State and Federal Gun Crimes
Gun Crimes Charges Put You In Serious Legal JeopardyGun Crime
According to the Texas Penal Code, a firearm is defined as any device designed, made or adapted to expel a projectile through a barrel by using the energy generated by an explosion, burning substance or any other device readily convertible to that use.
Texas laws clearly define who may or may not carry a concealed weapon, as well as the situations and circumstances where carrying firearms is illegal. Texas gun carry laws and gun permit laws make it unlawful for certain individuals to be in possession of a firearm. When is it legal to carry a gun in Texas?
Gun Crime Charges
In federal court, gun charges are weapons violations being prosecuted as criminal cases by the federal prosecutor’s office. There are many offenses that can be prosecuted as federal criminal charges for gun violations or weapons charges, such as:
- Making a false statement to acquire a firearm
- A felon in possession of a firearm
- Selling without a dealer’s license
- Manufacturing without a federal license
- Carrying or using a firearm during a drug trafficking case
While these are the more common gun crime charges, they’re not the only ones. Some other charges which are not quite as common include:
- Unlawful possession of a fully-automated weapon
- Possessing an unregistered firearm
- Sales to an underaged person
- Manufacturing, importing or selling body-piercing ammunition
- Removing or destroying a serial number
- Sales or transfer to a mentally unequipped person
- Transporting or shipping stolen firearms
- Straw purchases or strawman purchases
Gun Crime and Forfeiture
When purchasing a firearm, you must fill out federal forms stating you’re not a convicted felon nor under investigation for a felony. If you are, you must check the appropriate box stating such. Sometimes gun charges are included in drug trafficking indictments, and sometimes they are indictments all on their own.
A common scenario with gun charges are forfeiture allegations. In this case, a forfeiture is the government seizing not only the firearm, but any other piece of property deemed forfeitable by the government that relates to your firearm activity.
Let Dallas Criminal Defense Attorney John R. Teakell Help
Whether you’re being investigated for a gun crime or already arrested, John Teakell can help. As a former state and federal prosecutor, John Teakell has the knowledge and experience you need to contest jurisdiction, challenge evidence, find expert witnesses, and present your case at trial.
If you or a loved one is facing gun crime allegations or forfeiture in Dallas, contact our office today.
Defend Yourself Against Gun Crime Charges
Gun Crime Articles
Recent Postings by Dallas criminal defense attorney John Teakell.
Federal Prosecutions for False Statement(s) to Purchase a Firearm
Purchases of Firearms All purchases of new firearms are to be recorded and registered, with the purchaser’s information and identity. This is in part to determine if the potential purchaser has a felony conviction. If the prospective purchaser has a felony...
Persons Prohibited from Possessing Firearms, Including Juveniles
Introduction Among the many firearms violations listed in Title 18 of the U.S. Code, are those in the “prohibited persons” section. Section 922(d) is a list of person who are prohibited from possessing a firearm. Prohibited Persons – Title 18 U.S. Code Section 922...
FEDERAL ROBBERY PROSECUTIONS,
OR BUSINESS ROBBERIES
(INTERFERENCE WITH COMMERCE BY THREATS OR VIOLENCE)
Robbery is a crime that is traditionally prosecuted in state court, along with charges such as assault, theft, and manslaughter. These types of cases are routinely prosecuted as street crime, which usually does not have a federal connection. Call John Teakell to help you or someone you know handle a Federal Business Robbery.
CARRYING OR USING A FIREARM DURING DRUG TRAFFICKING Also Known as a “924(c)” Charge
Generally Drug trafficking or drug activities are often prosecuted in federal court, especially if the activities are on a larger scale. The U.S. Code makes it a separate crime if you carry OR use a firearm during a drug trafficking offense. This charge is known by...
FELON IN POSSESSION OF FIREARM PROSECUTIONS
Generally “Felon in Possession of a Firearm” is very often used when someone with a felony conviction simply possesses a firearm. It is regularly referred for federal prosecution when police find a handgun or rifle near a person arrested or detained. There often is...
Manufacturing and Selling Firearms Without a License
Generally A person has to obtain a license as a federal firearms dealer if he/she is engaged in the business of selling firearms, see an experienced firearms attorney. Title 18 U.S. Code §921 contains various definitions of engaging the business of selling / being a...
How Gun Crimes Charges Can Affect Your Second Amendment Rights, Even in Texas
Gun crimes have never been more front-and-center in the United States than they are right now. With Parkland and Santa Fe, there is an understandable amount of fear and apprehension. And that could soon start leading to more arrests for weapons violations. One recent...
Gun Restrictions: How You Can Get Into Trouble
Gun restrictions in Texas are less stringent than in other parts of the U.S., but the Lone Star State does follow federal law, so it's not exactly the Wild West. While gun owners can breathe a sigh of relief when living or traveling through our region, they do have to...
Weapon Sales: How to Know When You’ve Committed a Crime
Responsible weapon sales are critical in ensuring deadly weapons do not get into the hands of the wrong people. But while there are rules and regulations a licensed dealer must adhere to, there are very few criminal cases brought against those who follow, or attempt...
In Texas, What Happens If You Carry A Gun Without a License?
Gun laws can vary from state to state, so the simple act of figuring out whether you're breaking the law can be a confusing one. Texas has some of the more lenient laws, but that doesn't mean it's free from restrictions. To grasp what those restrictions are, let's...