New Mexico Federal Gun Crime Lawyer

New Mexico Federal Gun Crime Attorney

Facing federal gun charges can be an intimidating experience. They carry the prospect of criminal prosecution and severe consequences. When facing these circumstances, it is critical to have an experienced legal representative by your side to advocate on your behalf. An experienced New Mexico federal criminal gun crime lawyer from King Law Firm can protect your rights and provide seasoned defense.

King Law Firm: Experienced Federal Weapon Charges Defense

King Law Firm has been serving the people of New Mexico for years. Our firm was founded by Ian King, a former prosecutor who understands both sides of a case and has built a reputation for results-driven defense strategies. The New Mexico federal criminal defense lawyers at King Law Firm understand the complexities that each case can bring and work vigorously to advocate on their clients’ behalf.

Gun Charges in New Mexico

In New Mexico, criminal gun charges are taken seriously. In 2024 alone, Bernalillo County saw over 15 thousand arrests related to gun crime allegations. Gun charges in the state fall across a variety of categories. Commonly, these include things like the use of a gun while committing a crime, concealed carry without a permit, or selling a gun illegally.

Gun crime convictions in New Mexico can have extreme consequences. If a gun is used in the commission of another crime, penalties can increase significantly, and it’s much more likely that felony charges will be filed. Importantly, state and federal charges can be filed in conjunction, making such allegations extremely consequential for defendants.

Federal Gun Charges

State firearms charges are often increased to federal charges when one of several categories is met, as articulated in 18 U.S.C. 922 and 18 U.S.C. 924. These categories include:

• Dishonesty during the purchase of a gun. This can include things like making false statements in order to obtain a gun or illegally fabricating evidence for the same purpose.
• Possession of illegal types of guns. These types of firearms often include automatic machine guns or sawed-off shotguns, but they can also include alterations such as silencers and other items.
• Prohibited possession of a gun. Most often, this offense targets those with felony convictions, but it can also include other individuals, such as those with domestic restraining orders.
• License offenses. These crimes can include the failure to make proper records of sales or other bookkeeping offenses. Unlike the other categories, these are most often prosecuted as misdemeanors rather than felonies.
• Guns connected to crimes. This charge can include things such as possessing a gun for the purpose of a violent criminal act, the furtherance of drug or human trafficking, or other such criminal enterprises.

Federal gun charges tend to be severe. For example, being convicted of selling a gun without a license can carry up to five years in prison, while making false statements in the purchase of a gun may result in 10 years’ incarceration. Not only are the consequences for a conviction usually higher than state penalties, but convictions are more difficult to overturn, and there is no parole.

Federal prosecutors are aggressive litigators. New Mexico alone accounted for  3% of all federal firearms charges in the United States in 2024. If facing federal charges, it is important to have skilled representation with experience in both state and federal cases.

Why Choose King Law Firm?

Federal gun charges can be intimidating. In 2024 alone, gun crime cases accounted for over 13% of total federal case convictions. Over the past two decades, King Law Firm has been serving the people of New Mexico by fiercely defending their rights against criminal allegations. Our skilled attorneys have experience with a wide range of federal gun crime cases, and we understand that each case is unique.

FAQs

How Much Is a Federal Gun Crime Defense Attorney?

While there is no set price for a federal gun crime defense attorney, it is important to understand the variables that may affect cost. Attorneys have the right to charge individual rates based on the services they provide. Some cases are more complex than others, and fees vary depending on how much work an attorney does. Many lawyers charge retainer fees and hourly rates.

Should I Get a Lawyer for a Federal Gun Crime Case?

Yes, you should get a lawyer for a federal gun crime case. Federal charges differ from state charges in many ways. Two of the most important are that federal charges tend to be higher risk, and convictions are harder to overturn than if they were achieved by the state. Therefore, it is essential to hire an experienced New Mexico federal gun crime attorney who can represent your interests and provide you with sound counsel.

What Is a Federal Gun Crime?

Many things can lead to federal gun crime charges. Under 18 U.S.C. 922 and 18 U.S.C. 924, a federal charge may be filed if a gun crime has occurred across state lines. Other circumstances, such as buying a gun under false conditions, selling without a license, buying a gun for the purpose of a crime, or selling a gun illegally, can also result in federal charges.

Can Felons Own Guns in New Mexico?

No, typically, it is unlawful for someone with a felony conviction to own a gun in the state of New Mexico. This aligns with federal laws. The state allows for some narrow exceptions, however. If a person has been given a deferred sentence, for example, their right to own firearms may be restored once the deferred sentence is complete. For certain non-violent felonies, there may be a 10-year prohibition on owning firearms, which may be restored after the period is complete.

Hire a Federal Gun Crime Lawyer

Whether you are being charged with committing a gun crime across state lines, selling a gun without a permit, or any number of other federal charges, King Law Firm is ready to stand by your side and defend your rights.

With over two decades of experience serving Albuquerque and the greater state of New Mexico, our talented New Mexico federal gun crime lawyers are prepared to give you the advocacy, counsel, and guidance you need to beat federal charges. Contact us today and learn how we can help you.