A straw gun purchase is illegal and could lead to federal charges. It is very important to understand how this works, both so that you can avoid accidentally violating the law and so that you can explore your defense options if you are charged.
Essentially, there are laws in place to restrict certain individuals from purchasing or possessing firearms. An example would be if someone has a felony on their record. They would not pass a background check, so they cannot buy a firearm themselves.
A straw purchase occurs when they intentionally give money to someone else, who knowingly buys the gun for them. For instance, a friend or family member may easily be able to pass a background check, so they falsely indicate that the weapon is for them when making the purchase. In reality, it is for the individual who would not pass the background check, who also gave them the money to make the purchase in the first place.
What are the potential ramifications?
If convicted on straw purchasing charges, a person could face up to 15 years of incarceration. They could also be fined as much as $250,000.
If the weapon that they purchased is then used to commit another felony, such as drug trafficking or terrorism, then the person who made the purchase could face 25 years behind bars.
In other words, by making a straw gun purchase, you are giving a certain amount of power to another individual to determine your future and your freedom. If you find yourself facing these very serious charges, it is critical that you know exactly what defense options you have at your disposal.