Federal Weapons Charge Lawyer — Felon in Possession, 924(c) and Unregistered Firearms

Gun charges are, in fact, among the most aggressively prosecuted cases in federal court. A federal weapons charge lawyer helps you understand the statute, the sentencing exposure and the defenses available.

Many weapons cases begin in state court and move to federal court. Unfortunately, federal penalties are often much harsher. Moreover, some federal gun statutes carry mandatory minimum sentences that run on top of other sentences. Therefore, early advice is critical.

This guide covers the most common federal weapons charges, sentencing enhancements and defenses.

Felon in possession

Federal law prohibits certain people from possessing firearms or ammunition. Notably, the largest category is people convicted of crimes punishable by more than one year. Others also include people subject to certain domestic violence orders or convictions, and unlawful drug users.

In addition, the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act of 2022 raised the maximum sentence for prohibited-person possession to 15 years. Furthermore, the government must generally prove the defendant knew they belonged to a prohibited category, under Rehaif v. United States (2019).

Possession can be constructive

You do not have to be holding the gun. Instead, constructive possession, such as a gun in your car or home, can be charged. However, mere proximity is not enough. As a result, possession disputes are a key defense area.

924(c) and the Armed Career Criminal Act

Using or carrying a firearm during a drug trafficking crime or crime of violence violates 18 U.S.C. § 924(c). It carries a mandatory minimum of five years, consecutive to any other sentence. Moreover, brandishing or discharging increases the minimum.

Similarly, the Armed Career Criminal Act applies to felon-in-possession defendants with three prior qualifying convictions for violent felonies or serious drug offenses. It imposes a 15-year mandatory minimum. Consequently, whether old convictions qualify is often heavily litigated.

Defenses to weapons charges

Unlawful searches are a common defense. For instance, if a gun was found through an illegal stop or search, it may be suppressed. Our motion preparation service drafts suppression motions.

Other defenses then challenge possession, knowledge and prior-conviction status. In addition, Second Amendment challenges have expanded after New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen (2022). Courts are still working through which restrictions survive. For example, in United States v. Rahimi (2024), the Supreme Court upheld the ban for people subject to certain domestic violence restraining orders.

A weapons charge consultation reviews which defenses fit your case.

Restoring rights

A prohibition on firearm possession can last for life. However, some states restore rights after a period, while others require a pardon or court order. Our pardon application service prepares those requests.

If you face related charges, see our guides to felony defense and drug trafficking defense.

Our Weapons Charges services in the USA

Every service below has a fixed price, is prepared by a qualified attorney and is delivered online — wherever you are in the USA. Additionally, you can upload evidence, message your attorney and track progress from your secure client dashboard.

Weapons Charges services near you — every state we cover

Because everything is handled online, it makes no difference where you live. Nevertheless, the law does change from state to state, so every document is prepared for your local rules. Here are some of the places our clients come from most often.

Weapons Charges help in California

We prepare weapons charges documents for California law and local court practice. Clients come to us from Los Angeles (near the Stanley Mosk Courthouse downtown), San Diego (near the Hall of Justice on West Broadway), San Francisco (near the Civic Center courthouse on McAllister Street). For example, see Weapons-charge consultation in Los Angeles, Weapons-charge consultation in San Diego, Weapons-charge consultation in San Francisco. Similarly, see Criminal Charge Review & Defense Strategy Memo in California.

Weapons Charges help in Texas

We prepare weapons charges documents for Texas law and local court practice. Clients come to us from Houston (near the Harris County Civil Courthouse), Dallas (near the George L. Allen Sr. Courts Building), San Antonio (near the Bexar County Courthouse), Austin (near the Travis County Civil and Family Courts Facility). For example, see Weapons-charge consultation in Houston, Weapons-charge consultation in Dallas, Weapons-charge consultation in San Antonio, Weapons-charge consultation in Austin. Similarly, see Criminal Charge Review & Defense Strategy Memo in Texas.

Weapons Charges help in Florida

We prepare weapons charges documents for Florida law and local court practice. Clients come to us from Miami (near the Miami-Dade County Courthouse on West Flagler Street), Orlando (near the Orange County Courthouse), Tampa (near the George E. Edgecomb Courthouse). For example, see Weapons-charge consultation in Miami, Weapons-charge consultation in Orlando, Weapons-charge consultation in Tampa. Similarly, see Criminal Charge Review & Defense Strategy Memo in Florida.

