Federal · Title 18 — Crimes and Criminal Procedure

18 U.S.C. § 932: Straw purchasing of firearms

Felony

What this law says, in plain English

Federal law prohibits straw purchasing of firearms—buying them for persons prohibited from possessing them or intending to use them in crimes. Violations carry up to 15 years imprisonment; up to 25 years if the buyer knew the firearm would be used in a felony, terrorism, or drug trafficking crime.

Read the full statutory text
has the meaning given that term in section 924(c)(2); and includes a felony punishable under the law of a State for which the conduct constituting the offense would constitute a felony punishable under the Controlled Substances Act ( 21 U.S.C. 801 et seq.), the Controlled Substances Import and Export Act ( 21 U.S.C. 951 et seq.), or chapter 705 of title 46; the term “Federal crime of terrorism” has the meaning given that term in section 2332b(g)(5); and the term “felony” means any offense under Federal or State law punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding 1 year. meets the criteria of 1 or more paragraphs of section 922(d); intends to use, carry, possess, or sell or otherwise dispose of the firearm in furtherance of a felony, a Federal crime of terrorism, or a drug trafficking crime; or intends to sell or otherwise dispose of the firearm to a person described in paragraph (1) or (2). Except as provided in paragraph (2), any person who violates subsection (b) shall be fined under this title, imprisoned for not more than 15 years, or both. If a violation of subsection (b) is committed knowing or with reasonable cause to believe that any firearm involved will be used to commit a felony, a Federal crime of terrorism, or a drug trafficking crime, the person shall be sentenced to a term of imprisonment of not more than 25 years.

Verify at the official source: Federal legislative text

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This page is legal information, not legal advice. Code text is sourced from official publications and may lag amendments — always confirm at the official source linked above. Plain-English summaries and relationship data are AI-derived and reviewed on an ongoing basis; verify with a licensed attorney before acting.