NFA Gun Trust Lawyer BlogArticles Posted in Colorado – Gun Trust Lawyer
Transferring firearms to a Gun Trust without Criminal Sanctions
As more lawyers begin to dabble with Gun Trusts we are seeing many who do not understand firearms and their unique nature which can often involve criminal penalties related to the improper transfer, possession, and use related to firearms or ammunition.
While it is fine to transfer a pair or sox, coins, most personal property to your trust without doing anything other than assigning it, the transfer of restricted items like firearms or ammunition is a different matter. If you can sell a gun to an individual in your state without going through a dealer you should be able to transfer a firearm to your trust without going through dealer. This is the case in most states.
In a few states like California, Colorado, Connecticut, DC, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania where all personal transfers of some or all firearms must go through a background check, there may be no exception for transferring a firearm to a trust even if it is your own trust. Sure an argument could be made that there is no transfer and as such you should not have to go through a dealer, but why would one take the risk.
Where can I hunt with Suppressors (Silencers): Updated List:
While in some states, it is illegal to hunt with a Silencer, in the following states it is legal to hunt with a suppressor (often referred to as a “silencer”).
In states where hunting with suppressors have been legalized, we have seen substantial increases in the sales of suppressors and the wait times for approval from the ATF have also increased. Many states that have legalized suppressors still have CLEOs who refuse to sign for individuals to purchase them. An NFA Gun Trust or a more flexible Gun trust can not only avoid the CLEO signature requirement in most states, but can also provide many benefits to firearms owners and their families. To learn about the benefits, please fill out the contact us form at the top of this page and request information on what a gun trust is and how they may benefit you.
Remember these laws change frequently, so please verify this with your state prior to hunting with a suppressor.
How to transfer Magazines to your Gun Trust
Yes that’s right, in states where it is still legal, you should transfer your high-capacity magazines to your Gun Trust as soon as possible. Given that some states like Colorado, New York, and Maryland have recent passed legislation that will or has limited the ability to transfer certain firearms and magazines those of you who still have the opportunity to transfer your magazines should take advantage of it.
In most states you can simply list the number, brand (if known), caliber, and number of bullets they hold on one of our assignment sheets that come with the trust. There it does not matter if you do not have the make, model, and serial number of a magazine as many do not have this information at this time. Just list what you know e.g. ( 25 Magpul 30 round 556 magazines, 8 metal 30 round 556 magazines).
If you live in Colorado, please continue reading Continue reading
Colorado expects new Gun & Magazine Transfer restrictions next week
The Colorado lawyers we work with have informed us that there are several new laws about to be passed soon. To provide the maximum flexibility to manage your firearms and magazines they are suggesting that you form a Gun Trust and transfer all of your firearms and magazines into the trust ASAP. We have been overwhelmed with trust requests in the last few days from residents of Colorado seeking to protect their rights.
At this point in time the quickest way to form a Gun Trust is to purchase a Base Gun Trust Form and then transfer your firearms and magazines into it using the documents that come with the trust. Once the Gun Trust is formed you can upgrade to the Advanced or Professional Trust to have the additional legal support and features. You will receive a discount of the price paid for the Base trust towards the upgrade so you will not be penalized.
Can I take Title II Firearms back and forth between Texas and Colorado?
We are often asked about traveling to another state with NFA firearms. If you own property in multiple states like Texas and Colorado or regularly travel between Texas and Colorado with NFA Firearms, you can do so, but should and in some cases must obtain prior authorization from the ATF to take these firearms over state lines.
Note:Texas and Colorado are just used as an example of two places that you may regularly travel to and from. A Texas Gun Trust prepared by a Texas Gun Trust Lawyer® would be valid in Colorado and a Colorado Gun Trust prepared by a Colorado Gun Trust Lawyer® would be valid in Texas
There is no charge to obtain the authorization for interstate travel from the ATF. Your Gun Trust should have specific instructions on how to do this and if it does not you may want to have your gun trust reviewed by an attorney to see if it is a gun trust or just a generic revocable trust. Many so-called “Gun Trusts” and those provided by gun stores, found in the internet, created by software, or even some from lawyers, actually provide instructions to break the law. If you gun trust mentions stocks, property, homes, or other non-firearms related items, it may be a clue that you have a generic trust.
Gun Trust Lawyer and Funding Your Trust
Funding a trust is a basic concept that is necessary for a trust to be valid. The legal concept is that the trust does not exist if there is nothing in the trust. A Gun Trust can be funded with a firearm, money, or any other asset. Typically a Gun Trust will be used to acquire firearms and is often used for Title II Firearms. When you put money in or assign money to the trust, you have funded it and it is now valid. If you never assign property to a trust, it can create problems.
For example, if your trust is unfunded, and you purchase a Title II Firearm from a dealer personally you will own it personally. An Assignment sheet may fund the trust, but if the AFT has not approved the assignment or an additional fee is not paid, you may have created a legal problem.
Funding a NFA trust, purchasing NFA Firearms, and proper use of a Gun Trust are very important to understand and something you should ask your Gun Trust Lawyer® about.
Colorado (CO) What NFA Firearms can I own?
There are several type of Class 3 items that are restricted by the National Firearms Act.
Each state can impose additional restrictions on the sale, purchase, and transfer of class 3 firearms in addition to the compliance that is required with the national Firearms Act.
In Colorado you can own the following items that are regulated the the National Firearms Act
Machine Guns Silencers Any Other Weapon (AOW)