Weapons Charges help in New York

We prepare weapons charges documents for New York law and local court practice. Clients come to us from New York City (near the New York County Courthouse at 60 Centre Street and the immigration court at 26 Federal Plaza), Brooklyn (near the Kings County Supreme Court on Adams Street). For example, see Weapons-charge consultation in New York City, Weapons-charge consultation in Brooklyn. Similarly, see Criminal Charge Review & Defense Strategy Memo in New York.

Weapons Charges help in Illinois

We prepare weapons charges documents for Illinois law and local court practice. Clients come to us from Chicago (near the Richard J. Daley Center). For example, see Weapons-charge consultation in Chicago. Similarly, see Criminal Charge Review & Defense Strategy Memo in Illinois.

Weapons Charges help in Georgia

We prepare weapons charges documents for Georgia law and local court practice. Clients come to us from Atlanta (near the Fulton County Courthouse). For example, see Weapons-charge consultation in Atlanta. Similarly, see Criminal Charge Review & Defense Strategy Memo in Georgia.

Weapons Charges help in Arizona

We prepare weapons charges documents for Arizona law and local court practice. Clients come to us from Phoenix (near the Maricopa County Superior Court). For example, see Weapons-charge consultation in Phoenix. Similarly, see Criminal Charge Review & Defense Strategy Memo in Arizona.

Weapons Charges help in Pennsylvania

We prepare weapons charges documents for Pennsylvania law and local court practice. Clients come to us from Philadelphia (near City Hall, home of the Court of Common Pleas). For example, see Weapons-charge consultation in Philadelphia. Similarly, see Criminal Charge Review & Defense Strategy Memo in Pennsylvania.

Weapons Charges help in Washington

We prepare weapons charges documents for Washington law and local court practice. Clients come to us from Seattle (near the King County Courthouse). For example, see Weapons-charge consultation in Seattle. Similarly, see Criminal Charge Review & Defense Strategy Memo in Washington.

Weapons Charges help in Colorado

We prepare weapons charges documents for Colorado law and local court practice. Clients come to us from Denver (near the Denver City and County Building). For example, see Weapons-charge consultation in Denver. Similarly, see Criminal Charge Review & Defense Strategy Memo in Colorado.

Weapons Charges help in Massachusetts

We prepare weapons charges documents for Massachusetts law and local court practice. Clients come to us from Boston (near the Edward W. Brooke Courthouse). For example, see Weapons-charge consultation in Boston. Similarly, see Criminal Charge Review & Defense Strategy Memo in Massachusetts.

Weapons Charges help in Nevada

We prepare weapons charges documents for Nevada law and local court practice. Clients come to us from Las Vegas (near the Regional Justice Center). For example, see Weapons-charge consultation in Las Vegas. Similarly, see Criminal Charge Review & Defense Strategy Memo in Nevada.

Weapons Charges help in New Jersey

We prepare weapons charges documents for New Jersey law and local court practice. Clients come to us from Newark (near the Essex County Hall of Records). For example, see Weapons-charge consultation in Newark. Similarly, see Criminal Charge Review & Defense Strategy Memo in New Jersey.

Weapons Charges help in North Carolina

We prepare weapons charges documents for North Carolina law and local court practice. Clients come to us from Charlotte (near the Mecklenburg County Courthouse). For example, see Weapons-charge consultation in Charlotte. Similarly, see Criminal Charge Review & Defense Strategy Memo in North Carolina.

We also help clients in Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming. See every location we cover.

Weapons-charge consultation in every state

Alabama · Alaska · Arizona · Arkansas · California · Colorado · Connecticut · Delaware · District of Columbia · Florida · Georgia · Hawaii · Idaho · Illinois · Indiana · Iowa · Kansas · Kentucky · Louisiana · Maine · Maryland · Massachusetts · Michigan · Minnesota · Mississippi · Missouri · Montana · Nebraska · Nevada · New Hampshire · New Jersey · New Mexico · New York · North Carolina · North Dakota · Ohio · Oklahoma · Oregon · Pennsylvania · Rhode Island · South Carolina · South Dakota · Tennessee · Texas · Utah · Vermont · Virginia · Washington · West Virginia · Wisconsin · Wyoming

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This guide is general information, not legal advice for your situation. Every case is different — speak to a qualified attorney before you act.