A: The current federal law on gun control primarily focuses on regulating the gun industry and establishing who is actually legally allowed to possess a firearm. According to the most recent legislation, you must be at least 21 years old to purchase a handgun or at least 18 to purchase a rifle or shotgun. Federally, you are not required to have a license to carry, but states can impose such requirements.
Memphis Federal Gun Crime Lawyer
Federal Gun Crime Attorney In Memphis, TN
Facing federal charges can be overwhelming, confusing, and unpredictable. Federal gun crime charges are no exception. Despite the general pro-gun stance known throughout Tennessee, it is still possible to face federal consequences for gun-related crimes if you are convicted. Certain federal laws are in place to prevent the unlawful use, possession, or transport of firearms. A Memphis federal gun crime lawyer can help you figure out your case.
The legal team at Evans Bulloch Parker PLLC can provide you with the necessary resources to fight the charges being made against you and help you avoid federal gun crime penalties. Having the right federal gun crime attorney by your side who understands Memphis federal gun crime laws can make a considerable difference as you navigate your case. If convicted, you’ll have a criminal record that will follow you forever, and you could face serious prison time.
Why Hire a Federal Gun Crime Lawyer?
It’s important to understand why it’s so necessary to hire a federal gun crime lawyer to represent your case. When you are facing federal charges, you’ll want someone in your corner who understands the stakes and knows how to help you. At Evans Bulloch Parker PLLC, we can give you that help. One of our founding partners, Luke A. Evans, focuses largely on federal charges. With a background assisting prosecutors, he understands how both sides of the system work.
According to recent statistical information collected by the United States Sentencing Commission, federal gun crimes are fairly common throughout the country. In 2024 alone, they were the third most common federal crime in the nation, at over 8,100 cases reported to the Commission in just one year. People are often convicted and sentenced for federal gun crimes. For just possessing a prohibited firearm, you could face up to 10 years in prison and a hefty fine.
As you deal with the fallout of federal gun crime charges, it’s okay to feel overwhelmed by the entire process. You never know how you’ll handle a stressful situation until you actually have to face it. There’s nothing wrong with asking for help or talking to a professional. You may want to consider speaking with a local mental health support group, such as Joyful Guidance, PLLC, or NAMI Memphis. Being among like-minded individuals can be a big help for your mental health.
Defenses Against Federal Gun Crimes
Federal guidelines prohibit certain individuals from possessing firearms nationwide. It’s essential to be aware of these guidelines and ensure you don’t meet any of the criteria outlined therein. The individuals who are legally barred from having access to a gun include previously convicted felons, drug addicts, anyone with a restraining order against them, or anyone who has been committed to a mental asylum, among others.
If you find yourself arrested for federal gun crimes, your next move should be speaking with an experienced defense lawyer who can help you put together a valid defense strategy that’s built on a foundation of factual evidence. The more evidence you have that supports your claim, the stronger your case will likely be. Here are some of the various defense strategies you may want to use to support your case:
- Lack of Intent: In order to secure a conviction, the prosecution has to be able to prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. All your lawyer really needs to do is introduce reasonable doubt into the case, and they can do that by establishing a lack of intent. While the firearm may have been found in your possession, there may be nothing to prove that you planned to use it or even knew it was there.
- Legal Usage: One of the most common defenses in a gun crime case is the plain and simple fact that you are legally allowed to own said weapon. If you don’t fall under the federal guidelines of people who can’t own a gun, and the gun was legally purchased by you, the prosecution has no case. It’s possible that the police who arrested you got mixed up somehow, and the charges against you don’t actually apply to you.
FAQs
Q: Can You Beat a Federal Gun Charge?
A: Yes, it may be possible for you to beat a federal gun charge. It depends entirely on the strength of your case, the skills of your defense team, and the evidence that the prosecution has against you. If your lawyer can introduce reasonable doubt, refute the prosecution’s evidence, and highlight any violations of due process, it may be possible for you to beat the charges being made against you.
Q: What Is the 922 Gun Law?
A: 18 U.S.C. § 922 is a federal law that outlines the regulation, sale, and possession of firearms and ammunition in the United States. It describes the various prohibited individuals who are not allowed to purchase firearms under federal law, including convicted felons, fugitives from justice, illegal aliens, and drug users, among others. This law also describes the restrictions firearms face regarding interstate commerce.
Q: Is Gun Violence a State or Federal Issue?
A: Technically, gun violence is both a state and federal issue in this country. While the federal government provides a framework for gun ownership and sales, as well as a list of who cannot own a gun, state governments have the authority to establish their own gun laws in an effort to address gun violence within their borders. Solving gun violence is something that both federal and state governments have been trying to do for hundreds of years.
Contact a Lawyer Today
At Evans Bulloch Parker PLLC, we can help you build up your case with a sound defense strategy. Contact us to speak with a valued team member about how we can assist you.