Cowboy Law Group has released a comprehensive educational guide addressing the significant legal implications for Texas gun owners following the Supreme Court's March 26, 2025 ruling in Bondi v. VanDerStok and updated ATF regulations affecting privately made firearms. The guide provides critical information about new federal criminal exposure for individuals who previously built or possessed unfinished receivers and parts kits.
The Supreme Court's 7-2 decision in Bondi v. VanDerStok upheld ATF authority to regulate unfinished receivers and parts kits, fundamentally changing the legal landscape for gun owners throughout Texas. Under the new regulations, ATF now classifies 80 percent frames, receivers, and build kits as firearms requiring serialization. Federal firearm licensees must mark privately made firearms with unique serial numbers within seven days or prior to disposition.
These new rules apply to incomplete Polymer-80 style 80 percent frames and any 80 percent frame or receiver sold in build kits as of March 2025. While individuals not engaged in firearms business for profit can still make their own firearms, they must comply with detectability requirements under the Gun Control Act.
"The Supreme Court's decision and updated ATF regulations have created unprecedented federal criminal exposure for Texas gun owners who legally purchased 80 percent frames and parts kits," said Chris Warren, attorney at Cowboy Law Group federal gun charge lawyer. "Many Texans don't realize that our state's permitless carry laws offer no protection against federal firearms violations. The difference between state and federal gun charges is substantial, with federal convictions carrying mandatory minimum sentences and significantly longer prison terms. With over 20 years of federal court experience, we understand the complexities of ATF enforcement practices and the critical importance of experienced federal defense representation."
The educational guide addresses several crucial topics for Texas gun owners, including what the Bondi v. VanDerStok decision means for their legal standing, which firearms and parts are now regulated under the new ATF rules, serialization requirements and compliance deadlines, and criminal penalties for violations of federal firearms laws. The guide also explains how federal charges differ from state gun charges, constitutional defenses available in federal firearms cases, and steps gun owners should take if contacted by ATF or federal investigators.
Texas allows permitless carry for individuals 21 and older, but federal firearms laws supersede state regulations, creating a complex dual-jurisdiction legal environment. Federal law prohibits firearm possession for convicted felons, individuals with domestic violence convictions, those subject to protective orders, and other categories under 18 U.S.C. § 922. Violation of federal firearms laws can result in mandatory minimum sentences, particularly when firearms are used in connection with other federal offenses.
The ATF's expanded enforcement authority under the new regulations means increased scrutiny and potential prosecution of gun owners throughout Texas. Early legal intervention proves critical when facing federal firearms investigations or charges, as federal prosecutors have extensive resources and build cases methodically. Understanding both ATF regulations and federal criminal procedure has become essential for navigating these changes.
https://youtu.be/xufIQtVDNhs
Cowboy Law Group is a criminal defense law firm serving The Woodlands, Conroe, Greater Houston, and throughout Texas in state and federal court. The firm specializes in federal crimes defense including work as a federal gun charge lawyer, federal drug charges defense, federal trafficking defense, and other serious federal offenses, as well as state criminal defense and juvenile defense. With over 20 years of courtroom experience, the attorneys at Cowboy Law Group provide 24/7 availability and aggressive representation for clients facing serious criminal charges.
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For more information about Cowboy Law Group, contact the company here:
Cowboy Law Group
Chris Warren
346-482-5108
leads@cowboylawgroup.com
1095 Evergreen Cir #200
The Woodlands, TX 77380
