Federal Weapons Offenses
Owning firearms is a right granted by our Constitution, yet certain individuals may be barred by the federal government from owning firearms and weapons. Federal firearm and weapons offenses in Florida carry much greater penalties than crimes prosecuted at the state level. Those who are convicted of federal weapons crimes face lengthy prison sentences and fines in the hundreds of thousands of dollars. They may face mandatory minimum sentences that keep them behind bars for several years for even the lightest federal weapons offense. These crimes are often prosecuted aggressively, and state prosecutors typically seek the maximum possible sentences.
If you have been arrested or are being investigated for a federal firearm or weapons offense, it is important that you speak with an attorney before communicating with law enforcement. It is crucial that you do not make statements without legal guidance. Attorney Brian Gabriel has defended federal weapons crimes in Palm Beach County for 30 years and can help you develop a solid defense.
Who is Prohibited from Weapons Possession?
Not everyone is entitled to owning weapons and firearms in Florida; certain people may be denied based on different factors. Chapter 18 U.S. Code §922 states that it is unlawful for anyone except a licensed importer, manufacturer, or dealer to engage in the business of importing, manufacturing, or dealing in firearms, or in the course of such a business to ship, transport, or receive any firearm in interstate or foreign commerce.
In addition, anyone who meets the following criteria cannot ship or transport in interstate or foreign commerce any firearm or ammunition, or receive any firearm or ammunition which has been transported through interstate or foreign commerce:
- Has been convicted of a crime which is punishable by more than a year
- Uses or abuses controlled substances
- Is a wanted person
- Is mentally ill or has been placed in a mental institution
- Is illegally in the United States or has been admitted to the U.S. under a nonimmigrant visa
- Has been dishonorably discharged from the armed forces
- Has renounced U.S. citizenship
- Has been convicted of a domestic violence crime
- Has a temporary restraining order against them
Palm Beach Federal Weapons Crimes
There are several different federal weapons offenses for which you can face charges in Florida. People who face federal rather than state misdemeanor or felony charges usually commit a serious offense on government property, are arrested by federal agents, or were allegedly involved in criminal activity that crossed state lines or national borders.
Possible sentences for federal weapons offenses vary depending on the crime at hand. The majority of such offenses are felonies and some convictions may impose mandatory minimum sentences in addition to steep fines and other possible penalties. Top federal weapons offenses in Florida may be:
- Convicted felon possessing firearms
- Unlicensed possession
- Concealed firearm
- Firearms trafficking
- Possessing a firearm in a federal facility without authorization
Do not face federal weapons and firearms charges alone. If you are currently under investigation, you need a strong criminal defense attorney on your side who will explore all areas of possibility surrounding your case. Attorney Brian Gabriel leads criminal defense in Palm Beach County with over 30 years of experience handling misdemeanor, felony, and federal offenses. Call 561-622-5575 for a free consultation or schedule one online.
