One of the issues that has been widely debated in our country is the right to own firearms. This right is protected by the Second Amendment to the United States Constitution which states:

"A well-regulated Militia being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms shall not be infringed."

Nevertheless, this has not stopped the government or the courts from trying to restrict the right of individuals to own firearms or even to keep possession of firearms that they legally own.

Regardless of your position on owning firearms, we all should be concerned when a constitutionally protected right is being threatened.

At Shields & Hoppe, we stand ready to fight to defend all constitutionally protected rights, including the right of individuals to own and possess firearms. One of our attorneys, C. Scott Shields, has been at the forefront of defending these rights and often receives referrals from organizations including the National Rifle Association. Recently, Scott successfully defended a gun owner who had been targeted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms. Scott exposed an unlawful policy being implemented by the ATF and forced them to back off their efforts to seize our client's weapon.

If you find yourself involved in a criminal or civil matter involving handguns, rifles, machineguns/destructive devices (Class III), their illegal use, possession, transfer, improper instant check refusals, licensing, or concealed carry issues and you care about your right to retain your firearms or purchase and own firearms, you need to call our offices to obtain expert legal advice. Wrong or inaccurate advice concerning your right to own firearms could cost you your right to own firearms for life, and you could face arrest, probation, and/or jail.