571.063. Fraudulent purchase of a firearm, crime of — definitions — penalty — exceptions
Lying to buy a gun or helping someone else break gun laws is a crime
If someone lies or tricks a gun seller into making an illegal sale, or helps someone else do it, they can be charged with a felony—unless they’re part of a lawful law enforcement investigation.
1. As used in this section the following terms shall mean:
- (1) “Ammunition”: any cartridge, shell, or projectile made for use in a firearm;
- (2) “Licensed dealer”: a person licensed under federal law (18 U.S.C. § 923) to sell firearms;
- (3) “Materially false information”: any info that makes an illegal gun sale look legal, or a legal sale look illegal;
- (4) “Private seller”: a person who sells or offers to sell firearms or ammunition.
2. A person commits the crime of fraudulent purchase of a firearm if they:
- (1) Knowingly try to get a licensed dealer or private seller to sell a firearm or ammo in a way that breaks state or federal law;
- (2) Give false information to a licensed dealer or private seller to trick them about whether the sale is legal;
- (3) Get someone else to do either of the things above.
3. Fraudulent purchase of a firearm is a class E felony.
4. This law does not apply to official investigations by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives or peace officers working under their direction.
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