Straw Purchase

A straw purchase, or also called an illegal firearm purchase, is the term used if you were to purchase a gun for someone who, for one reason or another, is prohibited by the law from owning one. A straw purchase also refers to purchasing a firearm for someone who does not want their name connected to the purchase.

Buying a firearm is much like purchasing a car, because it requires a paper trail. You cannot legally purchase a car from another person without transferring the title of that car over to you. If the paperwork is not filled out when purchasing a car then the person taking the car is technically stealing it which is a crime punishable by jail time and a fine.

Purchasing a firearm works in much the same way. In the case of a firearm however a licensed firearm dealer must be involved in the transaction. When transferring the title of a car over to a person you would go to the DMV. In the case of a firearm you need to work with someone who is a licensed firearms dealer.

It is considered a violation of federal law if you commit any of the following acts:

1. If you knowingly transfer a firearm to someone who is not allowed to purchase and/or possess a firearm.
2. If you purchase a firearm for someone else and do not identify that person as the owner of the firearm you are purchasing you are doing what is called “lying and buying”.

Breaking either one of these federal laws could land you in federal prison for up to 10 years along with a fine of $250,000.

To summarize the important things to remember about straw purchases and prohibited transfers of firearms take a look below:

• A straw purchase, also known as an illegal firearm purchase, is considered a federal crime.
• If you are ever involved in a straw purchase you could be sentenced to 10 years in jail along with a fine of up to $250,000.
• If you purchase a gun for someone who is by law prohibited from owning one it is both a state and federal crime.

Part of being a responsible firearm owner is understanding the laws that go along with purchasing firearms. If your friend asked you to purchase a firearm for them because they are not allowed to own one you may want to rethink that friendship. Wanting to help out a friend is certainly commendable, but if that friend is asking you to do something illegal then they are not much of a friend. So, make sure you understand the consequences that you could face before  you decide if you want  to help someone who is prohibited from owning a firearm.