Under Title 18 of the United States Code, Sections 922 and 924, it is illegal for certain individuals to possess firearms, including convicted felons, fugitives, undocumented immigrants, and those with restraining orders or domestic violence convictions. Even if the firearm is legally purchased or owned under Florida law, possession by a prohibited person can result in a federal felony charge, punishable by up to 10 years in prison. If a firearm is used during a violent crime or drug offense, the penalty can increase to a mandatory minimum of 5 to 30 years, depending on the circumstances.

Florida is a focal point for federal firearm enforcement due to its large population, major ports, and high volume of gun sales. Agencies such as the ATF (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives) and Department of Homeland Security often coordinate with local law enforcement to investigate illegal gun trafficking, gang activity, or weapons linked to organized crime. Federal prosecutors pursue these cases aggressively, especially when firearms cross state lines, are altered or unregistered, or are tied to violent incidents.

For individuals charged with a federal firearms offense, the legal consequences are steep and often non-negotiable. Federal courts do not offer parole, and judges are limited in reducing sentences below statutory minimums. That’s why anyone facing these charges in Florida must retain an experienced federal criminal defense attorney immediately. At Crag Chaderton Law, we understand the complexity of federal firearm laws and how to challenge weak evidence, illegal searches, and flawed indictments. When the federal government targets your freedom, we bring the full weight of the law to protect it.

How Federal Agencies Enforce These Laws in Florida

Florida is a high-priority state for federal firearms enforcement due to its population size, urban centers, and high rate of gun-related violence. Federal task forces routinely work with state and local agencies on joint operations, including gun stings, undercover purchases, and surveillance of suspected gun traffickers.

Defending clients charged with violating federal firearm laws is a matter of precision, preparation, and constitutional strength. Federal gun charges are among the most unforgiving criminal offenses—often carrying mandatory minimum prison sentences, no parole, and long-term consequences on civil rights and freedom. Our firm brings focused, aggressive, and strategic defense to every case, knowing that even one firearm violation under federal law can alter the course of a person's life. 

Our first priority is to analyze the government's evidence, especially how the firearm was discovered and linked to the accused. We carefully review whether federal agents or local officers violated constitutional rights during the search, arrest, or questioning. If the firearm was found through an illegal search or seizure, we file motions to suppress the evidence under the Fourth Amendment—potentially gutting the government’s case before it reaches trial. 

Under federal law, the prosecution must prove that the accused knowingly and intentionally possessed the firearm. We often argue that the weapon was not in the defendant’s actual or constructive possession, especially in cases involving shared homes, vehicles, or businesses. When multiple individuals are involved, we challenge the government’s ability to connect the weapon to our client beyond a reasonable doubt. 

we also explore alternative sentencing options, cooperation agreements, or downward departures in sentencing based on mitigating factors such as lack of criminal history, duress, coercion, or unlawful entrapment by federal agents. For clients facing enhanced penalties under the Armed Career Criminal Act (ACCA), we investigate the legality of past convictions and work to reduce or avoid those enhancements. 

Crag Chaderton Law is committed to protecting our clients' rights, freedom, and future. Federal firearm cases are serious—but so are we. Our defense is not just reactive—it’s proactive, strategic, and built to challenge the government's case at every turn. When you’re up against federal prosecutors and agencies like the ATF, you need a law firm that knows the system and won’t back down. That’s exactly what we deliver.