Firearms Trafficking

Firearms trafficking is a serious federal offense in the United States, involving the illegal transfer, sale, or transportation of firearms across state or national borders. From a federal defense perspective, the focus is on challenging the evidence, the intent of the accused, and the procedures used by law enforcement in investigating the case. Given the complexity of these laws, an experienced defense attorney such as California defense attorney Nate Crowley is essential for those facing firearms charges.

Types of Firearms Trafficking Charges

Federal firearms trafficking charges encompass a range of activities. The most common types include:

1. Unlawful Distribution or Sale of Firearms: This involves selling firearms without a federal license or transferring firearms to individuals prohibited from ownership, such as felons or minors.
2. Straw Purchasing: In a straw purchase, one person buys a firearm on behalf of another who cannot legally possess it. Prosecutors often seek to prove the buyer’s knowledge of the third party’s prohibited status.
3. Interstate or International Transport of Firearms: Transporting firearms across state lines without adhering to federal regulations or trafficking firearms internationally without proper licensing is a federal crime.
4. Possession with Intent to Traffic: Having a large number of firearms or possessing firearms in conjunction with other illegal activities, such as drug trafficking, can lead to trafficking charges.

If charged federally, sentences can reach up to 10 years or more in federal prison for each count, especially if the firearms were used in furtherance of other crimes. Given the complexity of these laws, an experienced defense attorney such as California defense attorney Nate Crowley is essential for those facing firearms trafficking charges in California.

Firearms Trafficking in California

Firearms trafficking in California is governed by strict state and federal laws, reflecting the state’s commitment to limiting the illegal sale, distribution, and transport of firearms. California penal codes prohibit unlicensed gun sales, the transfer of firearms to prohibited individuals, and the transportation of firearms across state or internatiFironal borders without proper authorization.

Under California law, firearms trafficking offenses are often charged as felonies and can lead to significant prison sentences. Penalties may vary depending on the quantity of firearms, the types of firearms involved, and any additional criminal activity linked to the trafficking. For instance, transporting large numbers of firearms or trafficking in assault weapons can result in enhanced sentencing under both state and federal guidelines.

If firearms trafficking is linked to other criminal enterprises, such as drug trafficking or organized crime, penalties are even harsher. A single firearms trafficking offense in California can carry sentences of up to several years in state prison, along with fines and potential forfeiture of assets. If charged federally, sentences can reach up to 10 years or more in federal prison for each count, especially if the firearms were used in furtherance of other crimes. Given the complexity of these laws, an experienced defense attorney such as California defense attorney Nate Crowley is essential for those facing firearms trafficking charges in California.

Charged With Firearms Trafficking? Consult Federal Criminal Defense Attorney Nate Crowley.

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