Criminal Charges for Illegal Gun Sales in Nevada

As a gun owner in Nevada, it is crucial to understand Nevada gun sale laws. While private gun sales are legal in the state, buyers and sellers must follow specific procedures to ensure the transaction is lawful. Failure to adhere to these regulations can result in serious criminal charges and penalties.

What Are the Laws for Gun Sales in Nevada?

In Nevada, private-party gun sales are legal, but they must go through a licensed firearms dealer. A licensed gun dealer will facilitate the necessary background check on the buyer to confirm they can legally own a gun. Key requirements to legally buy a gun in Nevada include:

• The seller must be at least 18 years old for rifles and shotguns and 21 for handguns
• The buyer must also meet the legal age requirements and not be prohibited from owning a firearm
• A licensed dealer must perform a background check on the buyer
• Sellers and buyers must maintain proper documentation of the sale

Types of Illegal Gun Sales in Nevada

Illegal gun sales occur when parties neglect to follow the required processes or when a party sells prohibited firearms. Examples of buying or selling a gun illegally in Nevada include:

• Selling a gun without conducting a background check through a licensed dealer
• Knowingly selling a firearm to a person who is not legally allowed to own one, such as a convicted felon
• Selling prohibited firearms like sawed-off shotguns

Anyone facing these or other illegal gun sale charges in Nevada should seek the counsel of an experienced criminal defense attorney to avoid the harshest consequences of a conviction.

Criminal Charges and Penalties

The criminal charges for illegal gun sales in Nevada can be severe, often resulting in felony convictions. Penalties may include:

• Unlawful sale of a firearm – Class B felony carrying a penalty of one to 10 years imprisonment and up to a $10,000 fine
• Providing a firearm to a prohibited person – Felony charge with potential prison time of up to six years and fines of up to $5,000.
• Failure to conduct a background check – A gross misdemeanor with up to 364 days in jail and fines up to $2,000

In addition to incarceration and fines, a felony conviction can lead to loss of rights, difficulty finding employment, and other long-term consequences.

Legal Defenses and Considerations

If you are facing illegal gun sales charges, your possible legal defenses will depend on the circumstances of your charges. Potential strategies may include:

• Lack of knowledge that the buyer was prohibited from owning a gun
• Entrapment by law enforcement
• A mistaken belief that the sale was conducted legally

An experienced criminal defense attorney can evaluate your case and help develop the most effective strategy for your defense.

Contact Our Nevada Defense Attorneys to Learn More

If you have been charged with an illegal gun sale in Nevada, you need legal guidance from a knowledgeable gun crimes law firm that understands Nevada gun laws. The attorneys at Adras & Altig have extensive experience handling these complex cases and can fight to protect your rights. Contact us today for a confidential consultation, and let us help you protect your future.