If federal authorities have arrested you for a weapons offense, a gun crimes defense lawyer can help you understand the charges against you and your legal options for resolving your case.
Common Federal Gun Charges
Examples of gun crimes under federal law include:
- Possession of prohibited firearms (e.g., firearms with obliterated serial numbers, machine guns manufactured after May 1986, unregistered short-barreled rifles or shotguns)
- Possession of firearms by a prohibited person (e.g., felons, fugitives, unlawful users of controlled substances, undocumented or non-immigrant aliens, persons dishonorably discharged from the armed forces, persons subject to domestic violence protective orders, persons convicted of domestic violence crimes)
- Use of or carrying a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking or violent crime
- Making false statements to licensed gun dealers in connection with the acquisition of firearms
- Straw purchases (knowingly purchasing firearms on behalf of a prohibited person or a person who intends to use the firearm for violence or criminal activity)
Penalties for Federal Gun Charges
Sentencing ranges for federal gun convictions can impose multi-year federal prison terms. Federal sentencing guidelines require district courts to consider the offense level and the defendant’s criminal history to determine the advisory sentencing range; courts may depart from that range based on statutory sentencing factors. Federal gun convictions can also result in the loss of firearm rights and a criminal record that can make pursuing housing, employment, or educational opportunities more challenging.
Defenses to Federal Gun Charges
Common defenses to federal firearms charges include:
- Lack of intent
- Lack of actual or constructive possession
- Lawful possession (not disqualified from possessing firearms)
- Non-prohibited firearm
Contact a Weapons Crime Defense Attorney Today
Charged with federal gun crimes? Contact Frank & Juengel Law Group P.C. today for a confidential consultation with our legal team to learn how we can help you seek a fair resolution to your federal weapons charges.