Alabama has relatively lenient firearm statutes. Occasionally, people who own firearms in Alabama may find themselves accused of the unlawful possession of restricted firearm accessories due to violations of federal rules.
Alabama state statutes generally allow for the possession and use of suppressors, also known as silencers, for various different types of firearms. However, residents who do not remain in compliance with federal law, possibly due to confusion over recent changes in federal regulations, could end up facing firearm charges.
Lawmakers eliminated a federal fee
2025 saw a major change to a long-standing federal regulation related to suppressors. People across the United States must apply for a federal permit to possess suppressors. That process requires a thorough background check. Historically, it has also involved a $200 fee.
Changes to federal statutes eliminated the monetary expense associated with suppressor permits. This change in law does not eliminate the requirement to secure a federal permit to own a suppressor. Lawmakers simply got rid of the $200 fee previously charged for the purpose of securing the permit.
Firearm owners in Alabama still need to submit paperwork to the federal government and maintain the necessary permit to prove the legality of their suppressors. They no longer need to pay $200 for that privilege. Those intending to comply with the law may have made mistakes, such as failing to submit paperwork because they believed it was no longer necessary.
Reviewing the situation that led to a firearms charge can help Alabama gun owners avoid the major complications a conviction could carry. Those who intend to continue lawfully possessing firearms typically need to respond assertively to pending gun charges to protect their Second Amendment rights.