United States of America v. Kisean Coleman

Seattle, Washington criminal defense lawyer represented the Defendant charged with unlawful possession of a firearm.



Federal firearm laws regulate the sale, possession, and use of firearms in the United States. These laws are primarily enforced by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Key areas of federal regulation include the Gun Control Act of 1968, the National Firearms Act of 1934, and the Firearms Owners Protection Act of 1986.

Key Components of Federal Firearm Law:



Federal Firearms Licenses (FFLs):

Individuals or businesses engaged in the manufacture, dealing, or importing of firearms or ammunition must obtain an FFL from the ATF.



Prohibited Persons:

Federal law prohibits certain individuals from possessing firearms, including convicted felons, fugitives, those with specific mental health adjudications, and those subject to certain domestic violence restraining orders.

Age Restrictions:

Federal law restricts the sale of handguns to individuals 21 and older, and rifles and shotguns to individuals 18 and older.

Background Checks:

The law requires licensed firearms dealers to conduct background checks on purchasers through the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS).

Record Keeping:

FFLs must maintain records of all firearm transactions.

National Firearms Act (NFA):

This act regulates certain types of firearms, including machine guns, short-barreled rifles and shotguns, suppressors, and destructive devices, requiring registration and taxation.

Gun Control Act of 1968 (GCA):

This act regulates the interstate transfer of firearms and prohibits the sale of firearms and ammunition to certain individuals, including those convicted of felonies and those with specific mental health adjudications.

Firearms Owners Protection Act (FOPA):

This act provides protections for law-abiding gun owners and clarifies certain aspects of gun control laws.



Other Important Considerations:



State and Local Laws:

Federal law interacts with state and local gun laws, which may impose additional restrictions.



Violations:



Violations of federal firearms laws can result in significant penalties, including imprisonment and fines.

Time served, 3 years of supervised release, $310 total special assessment, and fine waived.