Owning guns in America is a complicated issue, and one that many people feel very strongly about. Depending on the state in which you live, gun laws may be more strict or more lax, but some requirements or restrictions exist at the federal level, too. Certain types of firearms and firearm accessories or devices require passing background checks and registry with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF). Failure to comply with the law may lead to serious consequences and even jail time.
You may not qualify to own a gun for a number of reasons under a federal act known as Brady Handgun Violence Act. The scope of this law may surprise you. Under Brady, individuals can be denied gun ownership if
- A court rules them mentally defective
- They are addicted to a controlled substance or use controlled substances illegally
- They are subject to a dishonorable discharge from the military
- They are illegal aliens
- They officially renounce citizenship in the United States
- They suffer a conviction for a crime resulting in more than one year of incarceration
- They carry a restraining order from an intimate partner or that partner’s child
- Many individuals are quite surprised to learn the narrow qualifications that may keep them from owning guns. Violating the Brady Handgun Violence Act may result in fairly hefty punishment.
If you believe that your rights are suffering as a gun owner, do not hesitate to reach out to an experienced defense attorney. With a strong, personally built defense, you can ensure that your rights and privileges remain protected while you stand up for liberty.
Source: Findlaw, “Gun Laws,” accessed Sep. 15, 2017
