18 U.S.C. § 934 – Forfeiture and fines (firearms straw purchasing and trafficking offenses)
This statute explains what the government can take away, and what extra penalties apply, when someone is convicted of federal firearms straw purchasing or trafficking crimes.
Section 934 adds additional penalties for people convicted of firearms offenses under 18 U.S.C. §§ 932 or 933. These penalties are on top of any prison time for the underlying crime.
Forfeiture.
A person convicted of these offenses must give up (forfeit):
- any firearm involved in the crime,
- any money or property used to commit or plan the offense, and
- any profits made from the illegal gun activity.
This means the government can take firearms, vehicles, cash, or other items that were part of the offense.
Fines.
On top of forfeiture, the court can impose large federal fines. These fines are in addition to any fines already authorized by other federal gun laws.
Who this applies to.
These forfeiture and fine rules apply to anyone convicted of:
- straw purchasing of firearms under 18 U.S.C. § 932, or
- firearms trafficking under 18 U.S.C. § 933.
If you’re facing federal gun charges or a forfeiture notice, call (314) 900-HELP or contact our criminal defense attorneys.
