Doral Gun-Running and Gun Trafficking Lawyers

So you got popped for gun-running or gun trafficking in Doral, Florida? That’s a big-time federal case, and you’re looking at serious prison time if convicted. Don’t panic – there’s good lawyers in Doral who can help. Let me break it down for you.

First off, what’s the difference between gun-running and gun trafficking? Gun-running is taking guns purchased legally and sneaking them somewhere illegally, like across state or national borders. Gun trafficking is specifically about selling guns illegally without a license. They’re related but not exactly the same.

The main federal law is 18 U.S.C. § 922(a)(1)(A) which makes it illegal to engage in the business of dealing firearms without a license. There’s also laws against straw purchases, transporting guns across state lines to commit crimes, and more. Point is, the feds take this stuff real serious.

If you’re charged, you’re facing 0-5 years in federal prison for gun trafficking, and up to 10 years for gun-running. And that’s per count – so if they charge you with multiple counts of trafficking or running guns across the border, your sentence can stack up fast.

So who’re the go-to gun trafficking lawyers in Doral? Here’s a few to consider:

• David O. Markus – former Assistant U.S. Attorney in Miami, now a top-rated federal criminal defense attorney. He’s handled many gun cases over the years.
• Joel Hirschhorn – an experienced federal trial lawyer who’s gotten full acquittals in gun trafficking cases before.
• Michael Caruso – a former federal prosecutor who now defends complex federal cases like gun-running and trafficking.
• Stewart Abrams – former Asst U.S. Attorney who now handles federal criminal defense, including firearms cases.

When choosing a lawyer, you want someone with deep experience in federal criminal law and gun cases specifically. Gun trafficking cases involve lots of evidence – texts, surveillance, informants, forensics on the weapons, etc. Your lawyer needs to know how to attack the evidence.

An aggressive motion to suppress evidence is often key. If the search or seizure was illegal, a good lawyer can get evidence thrown out before trial. This puts pressure on the prosecution and improves your leverage in plea negotiations.

You also want a lawyer who’s familiar with the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines. There’s a whole section on firearms trafficking offenses with various enhancements that can increase your sentence if they apply. An experienced federal criminal defense lawyer knows how to argue against these enhancements at sentencing.

Now let’s talk defenses – ways your lawyer can fight the charges against you. Here’s some options:

• You didn’t know the guns were being trafficked – If you were just transporting guns as a favor for someone and didn’t realize they were being sold illegally, this is a valid defense.
• Entrapment – If you were induced by government agents to commit gun trafficking when you otherwise wouldn’t have, this may get the charges dismissed. Your lawyer will investigate if informants pushed you into it.
• You had no intent to break the law – If you made an honest mistake or there’s evidence you intended to comply with the law, this negates the intent required for conviction.
• The guns were for personal use – Trafficking requires selling guns for profit. If you can show the guns were for your own lawful use, not for sale, this defeats the charges.

Your lawyer may also seek to get evidence suppressed or negotiate a favorable plea deal reducing the charges. But if you decide to go to trial, these are some defenses that could result in an acquittal.

There’s a ton more to talk about with gun trafficking cases – sentencing factors, using informants, possible RICO charges, mandatory minimums, etc. Too much for one article! But the main takeaway is – don’t go it alone. Get an experienced federal criminal defense lawyer on your side.

The gun-running and trafficking lawyers in Doral I mentioned like David Markus, Michael Caruso and others have the skills and knowledge to defend your rights. They dig into the evidence, exploit legal loopholes, negotiate with prosecutors, and fight for the best possible outcome.

So don’t panic. Make the call. With an elite lawyer in your corner, you’ve got a fighting chance. Hope this overview helps, and good luck!