Free consultations are available in English and Spanish.

Former Prosecutors Assess the Case From Both Sides

James Winters and Veronica Chidester are former Texas prosecutors who draw on their understanding of prosecution strategy when preparing a defense. James prosecuted misdemeanor and felony matters in Travis and Bell counties and handles state and federal criminal cases. Veronica has experience with federal cases and served in Travis County roles that included chief misdemeanor and family violence prosecutor.

James and Veronica began working together as law-school mock-trial partners and later tried cases together as prosecutors. Today, we work as a trial team, preparing each case for negotiations or courtroom proceedings. We can provide guidance from the investigation through later stages of the criminal process.

What We Examine in a Georgetown Gun Charge

An allegation is an unproven claim. An arrest places a person in custody but isn’t a finding of guilt. A charge is a formal accusation; in qualifying felony cases, an indictment is an accusation approved by a grand jury. A conviction follows only a guilty plea or guilty verdict.

We tailor our review to the charging statute, evidence, and procedural history rather than treating every firearm accusation alike. We explain what the evidence shows, what remains disputed, and which decisions may come next.

A defense review may address:

Possession and control: Whether the evidence connects the accused person to the firearm and shows authority over it.
Search and seizure: Whether officers lawfully stopped a person, entered a property, searched a vehicle, or obtained physical or digital evidence.
Statements and witnesses: What was said to law enforcement, whether required warnings were given, and how witness accounts compare with other evidence.
Forensic evidence: Whether testing, recordings, photographs, or other materials support or undermine the allegation.
Jurisdiction: Whether Texas authorities, federal authorities, or both are involved and which laws govern the case.
Related allegations: Whether the firearm is connected to an alleged assault, robbery, family-violence, drug, or other offense.

Depending on the procedural stage, the case may involve a pre-charge investigation, bond proceedings, motions, negotiations, trial preparation, or federal proceedings. Consequences can extend beyond incarceration and fines to probation conditions, employment, immigration matters, family relationships, and future firearm possession. The actual exposure depends on the charge and its resolution.

Texas Firearm & Weapon Charge Categories

Texas Penal Code Chapter 46 addresses several firearm and weapon offenses, but the applicable rule depends on the conduct and circumstances. Statutory classifications, prohibited locations, exceptions, and federal restrictions can change, so current law must be applied to the facts.

Common allegation categories include:

Unlawful carrying of a weapon: The analysis may involve the person’s conduct, age, qualifying prior convictions, location, and whether the person was on their own premises or in a vehicle or watercraft under their control.
Possession in prohibited places: Texas law restricts firearm possession in certain locations, which may include schools, courts, polling places, secured airport areas, correctional facilities, sporting events, hospitals, amusement parks, and alcohol-serving businesses.
Unlawful possession of a firearm: Restrictions may apply after a felony conviction or certain family-violence convictions. The relevant timeframe and statutory circumstances require individual review.
Prohibited weapons: These allegations concern listed weapons or items and may involve intentional or knowing possession, manufacture, transport, repair, or sale, subject to statutory definitions and exceptions.
A firearm connected to another charge: An alleged weapon may affect how authorities investigate or prosecute an assault, robbery, drug, family-violence, or other criminal case.

What Can Change the Course of a Firearm Case

No single penalty range or defense applies to every gun-related accusation. The seriousness of the case and the available options may depend on the alleged conduct, type of weapon, incident location, prior convictions, and whether Texas or federal authorities bring the charge.

Important factual and legal issues may include:

Knowledge and intent: What the prosecution must prove about the accused person’s awareness or purpose under the charging statute.
Possession and control: Whether the weapon was found on the person, in a shared space, or in property accessible to multiple people.
Location: Whether the incident allegedly occurred in a place covered by a statutory restriction or exception.
Constitutional issues: Whether a stop, detention, search, seizure, interrogation, or collection of evidence complied with legal requirements.
State or federal jurisdiction: Which authority filed or may file charges and whether separate statutes or procedures apply.

Preserve court papers, bond conditions, videos, messages, and other relevant information for counsel. Before receiving legal advice, avoid discussing the facts with law enforcement or posting about the case online.

Discuss Your Options Before the Case Advances

We bring a former-prosecutor perspective, trial-team preparation, and direct communication to state and federal criminal cases. A free consultation can help identify the immediate legal issue, the information to preserve, and the representation that may fit your circumstances.

Use our online form to contact us, and gather any charging papers, bond documents, court notices, or other case information available. We serve clients in Williamson County and surrounding areas, with legal services available in English and Spanish.

Call (512) 961-4555 to speak with Winters & Chidester about your next step.

Real People. Real Wins.

Review Some of Our Results to See for Yourself What We’ve Worked to Achieve

As Georgetown criminal attorneys, we recognize the importance of what we do. Our goal is to help our clients face brighter futures, all while protecting their constitutional rights to the fullest. We couldn't be more proud of the people we've helped and the lives we've changed.

View All Results

Case dismissed Assault Family Violence
We represented a client who was arrested for assault family violence over the weekend. We worked quickly and got the case dismissed the following Wednesday.
Case Dismissed Interfering with a 911 Call
We represented a client charged with interfering with a 911 call and providing alcohol to a minor. By working closely with the client and negotiating with the prosecutor, we reached an agreement to have both cases dismissed.
No Charges Pursued Child Injury
We recently represented a client being investigated for injury to a child. Our client was in the process of becoming a citizen and could not have this charge on her record. We worked with the detective to eventually get the investigation dropped and no charges were filed.
Case Dismissed Assault Family Violence
Case Dismissed Sexual Assault of a Child
We represented a client charged with sexual assault of a child. By identifying significant issues in the discovery, we secured a dismissal of the case, preventing prison time and lifetime sex offender registration.