If you’re one of many gun owners in Texas, you’re obligated to adhere to all laws and regulations that are relevant to firearms. This is true, whether you purchase a gun or are a recipient of a gift. Certain weapon offenses are federal crimes. Convictions of such crimes typically carry a greater severity of punishment than offenses that are misdemeanors or other lower-level crimes.
Before you take possession of a firearm, you will want to be fully aware of all issues that constitute a federal crime. It is also a good idea to have basic knowledge regarding the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which protects your right to bear arms.
You may not possess a firearm if you have a felony conviction on your record
If you have a felony conviction on your criminal record, your freedoms and liberties face restrictions in certain ways. One such restriction applies to firearms. If you are in possession of a firearm and the police take you into custody, you may face criminal charges for a federal crime, which carries a penalty of up to 10 years’ imprisonment under conviction.
Consecutive and enhanced punishment for use of firearms during a robbery
Another issue that can elevate weapons offenses to federal crimes is the use of a firearm during the robbery of a financial institution that is insured by the federal government or any mercantile that participates in interstate commerce. A robbery conviction carries stiff penalties by its own merits. However, if a judge or jury convicts you of using a firearm during a robbery of the institutions or establishments listed under code of law, you may incur a consecutive and enhanced punishment in addition to any penalty rendered for the robbery itself.
This means that, if two establishments were involved, you could face up to 25 years behind bars, in addition to any jail sentence handed down for a robbery conviction.
The type of firearm used in a crime affects the penalty
If you face charges for federal crimes involving use of a firearm in a robbery or violent crime, punishment under conviction increases in severity if the firearm used was a shotgun or assault weapon. Use of a silencer on a firearm during a violent crime carries a penalty up to 30 years in prison.
Refuting charges of federal crimes in court
Facing misdemeanor charges in a Texas court is stressful. If you face accusations of federal crimes in connection with firearms violations, your freedom for the next several decades of your life may be at stake. American jurisprudence allows you an opportunity to present a defense when criminal charges have been filed against you. Most defendants seek legal support before entering a plea.