18 U.S.C. § 932 – Straw purchasing of firearms
This statute makes it a federal crime to buy a gun for someone else in order to hide the true buyer or help them avoid federal law.
Section 932 covers “straw purchases,” which happen when someone buys a firearm on behalf of another person. The law applies when the buyer lies about who the gun is really for or tries to help someone get a gun when they should not legally have one.
What the law prohibits.
A person breaks this law if they knowingly buy or attempt to buy a gun for someone else when they know or have reason to believe the other person:
- cannot legally possess a firearm under federal law (for example, because they are a convicted felon or otherwise prohibited under 18 U.S.C. § 922(d)),
- plans to use the gun to commit a felony, a drug trafficking crime, or a federal terrorism offense, or
- plans to give or sell the gun to a person who falls into one of the categories above.
It is also illegal to lie or mislead a gun dealer about who the real buyer is. Attempted purchases and conspiracies are included.
Key definitions in this statute.
For this law:
- “Felony” means any crime punishable by more than one year in prison.
- “Drug trafficking crime” includes federal drug offenses and similar state felonies.
- “Federal crime of terrorism” has the meaning given in 18 U.S.C. § 2332b.
Penalties.
A conviction under this section can lead to:
- federal prison time,
- substantial fines, and
- higher penalties when the intended recipient planned to use the firearm in a serious crime.
If you’re facing a federal firearm or straw purchase investigation, call (314) 900-HELP or contact our criminal defense team.
