Unlawful Carrying of a Weapon
Oct. 4, 2023
In Texas, the unlawful carrying of a weapon (UCW) refers to the possession of a weapon in a place or manner that is prohibited by state law. The state of Texas has a relatively permissive gun culture and allows open and concealed carry of firearms with a license, however, there are still certain places where firearms are prohibited by state law.
The Texas Penal Code prohibits the carrying of a handgun, illegal knife, or club by a person who is not licensed to carry the weapon in a variety of places, including:
On the physical premises of a school or educational institution
On the premises of a polling place on the day of an election or while early voting is in progress
In a government court or offices used by the court, unless otherwise provided by the court
In a racetrack
In secured areas of an airport
In places where carrying weapons is prohibited by federal law
Additionally, the law also prohibits certain people from carrying firearms, such as convicted felons, those subject to a restraining order, or those who have been convicted of certain crimes like domestic violence or stalking.
Carrying a weapon in a prohibited place is considered a Class A Misdemeanor, with penalties of up to one year in jail, and/or fines of up to $4,000. Repeat offenders or those with certain aggravating factors may face more severe charges, such as a third-degree felony, punishable by 2 to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
It's worth mentioning that the laws can change and it's important to check for the latest information and consult with an attorney for specific cases.
In summary, The unlawful carrying of a weapon (UCW) in Texas refers to the possession of a weapon in a place or manner that is prohibited by state law, such as on the physical premises of a school, polling place, government court, secured areas of an airport, racetrack and places where carrying weapons is prohibited by federal law. Certain people are also prohibited from carrying firearms, such as convicted felons, those subject to restraining order or those convicted of certain crimes like domestic violence or stalking. Penalties can range from Class A misdemeanors to felonies,