If you have been accused of violating a federal firearm law, a Virginia federal gun lawyer can help guide you through the legal process you are facing and can work to clear your name of charges that might otherwise affect your career prospects, gun ownership rights, and clean record.
In Virginia especially, gun owners who work in federal government, the military, or who carry security clearances may be especially concerned about how a firearms violation could impact their lives. A Virginia federal gun lawyer may be able to help and should be your first point of contact, should you find yourself facing federal gun charges. If you have been accused, contact a Virginia federal criminal lawyer today for a free consultation to discuss your case.
Federal Gun Charges
Many types of gun offenses are handled under state law, but the federal government has carved out a few firearm violations as being especially dangerous and warranting federal oversight.
Producing, Transporting, Selling, and Distributing
In many cases, transporting, selling, producing or distributing firearms improperly across state lines are considered federal offenses. It might also be illegal under federal law to transport certain dangerous weapons and firearms, including grenades, bombs, explosives, missiles, machine guns, or types of shot guns and rifles with short barrels. In other instances, it might also be illegal to transport even a portion or part of a prohibited weapon.
Is Providing False Statements or Identification a Federal Crime?
Making false statements or using falsified identification in order to obtain firearms might also constitute a federal crime, as might procuring a firearm for a person who is prohibited from owning one under 18 U.S. Code 922, such as a person convicted of a felony or domestic violence violation, and anyone who is in the country illegally, has been dishonorably discharged from military duty, has certain mental disorders, or who is prohibited from owning a firearm by a court order, such as a restraining order.
Altering Serial Numbers
Removing or altering a serial number from a firearm could also land a person in hot water with the federal government, as could accepting or possessing a gun with the serial number removed or altered in some way.
No matter the type of gun violation you or your loved one has been charged with, a Virginia federal gun lawyer can possibly help by aggressively defending your right to gun ownership and working to keep your record free of any unfair firearm charges.
What are the Penalties for Federal Firearms?
Penalties for firearm violations under federal law become increasingly harsh depending on the severity of the offense, whether the accused has a prior history of firearm offenses, and whether the weapon violation was committed during the course of another federal crime, such as a bank robbery or drug trafficking crime. Because penalties for federal firearm convictions can be harsh, it is crucial that you work with an experienced Virginia federal gun lawyer. In general, many first-time federal firearm violations can carry penalties ranging from up to five to 10 years in prison. Sometimes the mandatory minimum for repeat offenders can be as high as 25 years of imprisonment.
Consult an Experienced Virginia Federal Gun Lawyer
The prosecution of a federal gun offense can be incredibly complex, and for this reason, it might be important that you work with a Virginia federal gun lawyer who is familiar with all of the defenses that might apply to your case. Your federal defense attorney can, for instance, challenge the search that led to the discovery of the firearm in question, or can argue that your conduct fell under one of the recognized exceptions to the law.
Contact our law firm today to learn more about how we can help defend you against the charges that you’re facing.
