Los Angeles Federal Weapons Crimes Attorney

Were you arrested for a federal weapons offense in Los Angeles, California? Contact Perlman Defense Federal Criminal Lawyers for a confidential consultation at (747) 373-0477. Our award-winning Los Angeles federal weapons crimes lawyers know what is at stake in these cases and will do everything in our power to help you secure a favorable resolution for what you’re up against.

With more than 25 years of experience defending clients in federal court, you can count on our criminal defense law firm to help you every step of the way. We’re passionate about what we do and vehemently believe in the notion that everybody deserves the best possible defense. Give us a call today to learn more. We can advise you on what you should do next during your consultation. 

Why Hire Perlman Defense if I’ve Been Charged With a Federal Weapons Crime in Los Angeles, CA?

Not every criminal defense firm has the experience needed to go toe-to-toe with the federal government, but Perlman Defense Federal Criminal Lawyers does. Our team has spent years defending clients facing serious charges in the Central District of California and is led by a former prosecutor who has important insight into how the other side operates.

Here are a few reasons why clients in Los Angeles, CA, trust us with their cases:

• Decades of dedicated federal criminal defense experience altogether
• Deep familiarity with the local federal courts and judges
• A proven track record of challenging sentencing enhancements and fighting for reduced exposure
• Experience handling the full range of federal firearms charges, from felon in possession to ACCA cases
• A trial-ready approach to every case, which puts pressure on the government during negotiations

If you're facing a federal weapons charge, the attorney you choose can make all the difference. Contact us today to schedule an initial consultation with a Los Angeles federal criminal defense attorney. 

How Federal Weapons Investigations Typically Begin

Federal firearms cases rarely start with a simple traffic stop, the way many state gun charges do. In most situations, federal agencies have been investigating for weeks or months before any arrest is made. Coordinated search warrants and wiretaps are just a few examples of common tools used in these investigations.

In some cases, state-level gun charges are adopted by federal prosecutors. This happens most often when the defendant has a significant criminal history that would trigger harsher penalties at the federal level. A case that might result in a few years in state prison could carry a decade or more in the federal system for the exact same conduct.

You may also receive a target letter from the U.S. Attorney before any charges are formally filed. If that happens, contacting a Los Angeles federal criminal defense lawyer immediately is critical. The decisions you make at that stage can shape the entire outcome of your case.

Types of Federal Weapons Charges We Handle in Los Angeles

Federal weapons crimes are governed primarily by Chapter 44 of Title 18 of the United States Code. Our criminal defense attorneys can handle the full range of federal firearms offenses. Examples include the following:

Felon in Possession of a Firearm (18 U.S.C. § 922(g))

This is the most commonly prosecuted federal firearms charge. Under this statute, certain categories of people are prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition. Convicted felons make up the majority of defendants charged under § 922(g), but the law also applies to fugitives from justice and several other prohibited groups. A standard conviction carries up to 15 years in federal prison.

Use of a Firearm During a Crime of Violence or Drug Trafficking (18 U.S.C. § 924(c))

This statute imposes mandatory consecutive sentences when a firearm is used, carried, or possessed in connection with a federal crime of violence or drug trafficking offense. The mandatory minimums escalate depending on how the firearm was involved as well. 

Armed Career Criminal Act (18 U.S.C. § 924(e))

If you're charged under § 922(g) and have three or more prior convictions for qualifying violent crimes or serious drug offenses, the Armed Career Criminal Act kicks in. This enhancement raises the mandatory minimum sentence from zero to 15 years in federal prison. 

Possession of a Firearm With an Altered or Removed Serial Number (18 U.S.C. § 922(k))

Federal law makes it illegal to possess a firearm that has had its serial number removed, altered, or made unreadable. This is a standalone offense that carries up to five years in federal prison.

Illegal Firearms Trafficking and Dealing Without a License

Selling firearms without a federal license and knowingly trafficking weapons across state lines are serious federal offenses. These charges often arise as part of broader investigations and can carry significant prison time when they are tied to organized criminal activity.

No matter what type of federal weapons charge you're facing, our attorneys have the experience to defend you appropriately. Contact Perlman Defense today for more information.

What Are the Potential Penalties for Federal Weapons Crimes in Los Angeles, California?

Federal weapons convictions carry some of the most severe sentences in the criminal justice system. The exact penalties depend on the specific statute you’re charged under, your criminal history, whether any sentencing enhancements apply, and other factors.

Here is what you could be facing:

• Up to 15 years in federal prison for a standard § 922(g) conviction, with fines reaching $250,000
• A 15-year mandatory minimum under the Armed Career Criminal Act if you have three or more qualifying prior convictions
• Mandatory consecutive sentences under § 924(c) that stack on top of penalties for the underlying offense
• Up to five years for possession of a firearm with a removed or altered serial number
• Supervised release lasting up to three years following your prison term, with strict conditions
• Forfeiture of firearms and potentially other property connected to the offense

The collateral consequences of a conviction go beyond the sentence itself and can include things like difficulty finding housing and employment, as well as immigration issues if applicable. 

What Defenses Are Available in Los Angeles Federal Weapons Cases?

Federal firearms charges can feel impossible to deal with, but the government's case is not always as airtight as it looks on the surface. Prosecutors rely heavily on the circumstances of the arrest and on your criminal history, and both of those areas are open to challenge. 

Some of the most effective defenses in federal firearms cases include:

• The firearm was discovered through an illegal search or seizure in violation of your Fourth Amendment rights
• You did not knowingly possess the weapon, which is common in cases where the gun was found in a shared space
• Your prior conviction does not meet the federal definition required to classify you as a prohibited person
• The government's Armed Career Criminal enhancement relies on prior convictions that no longer qualify as violent felonies after Borden v. United States (2021)
• The prosecution cannot establish that the firearm traveled in interstate or foreign commerce, which is required for federal jurisdiction
• You were entrapped by law enforcement into committing an offense you wouldn't have otherwise committed

The right defense will ultimately come down to the facts and circumstances of your case. Our federal criminal defense attorneys will identify the strongest arguments for your situation and build a strategy around them.

How a Federal Weapons Lawyer in Los Angeles Can Help Protect Your Future

Federal weapons cases move quickly and carry consequences that can reshape your entire life. Having experienced legal counsel from the beginning gives you the best chance of a successful outcome. 

Here's how our attorneys can make a difference at each stage:

• Intervening before charges are filed to protect your rights during the investigation
• Fighting for your release at your detention hearing
• Filing motions to suppress evidence and dismiss charges where appropriate
• Negotiating with the U.S. Attorney's Office for reduced charges and sentencing recommendations, if possible
• Preparing your case for trial and representing you in federal court
• Challenging the government's sentencing calculations to reduce your prison exposure

Federal weapons cases demand a level of preparation and legal knowledge that goes beyond what most criminal cases require. Our attorneys have spent more than 25 years meeting that challenge for clients throughout Los Angeles.

Contact Our Los Angeles Federal Weapons Crimes Lawyers To Schedule a Consultation

A federal weapons charge in Los Angeles, CA, is one of the most serious situations you can face in the criminal justice system. The mandatory minimums alone can mean years in prison, and sentencing enhancements can push that number dramatically higher. However, what’s important to remember is that you’re innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Perlman Defense Federal Criminal Lawyers can provide you with the top-rated legal services you’re looking for and that you deserve. Call our Los Angeles federal weapons crimes attorneys today to set up a consultation.