Federal Gun Crimes Attorney

Federal law enforcement prosecutes a range of gun-related offenses, including:

• Felon in Possession of a Firearm (18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1)): It is illegal for anyone convicted of a felony to possess a firearm. This is one of the most frequently prosecuted Federal gun offenses.
• Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person (18 U.S.C. § 922(g)): This statute prohibits possession of firearms by several categories of individuals, including fugitives from justice, unlawful drug users, persons with mental health commitments, illegal aliens, persons dishonorably discharged from the military, individuals subject to certain restraining orders, and those convicted of domestic violence misdemeanors.
• Use or Carrying of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime or Violent Crime (18 U.S.C. § 924(c)): This statute imposes mandatory minimum sentences for using or carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime or violent crime.
• Unlawful Possession, Sale, or Transfer of Firearms (18 U.S.C. § 922(a)(1)(A)): This includes engaging in the business of dealing in firearms without a license.
• Possession of a Stolen Firearm (18 U.S.C. § 922(j)): It is illegal to possess a firearm knowing or having reasonable cause to believe it was stolen.
• Firearm Trafficking (18 U.S.C. § 922(a)(6)): This involves making false statements or representations to a licensed dealer when purchasing a firearm.

By prosecuting certain gun crimes at the federal level, the government aims to address significant public safety concerns, ensure uniform enforcement of gun laws, and utilize the extensive resources and expertise available at the federal level to combat serious and complex firearm-related offenses.

Federal jurisdiction often comes into play when gun crimes involve the crossing of state lines. The federal government can prosecute crimes that involve the transportation of firearms across state boundaries, which individual states may not have the authority to address comprehensively.

Navigating intricate Federal gun crimes demands the expertise of a qualified legal team. At Monument Legal, we fight to protect your constitutional rights, including your Second Amendment rights. Our attorneys provide comprehensive case evaluations and aggressive defense strategies tailored to your situation.

In many cases, sentences for violations of federal gun laws can be harsher than those for similar violations under state gun laws. Several factors contribute to the typically more severe penalties at the federal level:

• Mandatory Minimum Sentences: Federal gun laws often include mandatory minimum sentences for specific offenses. For example, under 18 U.S.C. § 924(c), using or carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime or violent crime carries mandatory minimum sentences that can range from 5 years to life, depending on the circumstances (e.g., if the firearm is brandished or discharged).
• Sentencing Enhancements: Federal sentencing guidelines provide for enhancements based on various factors, such as prior convictions, the type of firearm involved, and the nature of the offense. Repeat offenders and those involved in serious criminal activities can face significantly longer sentences under federal guidelines.
• Armed Career Criminal Act (ACCA): Under the ACCA (18 U.S.C. § 924(e)), individuals with three or more prior convictions for violent felonies or serious drug offenses face a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years if found in possession of a firearm. This can result in substantially harsher penalties than those typically imposed by state laws for similar conduct.