18 U.S.C. § 922(n) – Unlawful acts (receipt of a firearm by a person under indictment)
This statute prohibits people under felony indictment from receiving firearms or ammunition.
Section 922(n) makes it illegal for a person who is currently under indictment for a felony to receive, ship, or transport firearms or ammunition that have traveled in interstate commerce. This restriction applies while charges are pending—even before any conviction.
What the law prohibits.
A person violates this statute if they:
- Are under indictment for a crime punishable by more than one year in prison; and
- Receive a firearm or ammunition during the pendency of that indictment.
The statute focuses on receipt, not possession. This means buying, being transferred, or otherwise acquiring a firearm or ammunition while under indictment can trigger criminal liability.
Penalties.
Violations of § 922(n) are federal offenses and may result in:
- federal prison time,
- criminal fines, and
- seizure of the firearm or ammunition involved.
Charges under this section often appear alongside other federal firearm or conspiracy allegations.
If you’re under indictment and facing firearm-related charges, call (314) 900-HELP or contact our criminal defense attorneys for guidance.
