A: Yes, you can be charged federally for just having a gun in your car under certain circumstances. For example, if you are under a domestic violence order, unlawfully consuming or distributing drugs, or are a convicted felon, your case may be escalated to the federal level. In such cases, it is crucial to get in contact with an experienced attorney.
Tennessee Federal Gun Crime Lawyer
Federal Gun Crime Attorney In Tennessee
A significant part of Tennessee culture is gun ownership; however, when weapons are not properly possessed or linked to another federal crime, the consequences can be devastating. Federal prosecutors pursue weapons violations aggressively, with first-time offenders facing mandatory prison time. It’s crucial to work with a skilled Tennessee federal gun crime lawyer from Evans Bulloch Parker PLLC if you are facing such serious charges.
At Evans Bulloch Parker PLLC, our empathetic defense team has a deep understanding of how federal and Tennessee gun laws intricately overlap. Whether you’ve been accused of using a firearm during the commission of a crime, weapons trafficking, or another offense, we are proud to bring decades of combined trial experience to your case. Although we are based in Murfreesboro, we are equipped to defend clients across all three federal districts in the state.
Understanding Firearm Arrests in Tennessee
According to recent data from the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, 15,210 weapon law violations were reported across the state, with 76.6% of the cases involving possession or concealing a weapon. 17.6% of cases involved the use of a weapon, especially in the commission of another crime.
Although figures from Tennessee are indicative of a high concentration of simple possession and concealed carry crimes, these offenses can escalate quickly in the federal system if they are linked to other offenses, such as:
- Felon-in-possession.
- Drug trafficking.
- Firearms tied to international or interstate commerce.
- Serial number removal.
- Stolen weapons.
What Makes a Gun Crime a Federal Offense?
While many of these offenses fall under state jurisdiction, there are specific factors that can turn gun crime into a federal offense. You could be facing a federal indictment if your case includes the following criteria:
- You have been accused of illegally modifying, selling, or trafficking guns.
- The firearm in question was transferred through Interstate commerce.
- A weapon was carried or used during a violent crime or drug trafficking offense under 18 U.S. Code § 924(c).
- You have committed a felony offense and have been found to have possession of a firearm under 18 U.S. Code § 922(g).
- You were found to have an explosive device, machine gun, short-barreled rifle, or silencer in your possession.
- You were found to have falsified or lied on an ATF Form 4473 during the background check process.
Even a seemingly harmless mistake, such as accidentally transporting a weapon across state lines, can lead to life-altering federal charges under certain circumstances.
We Can Help You Defend Against Federal Firearm Charges
At our firm, we have significant experience helping defend clients across the full scope of federal firearm charges. If you believe that you’re under investigation or if you have already been charged, we are eager to help you mount a strong defense. We can help defend you if you’ve been charged with the following:
- Trafficking of firearms.
- Possession of a weapon during the commission of a drug crime.
- Felon in possession of a gun.
- Falsified federal forms or straw purchases.
- Possession of prohibited or unregistered weapons.
- Firearm charges linked to conspiracy.
If you need support with asset forfeiture defense or petitioning to restore your rights, we can also provide you with crucial legal support, especially if you are impacted by a nonviolent or outdated felony conviction.
What’s at Stake in a Federal Gun Crime in Tennessee?
Across the entire state of Tennessee, from Murfreesboro to Nashville, our dedicated team has a deep understanding of how local legal precedent and firearm culture can impact federal court outcomes. Although the state of Tennessee has strong Second Amendment support and more lenient gun laws compared to other states, federal courts are less forgiving, especially under the following circumstances:
- A gun has been found with drugs.
- You have a criminal background.
- You are on parole or probation.
According to U.S. sentencing guidelines, individuals found guilty of committing a federal gun crime could face mandatory minimums, significant add-on charges, and a lifetime ban on owning a firearm. As the stakes are high, it’s crucial to have an experienced and skilled attorney who can fight for you.
Our team has extensive experience representing clients across Western, Eastern, and Middle District Courts, including individuals who have been implicated in multi-agency drug raids, TBI-led busts, and federal indictments that are connected to weapons violations.
FAQs:
Q: What If I Was Carrying a Gun During a Drug Stop?
A: If you were carrying a gun during a drug stop, it could implicate you in extremely serious charges under 18 U.S. Code § 924(c). Under these laws, individuals who are found to be carrying a firearm in connection with a drug trafficking offense could face mandatory prison time required to be served in addition to sentencing for the drug offense.
Q: How Do I Fight a Federal Gun Charge?
A: You can fight a federal gun charge by leveraging various criminal defense strategies, such as challenging the legality of the search and seizure process, demonstrating that you did not knowingly possess or transport the weapon, and showing that there is not enough evidence to link the offense with a violent crime or drug crime.
Q: Can I Own a Gun Again After a Felony in Tennessee?
A: Yes, you may be able to own a gun again after committing a felony in Tennessee. While federal law permanently keeps convicted felons from being able to possess a firearm again, the state of Tennessee does allow for rights to be restored in limited cases. A skilled attorney from our firm can evaluate your situation to see whether you may be eligible for relief.
Don’t Wait – Federal Gun Charges Require Action Right Away
If you are facing federal gun charges in Tennessee, a dedicated Tennessee federal gun crime lawyer from Evans Bulloch Parker PLLC is eager to fiercely defend your case and protect your freedom and future. Contact us today to get started discussing your case.