Many residents are aware of Texas gun laws and what they are and are not allowed to do regarding weapons. There are also federal firearm laws that apply to every citizen, no matter what state you live in, and it is important to understand these laws. These laws are very complex, resulting in a significant spike in federal firearm prosecutions. If you find yourself facing federal firearms charges, it is essential to your future – and your freedom – to contact a weapons lawyer.
While there are many different charges a citizen can face, the following are the three most common charges that federal prosecutors have been pursuing.
The federal government has enacted many laws pertaining to firearm sales. These laws cover what the requirements for licensing are and what restrictions there are for transporting certain weapons from one state to another.
There are two sections under 18 U.S.C. Section 922 that federal prosecutors have diligently pursued in many of the cases that have come before the courts. Under section (a), it is illegal to sell any weapon across state lines without a valid license. Should a person be convicted of this crime, they face up to five years in federal prison.
Under section (b), it is also illegal to sell a firearm to someone who does not meet the minimum age requirements for that weapon, sell a firearm to anyone who does not live in the same state as you do, and sell firearms to anyone who is prohibited under federal or state law from owning a firearm. A conviction of any one of these carries a federal prison term of between five to 10 years.
These federal laws do not just apply to those who deal firearms, but there are also laws that apply to a person who wants to purchase a firearm. Before purchasing, an individual is required to fill out our paperwork and answer all questions truthfully. If the gun buyer fails to tell the truth, they could be charged with making false statements. A conviction could mean up to 10 years in federal prison.
Committing a crime is obviously illegal and could result in criminal charges, conviction, jail time, or other penalties. However, under federal laws, anyone who carries or uses a weapon during the commission of a crime could face additional charges and additional prison time if convicted. Depending on how the individual used the gun during the crime, they could face an additional five to 30 years in federal prison, on top of the sentence they receive for the actual crime.
As you can see, penalties for violating federal gun laws can be severe. If you have been charged with any kind of firearm violation – federal or state – call Winfrey Law Firm, PLLC to meet with a seasoned weapons lawyer and find out what type of defense strategy may be the best option for your situation.