Are you tempted to obtain a firearm to protect your family and property even though you have a criminal conviction in your past? Everyone knows that crime is increasing and getting worse each day, and the right to bear arms is in the United States Constitution.
According to Statista, in 2021, property crime was the most common type of crime committed in the United States, with 6.53 million offenses. In the same year, there were 2.55 million violent crime cases, of which there were 2.3 million cases of assault. With statistics like these, it is easy to justify possessing a firearm, but is it the wise thing to do if you have a criminal conviction and what are the consequences?
If you are accused of committing a federal offense in Florida involving a firearm, contact our experienced federal possession of a firearm lawyer. With over 34 years of experience defending clients against federal charges, West Palm Beach criminal defense attorney Ronald S. Chapman can guide you through this challenging legal process. With so much at stake, call us today at (561) 832-4348, so we can begin to help you.
Federal law prohibits the following categories of people from owning firearms or ammunition:
You can also be prosecuted in federal court and sentenced up to 10 years in prison if you knowingly sell, give or otherwise dispose of any firearm or ammunition to any prohibited person listed above.
Finally, some weapons, such as machine guns and unregistered firearms, are prohibited for all owners to possess. Federal charges may also result from firearm use in violent or drug-trafficking crimes.
In general, a crime will be subject to federal court jurisdiction if it is being investigated by a federal law enforcement agency (such as the FBI, DEA, ICE, ATF, etc.) and/or if it is subject to federal charges.
If you are detained by a federal law enforcement official, such as an FBI, DEA, or ATF agent, you will be charged with a federal crime and must appear in federal court. Many of these crimes carry mandatory minimum prison sentences.
Firearm offenses, whether under state or federal jurisdiction, carry harsh penalties. If you have been accused of such a crime, contact an experienced criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. It is critical to begin working on your defense to build a strong case.
Possible defenses to a charge that your federal criminal defense attorney may be able to raise include, but are not limited to, the following:
If any of these defenses can be proven, then the charges may be dropped, or you may be found not guilty.
Illegal firearm possession is not considered a violent crime under federal law. However, using a gun to commit another crime, on the other hand, can be considered violent. The sentence imposed in federal courts for illegal firearm possession reflects this. By far, the most common type of sentence was imprisonment. This is most likely due to most defendants having a prior record, making probation less likely. It also implies that the underlying offense was likely considered a violent crime in certain circumstances.
For example, the United States Sentencing Commission reports that there were 264 convictions for illegal firearm possession in Florida 2021. Out of the 264 convictions, 253 individuals (95.8%) took a plea deal, with 11 individuals (4.2%) choosing to go to trial. 252 individuals (95.5%) were ultimately sentenced to prison.
Federal charges typically result in much harsher sentences than state criminal charges. Your federal possession of a firearm lawyer can go over what penalties and any other consequences you might face once they review your case.
Federal gun charges carry severe penalties, including life in prison. These cases are tried in federal court, and you need an attorney experienced with federal firearm charges and admitted to practice in federal court. These cases are complex, and your attorney must understand how the federal sentencing guidelines work and how they will affect you.
If you are currently barred from owning a firearm, you may be able to reclaim your civil rights. To do so, you must apply for clemency. If approved, you will be able to carry a firearm. You can use this as a defense if charged with illegal possession.
With more than 34 years of experience defending clients against federal charges, criminal defense attorney Ronald S. Chapman knows what to expect during each stage of your case. The potential consequences of a federal firearm conviction include jail time, fines, a permanent criminal record, loss of employment, loss of child custody, and irrevocable harm to your reputation.
With so much at stake, you need assertive representation by a criminal defense attorney who will protect your rights. Call for a meeting at (561) 832-4348.
Copyright © 2022. Ronald S. Chapman, P.A. All rights reserved.
The information in this blog post (“post”) is provided for general informational purposes only and may not reflect the current law in your jurisdiction. No information in this post should be construed as legal advice from the individual author or the law firm, nor is it intended to be a substitute for legal counsel on any subject matter. No reader of this post should act or refrain from acting based on any information included in or accessible through this post without seeking the appropriate legal or other professional advice on the particular facts and circumstances at issue from a lawyer licensed in the recipient’s state, country, or other appropriate licensing jurisdiction.
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West Palm Beach, FL 33401
(561) 832-4348
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