Current Gun Violence in Texas vs. Other States
By Space Coast Daily // August 24, 2019
They say that everything is bigger in Texas, and that is true of many things – including gun violence. The gun laws in Texas are very lax, and this could be one of the reasons for the prevalence of gun crimes throughout the state. Learn more about current gun violence in Texas and how it compares to other states.
The Numbers
In 2017, the state of Texas ranked 27th for gun-related deaths in the United States. Approximately 85 percent of the guns used in state crimes came from inside the state.
Many of the crimes committed in Texas are done with guns. For instance, two-thirds of homicides between 1976-2005 were committed with a gun. Many crimes, like burglary and kidnapping, often involve the use of a firearm.
There are other states with higher rates of gun violence than Texas. Alaska, Alabama, and Louisiana all have high rates of gun violence. Texas is somewhere in the middle, with about 3,353 firearm deaths in 2016.
And so, while Texas doesn’t have the highest rate of gun violence, it does see its fair share of gun violence.
Why is Gun Violence so Common?
There are several reasons for the frequency of gun violence in Texas. First, there’s the lack of laws. Texas does require sellers to make a report of a mentally ill individual who tries to buy a firearm.
However, the laws are lacking in many other ways. For instance, almost anyone over the age of 18 can own a firearm. As long as they aren’t a felon, they are likely to pass a background check.
To buy a handgun from a dealer with a federal license, the individual needs to be 21 or older. Private gun sales have almost no regulations.
The state does require gun owners to obtain a license. This means taking a training course. If you have a license, you are allowed to open carry the gun in a shoulder or belt holster. As a result, there are many gun owners with their guns in public places.
Another reason for the violence is the crime rate. Throughout the state, the crime rate is high. In 2017, there were 439 crimes per 100,000 people. When you combine this statistic with the high rate of gun ownership, you get gun violence.
What This Means for Residents of Texas
The prevalence of gun violence means a few things for people who live in Texas. For one, it means that there is a high risk of being involved in a gun-related crime. Anyone can become a victim. For many, it’s about being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
It also means that there is a chance of you being accused of a gun-related crime. For some people, the accusations are false. Others committed the crime, but don’t deserve to spend years in jail. In any case, you might find yourself in need of a criminal defense attorney.
If you’re facing charges for a crime, Cole Paschall Law can help. They can fight for you and prevent you from suffering injustice. Whether or not you used your gun to shoot someone, the stakes are high.
An attorney can prevent you from suffering the maximum penalty. At times, they may even get the charges dismissed. It all depends on the circumstances of your crime, the quality of your legal representation, and the bias of your judge.
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