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The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives enforces federal laws that prohibit the use of firearms, explosives and other weapons. It's important for individuals to defend their 2nd Amendment rights, be it state or federal laws, in court or in front of an ATF review board.
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Enforces Federal Gun Laws in Wisconsin
The ATF is a Federal Bureau in the Department of Justice formed in 1978 to protect the public against a wide array of illegal activities by enforcing laws prohibiting the use of weapons such as firearms and explosives, and illegal trafficking of tobacco and alcohol.
The ATF’s range of responsibilities cast a broad brush across many different kinds of illegal activities, including:
- The use of bombs and explosives
- Arson
- Safety threats posed by gangs and other organized crime
- Contraband alcohol and tobacco trading (with the aim of reducing lost tax revenue)
- Criminal possession and use of firearms
The D.C. vs. Heller ruling in 2008 by the United States Supreme Court upheld an individual’s right to keep and bear arms, defending the Second Amendment of the Constitution. Too often, prosecuting attorneys will pad on weapons charges to inflate felony offenses. They ignore your rights, and you suffer a longer sentence as a consequence.
Grieve Law’s Wisconsin gun lawyers have been on the side of defendants subject to such unfair legal treatment. We stand up against ATF review boards and defended individuals’ right to bear arms. You can trust our attorneys to defend your rights when they are under attack on the local or state level.
ATF Compliance and Inspections in Wisconsin
The ATF licenses firearm manufacturers, importers and dealers through the Federal Firearms License (FFL) system. Compliance inspections confirm adherence to the Gun Control Act, the National Firearms Act, and state firearm regulations. Industry Operations Investigators (IOIs) review records, inventory and required forms to verify accuracy and educate licensees on proper procedures.
What Happens During an Inspection
During an ATF or law enforcement inspection, officers may review the manufacturer’s entire inventory of machine guns, components, and supplies. They may also request access to the full register of transactions to confirm compliance with Wisconsin law. If records are missing or inaccurate, the manufacturer may face fines and a permanent entry on their record. ATF inspections help machine gun manufacturers maintain compliance with Wisconsin firearms regulations.
How to Prepare for an ATF Inspection in Wisconsin
Strong record-keeping is the key to compliance. Firearms acquisition and disposition records must be complete, accurate and up to date. FFLs should:
- Keep bound book entries current and precise.
- Match firearm inventory with records.
- Review recent Form 4473 for signatures, denials and required reports.
- Post required notices and keep NFA documents organized separately.
Even minor mistakes can place your license at risk.
Grieve Law’s gun lawyers help firearm dealers and licensees prepare for ATF inspections and defend against penalties or revocation. Contact our team to protect your business and your rights.
Wisconsin Lawmakers Propose New Ban on Semi-Automatic Weapons
Lawmakers in the Wisconsin State Assembly have co-sponsored a proposed bill to change the definition of a “semi-automatic assault weapon” to include rifles, shotguns and pistols with any of a large list of specific criteria. The new proposed gun control bill, containing no grandfathering provision, would result in full-fledged Wisconsin gun confiscation of eligible weapons.
With experience fighting the ATF, a powerful federal agency, you can trust Milwaukee criminal defense lawyer Tom Grieve to fight for you tooth and nail to defend your right to keep and bear arms should a Wisconsin assault weapons ban be passed.
Milwaukee Criminal Defense Attorney Protects Your Second Amendment Rights
No matter the prosecuting party, we will stand by your side and defend you against attacks on your liberty. The 2nd Amendment of the Constitution defends your right to keep and bear arms. No local, state or federal governing committee or body such as the ATF can take that away from you.
Gun Owner Tip:
Putting a firearm in your will or transferring them properly requires special paperwork. Improper paperwork can create fines and criminal liability. Learn more about NFA Gun Trusts.
Tom Grieve is an experienced gun attorney and zealous 2nd amendment advocate with offices in Madison & Milwaukee. He helps Wisconsin gun owners with:
Possession of a firearm and OWI offense penalties can be combined in Wisconsin making serious consequences. You will need an experienced attorney with knowledge in both DUI charges and firearms on your side.
Contact Milwaukee gun and firearms lawyers at Grieve Law for the best defense against infringements on your Second Amendment rights.
In Wisconsin, how long does an ATF Review charge stay on your record?
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives enforces federal laws regarding firearm manufacturing and sales. In Wisconsin, an ATF investigations could lead to federal charges that would be on your record permanently.
