Federal Weapons Violations Defense

Offering aggressive state and federal defense against a range of serious criminal charges, California Criminal Defense Attorney Allen Sawyer has a long record of successfully defending clients in high stakes situations. As a federal criminal defense lawyer, Allen Sawyer fights tenaciously to protect the rights of clients facing federal weapons violations charges. His firm, The Law Offices of Allen Sawyer, operates out of offices in Stockton, Sacramento, and Northern California.

Unwavering Defense of Federal Weapons Violations

Charges of weapons violations result from the illegal possession, sale, or use of a firearm. Certain serious circumstances can elevate weapons violations charges to the federal level and compound the already serious consequences that result from a federal weapons violations conviction—lengthy imprisonment and hefty fines. If you have been charged with federal weapons violations, or suspect you will be, you need the intervention of a highly experienced federal criminal defense attorney. Allen Sawyer is a federal weapons violations defense lawyer who possesses both the skills and resources to come up against tough federal prosecutors and provide a robust defense against charges of federal weapons violations.

When Weapons Violations Become Federal Offenses

State charges for weapons violations are frequently taken on by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and are subsequently prosecuted as federal weapons violations. In General, federal weapons violations involve persons related to the sale, purchase, possession, and use of firearms, and pertain to whether or not they are properly licensed. Making false statements regarding proper licensing is considered a crime. Common charges of federal weapons violations include the following:

• Illegal possession of a firearm by a prohibited person or convicted felon
• Possession of a firearm during a violent crime or drug crime (gun does not need to be present at crime)
• Illegal sale or trafficking of a firearm
• Possession of an unregistered firearm
• Altering, destroying or otherwise removing a serial number illegally
• Any straw purchase of a firearm

Penalties for Federal Weapons Violations

Severe penalties result from federal weapons violations convictions, particularly for offenses connected with the possession or use of a firearm during a violent crime or drug trafficking. Beyond initial sentencing, consecutive mandatory minimum prison sentences beginning at five years will be imposed upon defendants. These additional sentences increase in proportion with the seriousness of the offense, e.g. if a firearm is brandished (two additional years) or fired (10 additional years). Life sentences are possible for defendants who are repeat offenders and used automatic weapons or silencers during their weapons violations.