San Antonio, Texas Federal Gun Crimes Attorney

Federal Weapons Crimes Defense Lawyer Serving San Antonio, TX

At the Law Offices of Sam H. Lock, we offer aggressive and experienced criminal defense representation to clients charged with federal gun crimes and other firearm violations. Not only does the state of Texas take federal gun charges seriously, but prosecutors will typically seek the highest level of punishment for these charges. In these situations, is critical to work with a smart, aggressive, and experienced criminal defense attorney who understands federal crimes and who can represent you in federal court.

Attorney Sam H. Lock has extensive experience representing clients throughout the state of Texas for various criminal offenses, including both state gun charges and federal gun charges. Located in San Antonio, the Law Offices of Sam H. Lock is more than prepared to provide you with the effective criminal defense representation you deserve.

Examples of Federal Gun Crimes

At the Law Offices of Sam H. Lock, we understand the complicated process someone goes through when they are charged with a federal crime. There are many situations in which people may be arrested, convicted, and sentenced to prison based on federal gun charges. Some examples include:

• Committing a crime on government property, such as a post office or library.
• Possessing a gun after being prohibited from doing so due to a felony conviction.
• Selling, transporting, manufacturing, or repairing a prohibited gun or weapon, such as a zip gun, short-barrel firearm, machine gun, or explosive weapon.
• Gun smuggling and trafficking of firearms.

Penalties for Unlawful Possession of a Firearm Under Federal Law

Federal law specifies that certain people are prohibited from possessing firearms. When one of these people possesses a gun that has been transported across state lines, they may face federal charges. Prohibited persons include:

• Felons, including people who have been convicted of felonies or are awaiting trial for a felony charge
• Drug users or addicts
• Illegal aliens, as well as aliens lawfully inside the country on non-immigrant visas
• Anyone who is subject to a domestic violence restraining order or who has been convicted of domestic assault
• Fugitives who have fled from a state to avoid prosecution
• Former members of the U.S. military who were dishonorably discharged

Unlawful possession of a firearm or ammunition by a prohibited person is punishable by no more than 10 years in prison. However, a person may face a minimum 15-year sentence if they have at least three prior convictions for violent felonies or drug trafficking.

The government also makes it a crime to knowingly possess or manufacture certain items, such as a sawed-off shotgun, a rifle below a certain barrel length, or a firearm with a removed or altered serial number. Depending on the violation, a person can face five to 10 years in prison if they are convicted.

Penalties for Gun Smuggling

Gun smuggling becomes a federal offense under any of the following circumstances:

• Attempting to "ship, transport, transfer, or dispose" of a gun into another person's possession across states or international borders, if the transporting party has reason to suspect that the other person's possession of the gun would constitute a felony.
• Receiving a gun from another person across state or national borders, if the recipient reasonably suspects that it would be a crime to take the firearm.
• Conspiring to do either of the above.

A conviction on federal firearm trafficking charges can be punished by a fine and/or a sentence of up to 15 years in prison.

Contact Our Experienced San Antonio Federal Gun Crimes Lawyer

The federal government can be relentless in prosecuting gun crimes. If you have been charged with the unlawful possession of or smuggling a firearm, it is imperative that you seek legal representation.

With over two decades of experience, Attorney Sam H. Lock has seen it all in criminal law, and he is proud to represent the people of Texas against federal charges. Contact the Law Offices of Sam H. Lock to represent you or your loved one as you defend against federal gun crime charges. Call our San Antonio office at 210-226-0965. We have the experience you need to help you avoid a criminal conviction for a federal firearm offense.