Federal Weapons Charges
Even with the right to own a gun, there are still restrictions you must comply with. Failing to do so can result in federal charges from the United States government. These charges can range from illegal possession to distribution of firearms.
If you are facing federal weapons charges, you could be facing time behind bars, hefty fines and the permanent loss of your right to possess a weapon. To protect your rights, you should contact a criminal defense attorney right away.
Attorneys for Federal Weapons Charges
The first step in any federal investigation should be to contact an experienced defense attorney. Attorneys with Meltzer & Bell are licensed and experienced in the U.S District of Southern Florida and are prepared to defend your rights.
We represent clients in communities across Martin and Saint Lucie County. Call Meltzer & Bell today at (772) 291-2534 or submit your information in our online contact form to schedule a free consultation.
Federal Weapons Charges Information Center
What is Considered a Firearm?
Firearm charges don’t only apply to guns, but to a variety of other weapons as well. The United States government considers a firearm as a weapon the can be used to expel a projectile in an explosive manner. This can include a device that was designed and manufactured as a gun, a device that has been converted into a firearm, or any muffler or silencer.
A firearm can also include destructive devices such as blasting agents and detonators. A blasting agent can consist of any mixture or material that consist of fuel and oxidizers that is intended for exploding. Detonators, on the other hand, are devices that contain a detonating charge used to detonate an explosive.
Federal Weapons Charges and Penalties
When you are convicted of a federal crime, the charges that come with it are more intense than state convictions. Like any crime, the penalties for a federal weapons charge will depend on the circumstance of the case such as previous convictions and the type of weapons used.
Listed below are the type of federal weapons charges and their penalties:
Possession of a Firearm/Ammunition by a Prohibited Person: Those who are barred from possessing a firearm or ammunition include felons, drug addicts, illegal immigrants, fugitives from justice, those convicted of domestic assault or the subject of a domestic restraining order. If convicted, the defendant could face up to ten years in prison. If the defendant has three or more prior convictions of a felony violent crime, they could face 15 years without parole.
Knowingly Dispose of Firearm to Prohibited Individual: It is against the law to knowingly sell or give any firearm or ammunition to anyone mentioned above. The crime is punishable by up to 10 years in prison.
Using a Firearm to further a Federal Crime: It is a federal crime to use any firearm as part of a violent or drug-related crime. If convicted, the defendant could face at least five years in prison without parole. If death was the result of a firearm used in the commission of the crime, the defendant could face the death penalty. The sentence could be increased depending on the type of firearm used or whether more than one offense was committed.
Firearm in a School Zone: Possessing a firearm in a school zone is punishable by up to five years in prison.
Possess Stolen Firearm or Ammunition: You may not steal, possess, conceal, store, sell or ship and type of firearm or ammunition that is not registered to you. If convicted, the defendant could face up to 10 years in prison.
Knowingly Manufacture or Possess Illegal Firearm: It is a federal crime to knowingly possess or create machine guns, silencers, sawed-off shotguns/rifles, destructive devices or any firearm without a serial number or altered serial number. Depending on the specific violation, a defendant could face between five and 10 years in prison.
Sell, Provide or Deliver a Firearm to a Juvenile: It is prohibited to provide or make available a handgun to anyone under 18. The crime is punishable by up to one year in prison. If the defendant was aware the minor was going to use the gun to commit a crime; they could face up to 10 years in prison.
If you are convicted of a federal weapons charge, you will not only face criminal consequences but consequences that could impact you for years to come. Because federal weapons charges are classified as felonies, you may have a difficult time finding employment and obtaining loans.
Additional Federal Weapons Charges Resources in Treasure Coast, FL
Federal Firearm Laws– Follow this link to read over a quick reference guide from the Department of Justice over federal firearm laws in the United States. The PDF features a list of federal firearm laws along with their penalties. The U.S. Department of Justice is the federal department responsible for enforcing laws in the country.
License and User Permits | U.S. Code 843 – Learn more about licenses and permits for weapons users in the country. Some of the information includes how to apply for a permit as well as circumstances where a permit may be revoked. The code can be read on Legal Information Institute, a legal research engine provided by the Cornell Law School.
Lawyer for Federal Weapons Charges in Treasure Coast, FL
A federal prosecutor will do everything they can to prove you’re guilty, so it is imperative that you contact a defense attorney who is experienced in federal court. Attorneys with Meltzer & Bell will strive to protect your rights and achieve the best possible outcome for your situation.
Call Meltzer & Bell today at (772) 291-2534 or submit your information in the online contact form to set up a case consultation. We proudly defend clients in counties along the treasure coast that included Martin and Saint Lucie.