Federal Firearm Offense Attorneys in Dallas, TX

Experienced Defense When Your Rights & Freedom Are at Stake

Federal firearm charges are serious federal felonies backed by aggressive investigations, potentially long sentences, and life-changing consequences. Once the federal government decides to prosecute a firearm case, it often brings the full weight of agencies like the ATF, FBI, and U.S. Attorney’s Office to bear.  That means search warrants, seizures, surveillance, and prosecutors who are prepared to pursue harsh penalties. 

If you are being investigated or charged with a federal firearm offense, you cannot afford guesswork. A conviction can mean years in federal prison, steep fines, and the permanent loss of your Second Amendment rights.  At the Law Office of Patrick J. McLain, PLLC, we defend clients facing some of the most complex and high-stakes criminal allegations in federal court, including those involving weapon charges. Our legal team includes a former prosecutor and a former judge, giving us real insight into how federal cases are built and how to dismantle them.  We know what you are up against, and we are prepared to fight for your freedom. 

Call (214) 238-9392 now and schedule an initial case review with our Dallas federal firearm offense lawyers. 

Federal Firearm Offenses Cases We Handle

Federal gun laws cover a wide range of unlawful conduct. Many people are surprised to learn how easily everyday actions, like transfers, paperwork errors, or possession issues, can become federal crimes in certain contexts.  If you come to our firm, we can help you with virtually any federal firearm offense case, no matter the reasons the charges were brought against you. 

Some of the most common federal firearm offenses include:

• 18 U.S.C. § 922(g) – Possession of a firearm or ammunition by a prohibited person: This statute makes it illegal for certain people, such as convicted felons, people subject to certain protective orders, or those with qualifying mental health findings, to possess firearms or ammunition.  Prosecutors often rely on constructive possession theories, meaning you do not have to physically hold the firearm to be charged. 
• 18 U.S.C. § 922(n) – Receipt of a firearm while under indictment for a felony: Simply receiving or acquiring a firearm while a felony charge is pending can trigger federal prosecution. Many defendants do not realize that being “under indictment” alone can restrict their rights.
• 18 U.S.C. § 922(a)(1)(A) – Engaging in the business of dealing firearms without a license: Buying and selling guns regularly for profit without the proper federal license can be charged as illegal dealing. Even hobbyists or collectors can face scrutiny if sales appear frequent or commercial.
• 18 U.S.C. § 922(a)(5) – Transfer of a firearm to a non-resident: Transferring firearms across state lines without going through proper legal channels can violate federal law. Private sales that seem harmless may still be illegal under interstate transfer rules.
• 18 U.S.C. § 922(d) – Selling or transferring a firearm to a prohibited person: Knowingly transferring a firearm to someone legally barred from possession is a serious offense. The government often focuses on what the seller “should have known” about the recipient’s status.
• 18 U.S.C. § 922(e) – Shipping firearms without written notice to a carrier: Federal law requires specific disclosures when shipping firearms. Failing to provide proper notice can lead to criminal charges, even if there was no malicious or criminal intent.
• 18 U.S.C. § 922(k) – Possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number: Possessing a firearm with a removed or altered serial number, whether or not you altered it yourself, can result in prosecution. Knowledge and intent are frequently contested issues in these cases.
• 18 U.S.C. § 922(l) – Importation of firearms illegally: Importing firearms without complying with federal regulations can trigger federal charges and forfeiture of the weapons involved.
• 18 U.S.C. § 922(x) – Transfer of a handgun to a juvenile: Strict rules apply to transferring handguns to minors. Violations can carry criminal penalties even when the transfer was temporary.
• 18 U.S.C. § 922(a)(6) – False statements in acquisition of a firearm: Providing incorrect or misleading information on purchase forms, including background check paperwork, is a federal felony commonly charged in “straw purchase” investigations.
• 18 U.S.C. § 924(a)(1)(A) – False statements or records required of federally licensed dealers: Errors or falsifications in records required of licensed dealers can result in criminal liability, particularly when the government believes records were intentionally altered.
• 18 U.S.C. § 932 – Straw purchasing of firearms: Purchasing a firearm on behalf of someone else while misrepresenting the true buyer is explicitly criminalized. These cases often arise from undercover investigations.
• 18 U.S.C. § 924(c) – Using or carrying a firearm during a crime of violence or drug trafficking crime: This federal firearm charge carries mandatory consecutive prison sentences. Even possessing a firearm during another alleged offense can dramatically increase penalties.
• 18 U.S.C. § 924(j) – Causing death with a firearm during a § 924(c) offense: One of the most serious firearm charges, this statute applies when a death occurs in connection with a firearm-related crime. Life imprisonment is often on the table.
• 18 U.S.C. § 922(a)(3) – Transporting firearms across state lines unlawfully: Transporting or acquiring firearms outside your state of residence in violation of federal rules can lead to prosecution, even if you were transporting the firearms while you were moving residences to another state.
• 18 U.S.C. § 922(a)(7) – Manufacture of armor-piercing ammunition: Manufacturing or dealing in restricted ammunition types is tightly regulated and aggressively enforced.
• 18 U.S.C. § 933 – Trafficking in firearms: Firearms trafficking cases often involve allegations of organized or repeated illegal transfers and can bring enhanced penalties upon conviction.
• 18 U.S.C. § 922(o) – Possession or transfer of machine guns: Federal law severely restricts machine gun possession. Violations are treated as serious felonies with little room for leniency.
• 18 U.S.C. § 930 – Possession of firearms in federal facilities: Bringing firearms into federal buildings or restricted areas, even unintentionally, can result in federal criminal charges.

How We Defend Federal Firearm Charges

Federal firearm cases frequently hinge on technical legal issues, such as unlawful searches, questionable warrants, improper seizures, or weak evidence of intent.  Our defense strategy starts with a meticulous review of every detail.  We can challenge unconstitutional searches, examine whether possession was actually proven, and scrutinize whether the government can truly establish knowledge or intent. 

Because our team includes a former prosecutor and former judge, we understand how federal attorneys structure these cases.  Their insight allows us to anticipate their arguments and develop strong countermeasures.  From negotiations to trial, we approach each case with preparation and discipline. 

Potential Penalties & Loss of Rights

Federal firearm convictions carry severe consequences, including:

• Significant federal prison sentences
• Mandatory minimums in certain cases
• Loss of firearm ownership and Second Amendment rights
• Fines reaching tens of thousands of dollars or more
• Supervised release
• Asset forfeiture
• Permanent felony records

For many people, the permanent loss of the right to possess firearms can feel like the most impactful conviction penalty.  Not only can it affect employment for some people, but it also alters your sense of personal safety and your lifestyle, sometimes indefinitely. 

Talk to a Federal Firearm Defense Lawyer Today

If you are under investigation or already charged for a federal firearm offense, the next step you should take is to involve experienced federal defense counsel immediately, like our team at the Law Office of Patrick J. McLain, PLLC. We take these cases seriously because the consequences are serious. We prepare thoroughly, fight strategically, and stand firmly between our clients and the government.

Contact our Dallas federal firearm defense attorneys today for a confidential consultation. Start by dialing (214) 238-9392 at any time.