Commonly referred to as gun running, arms trafficking involves the smuggling or trafficking of weapons, parts, guns, firearms, ammunition or munitions between states or countries. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) with the assistance of U.S Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) actively investigate and prosecute those suspected of illegal arms trafficking. The ATF is known for going undercover to purchase firearms from alleged illegal arms dealers. Those caught can face a multitude of gun-related charges resulting in extensive prison time and hefty fines.
In cases of Federal Arms Trafficking, the ATF will often serve suspected individuals with a notice or have law enforcement take a closer look at the matter. Be sure not to waive your rights or disclose any possibly incriminating information to law enforcement officials. Even if you have yet to be detained for questioning, do not wait until you’re under arrest to acquire legal counsel.
If you suspect that you’re under investigation for illegal federal arms trafficking or dealing, reach out to the Orlando federal arms trafficking lawyers at The Umansky Law Firm. We know there are multiple circumstances that can lead to federal charges. And because we understand that every case is unique, we’ll take the time to get to know you and your story without making assumptions about your charges.
In an effort to assist state and local governments in enforcing firearm laws, Congress enacted The Gun Control Act (GCA) of 1968. The GCA does not explicitly address arms trafficking, but the federal government often applies one of two subsections to prosecute suspected offenders: the offense of traveling to another state to illegally purchase a firearm, or the offense of operating, owning, or engaging in a business that involves the dealing of illegal firearms.
In instances where neither one of the aforementioned subsections is relevant, prosecutors can present numerous other gun-related charges commonly associated with arms trafficking. One of them is straw purchasing, when gun buyers use a third party, a “straw purchaser,” to fill out the necessary paperwork to obtain a firearm from a dealer. Law enforcement is aware that felons, minors, and other individuals outlawed from purchasing guns use straw purchasing to evade the federal identification system.
One can also face criminal charges for being in possession of an illegal firearm — one that isn’t registered, illegally altered or restricted for military use. Some examples of illegal firearms include:
If you’re being investigated or prosecuted for arms trafficking, be sure to acquire legal help.
No federal provision outlaws arms trafficking. Unlicensed “private” sellers are not required to conduct background checks or maintain a record of purchasers. Knowing their limitations, prosecutors will often try to pile on as many gun-related charges as possible to increase the severity of potential penalties.
Penalties for federal arms trafficking vary depending on the type of firearm an individual possesses and if they’ve committed any crimes (and the severity of those crimes) with the firearm. Common penalties for federal arms trafficking include:
With imprisonment up to 15 years and fines up to $10,000 for simply carrying a weapon, if you have been charged with federal arms trafficking, you want to contact a trusted attorney right away who can help build a defense to reduce your penalties.
An Orlando federal arms trafficking lawyer from the Umansky Law Firm can ensure that your rights are protected throughout the legal process. Our trusted team has more than 100 years of combined experience and won’t waste a minute building your defense. And because we handle all cases aggressively, we’ve also been recognized as Florida’s Legal Elite and highly rated on Avvo.com by our clients.
If you’re ready to let a trusted attorney take a detailed look into the prosecution’s case, double-check for errors, negotiate a reduced sentence, and raise objections when necessary, don’t wait until it’s too late to secure legal services. Contact Umansky Law Firm today for a free case evaluation.
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