18 U.S.C. § 922(g) – Unlawful acts (possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, commonly known as felon-in-possession)
This law makes it a federal crime for certain prohibited individuals to possess firearms or ammunition.
Section 922(g) is commonly known as the felon-in-possession statute. It prohibits specific categories of people from possessing firearms or ammunition that affect interstate commerce. The government does not need to prove the firearm was used in a crime—mere possession is enough.
Who is prohibited.
A person violates this statute if they knowingly possess a firearm or ammunition and fall into a prohibited category, including:
- Convicted felons (offenses punishable by more than one year in prison).
- Fugitives from justice.
- Unlawful users of or addicts to controlled substances.
- Persons adjudicated as mentally defective or committed to a mental institution.
- Individuals unlawfully present in the United States.
- Persons dishonorably discharged from the Armed Forces.
- Those who have renounced U.S. citizenship.
- Individuals subject to certain restraining orders involving intimate partners.
- Persons convicted of misdemeanor domestic violence.
The law applies to both firearms and ammunition. Actual ownership is not required—constructive possession (control or access) may be enough.
Penalties.
A violation of § 922(g) is a federal felony and can result in:
- up to 15 years in federal prison,
- substantial fines, and
- forfeiture of firearms and ammunition.
If you’re facing a felon-in-possession charge, call (314) 900-HELP or contact our criminal defense attorneys to discuss your options.
