The federal government has ramped up its efforts to make it more difficult for so-called “ghost guns” to hit the streets. A recent rule change by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) requires licensed gun dealers and gunsmiths to include serial numbers on gun kits as well as on 3D-printed guns that they sell.

The rule was the subject of much debate, gathering a record number of more than 290,000 comments during its 90-day open comment period before it took effect on August 24, 2022. Notably, the new rule does not restrict individuals from building their own guns either from traditional kits or from 3D-printed parts; the focus is instead on requiring licensed dealers and gunsmiths to add serial numbers to the gun kits and 3D-printed weapons they sell. The reasoning behind the rule, according to the Department of Justice, is to make it easier to trace guns that are sold through dealers and to prevent dealers from selling gun kits (including kits composed of 3D-printed parts) to convicted felons and others prohibited by law from purchasing guns.

Increasing Gun Violence Leads to an Increase in Gun Laws

With almost daily reports of both mass shootings and one-on-one gun crimes, gun violence has become a serious political and social topic. A direct result of this has been an increase in the number of laws designed to make it more difficult for criminals to get and use guns and to increase the penalties for those who use guns to commit crimes. New Jersey, for example, recently enacted a set of new laws that cover the sale, registration, use, and illegal manufacture of guns.

You May Be Violating a Gun Law Without Even Knowing it

With gun-related laws appearing at the federal, state, and local levels, if you're a gun owner, it's important to be aware of what laws may apply to you, even where you honestly believe that your ownership and use of your gun are entirely legal. And if you've been accused of violating a gun-related law or of using a gun in connection with a crime, you need the advice of an attorney who has experience in this area and can help you defend yourself. In many cases, the use of a weapon such as a gun while committing a crime makes the potential penalties even more severe, and you will need all the help you can get to protect your rights during the criminal justice process.

Joseph D. Lento Can Help You Defend Against Gun-Related Criminal Charges

Joseph D. Lento has a substantial track record defending clients charged with gun-related crimes in New Jersey and can help you if you find yourself in that situation. If you've been arrested and charged with a crime involving a gun, you do not want to try to fight these charges by yourself. This is a complex area, one where you need the help of someone who knows the law and has done this sort of thing many times before. Contact Joseph D. Lento and the Lento Law Firm today at 888.535.3686 or via our online contact form today to learn more about how we can help.