Can you anonymously report a felon with a gun?

Asked by: Dr. Delpha Greenholt MD  |  Last update: May 4, 2025
Score: 4.1/5 (27 votes)

You'll be able to share important information directly with ATF in a way that's simple and anonymous. You can even upload pictures. In the app, just choose "ATF - Anonymous Tip Line" and your tip will be confidentially sent directly to the ATF Field Division closest to you.

Who do you report a felon with a gun?

As long as you are certain he is a felon and certain he has a firearm. Call the police.

Can I make an anonymous tip to the ATF?

Anonymous tips may also be submitted to ATF through the ReportIt® mobile app, available on both Google Play and the Apple App Store , or by visiting the ReportIt website from your computer (desktop.reportit.com ) or phone (mobile.reportit.com ).

What happens if a felon is caught around a gun?

Whether you're aware of the laws or not, if caught, this can exacerbate your criminal record and cause legal trouble. You are violating gun laws results in a third-degree felony charge and fines up to $10,000.

What is the new gun law for felons in Texas?

Texas law says no, but it contains an exception. Section 46.04 of the Texas Penal Code makes it illegal for someone convicted of a felony to possess a firearm. If more than 5 years have passed since completing their prison sentence (including parole or probation), the law allows possessing a firearm at home.

Facing Felon in Possession of a Firearm Charges? Watch This

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Can my wife own a gun if I'm a felon in Texas?

So you can own a firearm if you're married to a convicted felon, but unless you live in different homes entirely, firearms cannot physically be in your home. If you want to live with your spouse without the risk of them going to prison, you need to remove your firearms from your home.

Can a felon be in the car with someone who has a gun?

So long as that person is the sole possessor of the firearm and that the convicted felon is not in a position to exercise control over it, that's fine. For instance, the individual must be carrying a firearm on their person, they cannot keep it in the glove box and have a convicted felon in the car.

Does the 2nd Amendment protect felons?

The Second Amendment Permits The Disarming of “Dangerous” Felons. Each year, more than 8,000 people are convicted for unlawful possession of a firearm under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g). About 90% of those cases arose from gun possession by a felon.

Can gun charges be dropped?

Yes, new evidence can lead to the dismissal of federal gun charges if it significantly undermines the prosecution's case. This could include evidence that proves an alibi, demonstrates that the firearm does not belong to the defendant, or reveals misconduct in the gathering of evidence.

What states allow felons to own guns?

All states except Vermont generally restrict firearm access after a person has been convicted of a felony, mirroring federal law in this area, which generally prohibits firearm access after an individual has been convicted of a crime punishable by more than one year in prison.

Why would the ATF come to your home?

The ATF often comes into contact with law-abiding gun owners, and many gun owners find them at their doorstep. Whether it is part of a lost or stolen gun investigation, a private sale of a firearm gone wrong, or suspicious activity—no one wants the ATF to visit them at their home.

Does the FBI have an anonymous tip line?

If you believe you are a victim or a witness of a hate crime, we encourage you to report it to the FBI by calling 1-800-CALL-FBI or submit a tip at tips.fbi.gov. You may remain anonymous.

Can you be charged with a gun without evidence?

Possession - All gun charges require the prosecution to show that the defendant actually possessed or owned the firearm. Depending on the evidence, the prosecution may not be able to show that it was actually the defendant's gun or that the defendant ever possessed the gun.

Can I call the ATF for questions?

Help Desk. Please contact the ATF Help Desk at 877-875-3723 or helpdesk-ostc@atf.gov for all password issues, account updates, system outages, system errors/defects/problems, and security issues.

Can a convicted felon own a gun after 10 years in California?

In general, a conviction for any felony offense will result in a lifetime ban on your ability to possess or own a gun. Certain misdemeanors, such as those involving domestic violence or even drug offenses, may also result in temporary or lifetime bans depending on the conduct which gave rise to the conviction.

Can you beat a gun case?

Securing a Strong Defense Against Your Federal Gun Charge

By disputing the evidence, asserting your constitutional rights, and collaborating with a seasoned criminal defense attorney, you can improve your chances of securing a favorable outcome.

What disqualifies you from owning a gun in the US?

Under federal law, people are generally prohibited from purchasing or possessing firearms if they have been convicted of a felony or some domestic violence misdemeanors or if they are subject to certain court orders related to domestic violence or a serious mental condition.

Will a loaded gun go off if dropped?

Unfortunately, that “you can't believe Hollywood” mentality can blind us to the fact that a dropped gun can actually go off. Usually, the culprit is a phenomenon called “inertia discharge.” It occurs with, say, a semi-automatic pistol whose firing pin “floats” in its channel without a mechanical lock.

Can felons be around guns?

Under federal law, felons are prohibited from owning or possessing firearms. Some states return a felon's civil rights to own a gun after serving their sentence or a waiting period. If you live with a felon, you have to make sure gun access is limited so they don't have constructive possession.

What freedoms do you lose as a felon?

From the loss of voting rights and firearm ownership to employment challenges and parental custody issues, the ramifications of a felony conviction in California can be both profound and long-lasting.

Do felons have a right to self-defense?

A federal court has held that a person who is a felon still has the right to argue self-defense with a firearm, despite the fact that he is a convicted felon who cannot possess a firearm under federal law.

Can I own a gun if my spouse is a felon Indiana?

Gun laws in Indiana do not expressly prohibit the spouse of a felon from owning a firearm.

Can I buy a gun if my felony was reduced to a misdemeanor?

If you are convicted of a charge which is included in the list, you will not be able to own a firearm within the state of California for 10 years after the conviction. This applies even if the charge was originally a felony and was reduced to a misdemeanor.

What happens if a cop finds a gun in your car?

That means the gun you had in your possession in your vehicle and had control over the vehicle is almost always charged. This is unless the driver can prove that someone else owns it, committed a crime, and then planted it in their vehicle.