Related Articles
- Federal Felon in Possession Charges (18 U.S.C. § 922(g))
- Federal Drug Trafficking Defense: 21 U.S.C. § 841
- Federal Money Laundering Defense: 18 U.S.C. § 1956
- Federal Wire Fraud Defense: 18 U.S.C. § 1343
- Federal Drug Conspiracy Defense Under 21 U.S.C. § 846
Federal firearms charges under 18 U.S.C. § 922 carry severe penalties, particularly for individuals with prior felony convictions. The most common charge—felon in possession of a firearm under § 922(g)(1)—carries up to 10 years in federal prison, and the Armed Career Criminal Act can increase that to a 15-year mandatory minimum.
Key Federal Firearms Offenses
§ 922(g)(1) – Felon in Possession: Prohibits anyone convicted of a crime punishable by more than one year from possessing a firearm. Up to 10 years (15-year minimum under ACCA).
§ 922(g)(8) – Possession Under Protection Order: Prohibits firearm possession while subject to certain domestic violence protection orders.
§ 922(g)(9) – Domestic Violence Misdemeanor: Prohibits firearm possession for those convicted of misdemeanor domestic violence.
§ 924(c) – Use During Drug/Violence Crime: Mandatory consecutive sentences: 5 years for possession, 7 years for brandishing, 10 years for discharge.
Possible Defenses
Challenging the Predicate Conviction: Not all prior convictions qualify under § 922(g).
Challenging Possession: Proximity to a firearm doesn’t equal possession.
Second Amendment Challenges: Post-Bruen, courts are reconsidering some § 922 prohibitions.
Fourth Amendment Violations: If the firearm was found during an illegal search.
Contact Clark + Harris
Call 859-474-0001 for a free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How soon should I contact Clark + Harris after being charged in Kentucky?
As soon as possible. Early representation protects your rights during questioning, preserves evidence, and often leads to better outcomes. Call 859-474-0001 — we respond promptly to new inquiries.
Does Clark + Harris represent clients throughout Kentucky?
Yes. We represent clients in all 120 Kentucky counties, both state District and Circuit courts, and federal courts in the Eastern and Western Districts of Kentucky.
What happens during a free consultation with Clark + Harris?
We review the specific charges and evidence, discuss available defenses, explain the likely process in the relevant court, and give you a clear roadmap of next steps — at no cost to you.
Related Resources
If this information applied to your situation, the following Clark + Harris guides may also be helpful:
- Federal Drug Trafficking Defense: 21 U.S.C. § 841
- Federal Money Laundering Defense: 18 U.S.C. § 1956
- Federal Wire Fraud Defense: 18 U.S.C. § 1343
- Federal Drug Conspiracy Defense Under 21 U.S.C. § 846
- Federal Drug Trafficking Charges: Defending 21 U.S.C. § 841