Making a False Statement When Purchasing a Firearm

What Making a False Statement When Purchasing a Firearm Means

Federal Law, 18 U.S.C. 922(a)(6), makes it illegal for:

any person in connection with the acquisition or attempted acquisition of any firearm or ammunition from a licensed importer, licensed manufacturer, licensed dealer, or licensed collector, knowingly to make any false or fictitious oral or written statement or to furnish or exhibit any false, fictitious, or misrepresented identification, intended or likely to deceive such importer, manufacturer, dealer, or collector with respect to any fact material to the lawfulness of the sale or other disposition of such firearm or ammunition under the provisions of this chapter;

18 U.S.C. 924 sets the penalty as a fine and/or up to 10 years in prison.18 U.S.C. 924(a)(1)(A) & (D) further states that “whoever knowingly makes any false statement or representation with respect to the information required by this chapter to be kept in the records of a person licensed under this chapter or in applying for any license or exemption or relief from disability under the provisions of this chapter” shall be fined and/or imprisoned for not more than 5 years.When purchasing a firearm from a Federal Firearms Licensee, you are required to fill out form ATF Form 4473. This form contains the most likely opportunity for potential false statements. The subject of a false statements charge can range from the seeming innocuous, like using a prior address, to more serious issues like misstating your criminal history. This conduct can also lead to similar state charges, as well.Your attorney can review the case against you and look for defenses and mitigating evidence to help get you the best result possible.

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