Harris Texas Jury Instruction — Possession Of Firearm Having Altered Or Obliterated Serial Number is a legal guideline for jurors in Harris County, Texas, regarding the charge of unlawfully possessing a firearm with an altered or obliterated serial number. This instruction is crucial for understanding the elements of the offense and determining the defendant's guilt or innocence. Keywords: Harris Texas, jury instruction, possession of firearm, altered serial number, obliterated serial number, illegal possession, legal guideline, Harris County, Texas. Types of Harris Texas Jury Instruction — Possession Of Firearm Having Altered Or Obliterated Serial Number: 1. Basic Jury Instruction: The basic jury instruction provides a comprehensive overview of the charge, focusing on elements such as the definition of a firearm, altered or obliterated serial numbers, and the essential requirements for unlawful possession. 2. Burden of Proof Instruction: This instruction highlights the burden of proof resting upon the prosecution to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the accused possessed a firearm with an altered or obliterated serial number. It underlines the importance of jurors' responsibility to carefully evaluate the evidence presented. 3. Elements of the Offense Instruction: This instruction outlines the specific elements the prosecution must establish to support a conviction. It includes elements like the defendant's knowing possession of a firearm, the firearm's altered or obliterated serial number, and the interstate or foreign commerce nexus required under federal law. 4. Knowledge and Intent Instruction: In cases involving this offense, knowledge and intent are significant factors. This instruction guides jurors in assessing whether the defendant possessed the firearm knowingly and whether they intended to alter or obliterate the serial number. 5. Defenses and Legal Excuses Instruction: Jurors are instructed about possible defenses or legal excuses that the defendant may present, such as lack of knowledge about the altered or obliterated serial number, lawful possession prior to the alteration, or evidence suggesting the firearm was altered without the defendant's knowledge. 6. Consequences and Sentencing Instruction: This instruction apprises jurors of the potential consequences of a conviction for possessing a firearm with an altered or obliterated serial number. It provides an understanding of the various sentencing options available to the court, including fines, imprisonment, and other relevant penalties. These various types of Harris Texas Jury Instruction — Possession Of Firearm Having Altered Or Obliterated Serial Number collectively form a comprehensive set of guidelines for jurors to make informed decisions based on the presented evidence and applicable laws.