Texas Federal Gun Trafficking Attorney

Law Firm Defending Clients Facing Federal Gun Trafficking Charges in Texas and throughout the US

Even though the United States has less restrictive gun laws than many other countries, there are still situations where people may face criminal charges based on selling, transporting, or distributing firearms. Federal charges related to gun trafficking can be very serious, and they can result in severe punishments. Whether a case involves the illegal sale or distribution of firearms, transporting guns across state lines, or any other form of weapons trafficking, the consequences can be dire. Anyone facing federal charges for gun trafficking should secure legal representation from an experienced criminal defense attorney who understands the applicable federal laws.

The Crowder Law Firm, P.C. has decades of experience representing clients in a wide variety of federal cases. With our knowledge of federal laws related to firearm trafficking, as well as state charges in Texas related to the ownership and use of guns, we can help defendants determine the best defense strategies that will allow them to have their charges reduced or dismissed. We fight to protect the rights of our clients at all times, and we work to ensure that they can avoid lengthy prison time, large fines, and other harsh penalties that come with a conviction.

Federal Weapons Trafficking Charges in Texas

The United States government has several laws in place that are meant to prevent the distribution or sale of firearms that may be used for illegal purposes. Federal law (18 U.S.C. § 922) states that it is illegal for anyone other than a licensed firearm dealer, manufacturer, or importer to engage in business related to transporting, receiving, manufacturing, or otherwise dealing in firearms in matters related to interstate or foreign commerce. When guns are transported across state lines or imported into the United States from another country, a person may face federal charges if they do not have the proper licenses or do not take steps to abide by the applicable laws. It is also illegal for a person without a valid firearm dealer or importer license to transport or receive a firearm that was purchased or obtained outside of the state where they reside. Convictions for these offenses may result in prison sentences of up to five years.

Other types of federal firearm trafficking laws may apply in certain situations, and they may address:

• Dangerous weapons and ammunition - Certain types of weapons are considered to be especially dangerous, and selling or distributing these weapons can lead to federal charges. These include machine guns or other automatic weapons, short-barreled shotguns and rifles, and "destructive devices" such as bombs, grenades, mines, or poison gas. The sale or distribution of armor-piercing ammunition is also generally prohibited. These offenses may be punished by a prison sentence of up to five years, although illegal possession or transfer of a machine gun may result in a sentence of up to 10 years.
• Delivering weapons to prohibited people - Federal law states that certain people are not allowed to possess or receive firearms. These include people who have been convicted of felonies, unlawful drug users, illegal immigrants, fugitives from justice, people who have been committed to mental institutions, people who have been dishonorably discharged from the U.S. military, and people who have been subject to protective orders related to domestic abuse or harassment or who have been convicted on misdemeanor domestic violence charges. A conviction for trafficking weapons to these individuals may result in a prison sentence of up to 15 years.
• Trafficking in stolen firearms - A person who transports, receives, sells, possesses, or disposes of firearms or ammunition that they knew or had reason to believe were stolen may face federal charges if these items were transported through multiple states or countries. This offense may result in a prison sentence of up to 10 years.
• Gun trafficking related to drug trafficking - Selling or transferring a firearm to a person with the knowledge that it will be used as part of an offense related to selling or distributing controlled substances may lead to federal charges, and a conviction may result in a sentence of up to 15 years.

Contact Our Texas Federal Gun Trafficking Defense Attorney

At The Crowder Law Firm, P.C., our experienced criminal defense attorneys understand the serious nature of federal weapons trafficking charges in Texas. We are dedicated to providing the best possible legal representation for clients who have been charged with federal crimes, and we strive to help ensure that they can avoid harsh penalties such as lengthy prison sentences or large fines. If you have been charged with any type of weapons trafficking offense under federal law, we urge you to contact us today at 214-544-0061 to arrange a free consultation and learn how we can help protect your rights and freedom.