Gun Trafficking Prevention Act of 2013

The Gun Trafficking Prevention Act of 2013 is a bipartisan bill making gun trafficking a federal crime. The bill, introduced in the House in February of this year, was originally sponsored by two Democrats from New York and Maryland and two Republicans from Pennsylvania and Virginia. The law, if passed, would make it possible for law enforcement agencies to prosecute gun traffickers under its own section of the federal code. It would also create 20-year prison sentences for those who illegally buy guns for others who are disqualified from buying them. Those who engage in this activity are called “straw buyers.”

Since being introduced, the bill has gained another six sponsors, three more Republicans and three more Democrats in the House of Representatives. One of the new co-sponsors, from New York, is a former law enforcement agent who stated that straw buyers form another way by which those prohibited from purchasing and owning weapons can gain illegal access to them. As the House legislators work on gaining acceptance of their bill, the Senate is meanwhile working on its own gun trafficking bill, sponsored by a Democratic Senator from New York and a Republican Senator from Illinois. All of these bills come in the wake of the tragic school shootings late last year in which both children and adult school personnel were killed in Connecticut.

Criminal Defense Firm in New York City

Weapon offenses have become a hot topic in the news and on the minds of law enforcement agencies and state and federal prosecutors due to the tragic events in the last few years involving assault weapon shooters. Anyone accused of a crime involving guns or weapons may be facing severe consequences, which will only become more serious as legislators rush to make new laws.

Any criminal offense is a serious matter for those accused. Your freedom and future may be at stake, along with your reputation. Whether you are facing charges of drug crimes, domestic violence, internet crimes, theft, sex crimes, violent crimes or other allegations, how your case is ultimately handled may depend on the quality of your legal representation. Hochheiser & Hochheiser LLP is a criminal defense firm serving the New York City area that has decades of experience. The firm’s attorneys are experienced trial lawyers who are former prosecutors with a deep understanding of how criminal cases are developed and prosecuted in both state and federal courts. If you have been charged with a crime, learn your rights and what can be done to defend you by contacting the firm for a free case consultation. Should you retain the firm’s representation, your case will be personally handled by one of the firm’s partners.