There are certain federal laws that regulate the ownership and use of personal weapons. While the U.S. Constitution provides the right to bear arms, there are limits to possession and where a North Dakota adult can carry a weapon. There are different federal acts, such as the National Firearms Act and the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act, that restrict the ownership of certain types of weapons, require owners to submit to a background check and more. Violations of gun laws could result in extensive criminal penalties.
Major federal gun laws
The National Firearms Act prohibits the ownership of certain types of weapons, including machine guns, silencers and short-barreled shotguns. If someone wishes to purchase or own an NFA weapon, he or she must submit to a background check. The owner will also need to register the gun. Some states prohibit the ownership of NFA weapons altogether.
The Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act prevents certain individuals from owning a gun for either business or personal reasons. Those who cannot own a handgun include individuals who have been in prison for one year or longer after a conviction, are addicted to an illegal substance or are a fugitive from justice.
The consequences of a weapons crime
Violating a North Dakota or federal gun law, or committing a crime with a weapon, could result in serious criminal charges. An individual facing these allegations will benefit from seeking legal guidance as soon as possible regarding his or her legal options. It will be critical to develop a defense strategy that allows one to confront these types of charges effectively.
