A Quick Look into Charges Related to the Straw Purchase of Firearms
Gun violence has become a constant news topic in the U.S. According to CNN reports, there have been 64 school shootout cases in the U.S in 2025!
As shocking as it can be, the one factor that largely contributes to such horrific incidents is the illegal transfer of firearms.
Needless to say, illegal firearm transfer attracts some extremely severe legal consequences. So, if you are ever charged with a crime involving an illegal firearm transfer, don’t wait and seek help from an expert Pittsburgh criminal lawyer as soon as you can. Remember, such charges aren’t just severe; they are life-altering! And understanding the law and the severity that such charges bring is the first step in protecting your rights and your future.
What Does it Mean by Straw Purchase of Firearms?
A straw purchase means when a person buys a firearm from a licensed firearm dealer on behalf of another person. The buyer in this case becomes the ‘straw’ or ‘nominee’ purchaser.
And the only reason you proceed with a straw purchase is when you are aware that the person for whom you are buying the firearm cannot purchase it legally!
The practice of a straw purchase is illegal in itself. That is because the buyer must legally swear they are the actual purchaser of the weapon. And this declaration happens when they complete the required ATF Form 4473.
The ATF Form 4473 is a federal form that clearly asks if the person filling it out is the ‘actual transferee/buyer.’ Now, a straw purchaser will intentionally make a false statement on this document.
Generally, a straw purchase happens when the actual intended buyer is a felon, or someone convicted of domestic violence, or someone who has been prohibited from owning a gun! By lying on the federal form, the straw purchaser facilitates the illegal transfer of the weapon. And this particular phenomenon is considered a deliberate violation of the Gun Control Act of 1968.
Hence, even if someone you know asks you, you should never agree to a straw purchase. And if you happen to get stuck in such a mess unwillingly, exercise your right to consult with a qualified Pittsburgh criminal lawyer if the police or a federal agent questions you.
Penalties for Straw Purchases
Straw purchasing is a federal crime. And that’s the reason why the punishments are substantial.
If you get convicted for a straw purchase, it is considered a felony. And according to the federal law, the penalty for knowingly making a false statement on the ATF Form 4473 can be up to 10 years of imprisonment. Added to that, you may even have to incur fines of up to $250,000.
Previously, the penalties weren’t that harsh. However, the severity of the penalties was increased under the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act of 2022. This legislation created new federal statutes which was aimed at targeting illegal straw purchasing and firearms trafficking.
If the purchased firearm is used in a felony, terrorism, or drug trafficking crime, the maximum imprisonment can increase to 25 years. But that’s not the end! A felony conviction carries severe long-term consequences, which include-
- Losing firearm rights permanently.
- Entering your name in criminal records.
- Loss of employment opportunities.
- Loss of housing opportunities.
Not just federal laws, but certain state laws, like those in Pennsylvania, impose quite harsh penalties for straw purchases. It is regarded as a felony of the third degree.
Owing to the severity of federal sentencing guidelines, if you face such allegations, remember to hire an experienced Pittsburgh criminal lawyer. Because in such cases, your freedom totally depends on a strategic and timely defense. And then again, such allegations are quite serious and life-altering. So, only a knowledgeable expert like a Pittsburgh criminal lawyer can be your best help at this time.
We at the Logue Law Group are here to listen to you and fight to protect your rights. So, if you find yourself getting involved in such an event unwillingly, make sure to call our Pittsburgh criminal lawyers ASAP. Dial 844.PITT.DUI to book an appointment today!