Federal gun laws often have stricter penalties than state laws, along with minimum mandatory sentencing. In Maryland, local law enforcement may direct gun-related arrests to federal law enforcement officials, which is especially true if the firearm was allegedly used in a violent or drug-related crime.
Depending upon the circumstances, a federal gun conviction can send an individual to prison for many years, if not for life. If you have been arrested in Maryland on federal gun charges, you need the services of a Maryland federal gun lawyer who has experience with the nuances of such charges. Let an experienced criminal attorney fight for you.
- Illegal Firearm Modification
- Unlawful Possession
- Illegal Discharge
- Gun Legislation
- Federal vs. State Involvement
Federal Firearm Possession Prohibition
Under 18 United States Code 922 certain individuals are not permitted to possess firearms. These people include:
- Fugitives from justice
- Those convicted of a crime punishable by more than one year’s imprisonment
- Those unlawfully found using a controlled substance or deemed to be addicted
- Individuals formally admitted to a psychiatric institution
- Persons convicted of domestic violence, or those under a restraining order from a partner or that partner’s children
- Unlawful aliens, or former American citizens who have renounced their citizenship
Anyone convicted of violating this statute is subject to imprisonment for 10 years and/or a fine of $250,000. In addition, anyone who knowingly sells or gives a firearm to a person not permitted to possess firearms is subject to a 10-year prison term as well.
Prior Convictions
If a person charged with federal gun violations has three or more felony convictions involving a violent crime, they may receive a minimum 15 year sentence with no possibility of parole. Such prior convictions include those for:
- Assault
- Burglary
- Drug trafficking
- Offensive weapons possession
- Robbery
Possession and Manufacture
Individuals knowingly possessing or manufacturing certain types of firearms are subject to five or 10 years in prison. The term depends upon the actual violation. These firearms include:
- Machine guns and/or fully automated firearms
- Silencers
- Sawed-off shotguns less than 26 inches long, or with a barrel length of fewer than 18 inches
- Sawed-off rifles less than 26 inches long with a barrel length of fewer than 16 inches
- A firearm without a serial number or with an altered number.
The examples above are among the most common federal gun charges, but there are many others.
How a Maryland Federal Gun Attorney Could Help
A person charged with a serious federal gun crime requires a solid legal defense. Without aggressive legal representation, longtime incarceration combined with extremely steep fines can become a very real possibility. A Maryland federal gun lawyer is familiar with state and federal gun laws, courts, and prosecutors.
This attorney will use their comprehensive knowledge and forceful legal skills to defend clients. Our attorneys thoroughly review the case, examining all details, and working to advise the person charged of their possible options.
If you or a loved one has been arrested on federal gun charges, you need a lawyer with a strong track record in defending such accusations. Contact our law firm immediately for a free consultation. When dealing with federal gun charges, time is of the essence.
