When the police encounter a person in possession of a weapon, it raises questions of legality and public safety. Firearms are a particular cause for concern if they are in the wrong hands, so police officers use several methods to verify that the weapon is legal.
Understanding these key elements can help clarify how law enforcement identifies illegal weapons. If you face accusations of possessing an illegal weapon, it is important to be familiar with these methods so you can build an appropriate defense.
Weapon registration
Tennessee does not require the registration of most firearms. However, some specific weapons, like fully automatic firearms, do require registration under federal law. If an officer encounters a weapon that should have traceable registration but does not, this could indicate the weapon is illegal.
Serial numbers
Firearms manufactured or imported into the United States must have a serial number. The serial number allows the police to trace the firearm’s origin and ownership history. If a firearm lacks a serial number or has one that has signs of tampering, this raises red flags. A missing or altered serial number can indicate that the weapon may be stolen or associated with criminal activity, making it illegal for possession.
Prohibited ownership
Law enforcement also considers whether the person in possession of the firearm is legally allowed to own one. Tennessee law prohibits certain individuals from owning or possessing firearms. These include convicted felons, people with certain mental health issues and those under restraining orders for domestic violence. If the police find a firearm with someone who is not allowed to own one, they can classify that weapon as illegal.
Firearm modifications
The type of firearm and its modifications can also determine its legality. In Tennessee, certain weapons, like sawed-off shotguns or rifles with barrels below a certain length, are illegal unless registered with the federal government. If an officer encounters such a weapon without proper registration, they will consider it illegal.
The combination of these factors helps the police identify illegal weapons. Tennessee’s handgun laws may be somewhat lenient compared to those of other states, but it remains the case that violating these laws can lead to life-altering consequences.
