McKinney, TX Federal Weapons Charges Lawyers

Attorneys for Gun Trafficking and Other Federal Weapons Crimes in McKinney, Texas

There are some situations where firearm offenses that might otherwise be handled in state courts can become federal cases. When guns have allegedly crossed state lines as part of a gun trafficking operation, when a person who has previously been convicted of a felony is found in possession of a weapon, or when firearms are connected to federal drug offenses or other federal crimes, prosecutors may pursue weapons charges in federal courts.

Federal weapons charges can lead to consequences that may be more severe than similar charges at the state level. Federal agencies such as the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) may investigate these offenses and build cases against defendants. Defending against weapons charges will require legal representation from an attorney who has experience handling these types of cases in federal courts. At Texas Defense Firm, our lawyers have the experience and skill needed to assist clients and help resolve their cases successfully.

Federal Gun Trafficking Charges

Gun trafficking generally involves the illegal sale or transportation of firearms across state lines or into the United States from another country. It may also involve transferring firearms to people who are legally prohibited from owning or possessing them. Gun trafficking charges may involve situations such as:

• Straw Purchasing: A person may be accused of purchasing firearms with the intent to resell them to someone who cannot legally own a gun. Even if the original purchaser never personally used a weapon to commit a crime, they could still face charges for transferring a gun to someone else illegally.
• Transportation of Firearms From One State to Another: A person may be accused of purchasing firearms in a state with fewer restrictions and transporting them into a state with stricter gun laws. These types of illegal sales or transfers of firearms can lead to federal gun trafficking charges.
• Selling a Firearm Without a License: People who are accused of operating as unlicensed firearms dealers may be charged under federal law regardless of whether selling or transferring firearms violated state laws.

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From a first-time misdemeanor to a high-stakes federal indictment, our attorneys build defense strategies matched to what you're actually facing. Give us a call at 972-369-0577 to schedule your free consultation.

Possession of Firearms by Prohibited People

Federal law identifies specific categories of people who are not allowed to possess firearms or ammunition. This includes people who have been convicted of felonies at the state or federal level, people who have been convicted of misdemeanor domestic violence offenses or are prohibited from possessing weapons under domestic violence protective orders, immigrants who have entered or remained in the United States unlawfully, people who have been involuntarily committed to a mental institution, and people who are addicted to drugs or are habitual users of illegal controlled substances.

Federal charges for the illegal possession of a firearm may apply even when a person did not use or intend to use a gun unlawfully. Federal law generally treats the possession of a gun by a prohibited person as a separate offense. In some cases, prosecutors may use these charges to convict a person who is able to successfully defend against other charges. For example, federal officials have arrested people who have been suspected of terrorism, but when they were unable to prove that a person committed a terrorism offense, they have taken steps to convict suspects of charges related to illegal firearm possession.

A person who is convicted of possessing a firearm as a felon or another prohibited person may face substantial penalties. In many cases, these charges will carry sentences of up to 10 years in federal prison. However, if a person has three or more prior convictions for violent felonies or serious drug offenses, they may face a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years.

Firearms Used in Connection With Other Crimes

Federal prosecutors often pursue gun trafficking cases alongside other charges, such as drug trafficking or organized criminal activity. Firearms may be discovered during a drug investigation, for example, and prosecutors may add federal weapons charges on top of drug-related charges.

Additional penalties may apply when a firearm has allegedly been used during a drug trafficking crime or another violent crime. A person who is convicted of using or carrying a firearm during an applicable offense may face years of additional prison time, even if the weapon was never fired.

Defending Against Federal Weapons Charges

Our attorneys can provide the legal help clients need to address federal charges related to firearms or other weapons. We will look at how the weapons in question were discovered by law enforcement officials. When evidence has been obtained through a search of a person's vehicle or home, officers are required to follow specific procedures. If a search was conducted without a valid warrant or another legal justification, we can challenge the admissibility of any firearms or ammunition as evidence during a federal criminal trial.

Our lawyers will also take steps to determine whether prosecutors can prove that a person knowingly possessed the firearm in question. In a case involving constructive possession of a firearm in which a gun was found in a location such as a shared residence or vehicle, our team may argue that there is no way to prove that a client knew about a firearm and had control over it.

In cases where clients are prohibited from possessing firearms, our attorneys will look at the underlying conviction or order to determine whether a violation truly occurred. If a person was eligible for expungement or the restoration of rights, or if there were procedural issues that affected a person's case, we may take steps to show that a person was not prohibited from possessing a firearm or was unaware of the restrictions. When firearms charges are connected to allegations of drug trafficking or other offenses, we can take steps to defend against all charges and fight for an acquittal.

Contact Our McKinney Federal Weapons Charges Attorneys

Federal charges involving firearms and other weapons could lead to lengthy prison sentences for people who are convicted. At Texas Defense Firm, our attorneys know how to address these charges and help clients defend against convictions. To learn more about how we can assist with federal cases, contact our McKinney, TX federal firearm charges lawyers at 972-369-0577 and arrange a free consultation.