3 Gun Control Facts in Mexico You Should Be Aware of

There has been a gun control debate worldwide with two immutable positions justifying and condemning firearm possession. It has led to legislative reforms for gun control to resolve the risks associated with gun ownership and people’s attitudes behind making the rational choice of keeping, using, and trading guns.

Like the USA, Mexico’s constitution grants its natives and citizens the democratic right to keep arms while complying with the federal legislation’s limits. According to Article 10 of the Mexican constitution, citizens can possess arms and guns in their homes for security and self-defense purposes. Simultaneously, the federal law permits civil servants from the Army, air force, navy, and National Guard to bear arms for exclusive use.

Failure to comply with Mexican gun control laws can lead to people’s detention, conviction, hefty fines, and jail sentences. While qualified criminal defense attorneys in Mexico can help the accused parties, here are some gun control facts everyone should know about.

Prohibited Possession of Weapons

According to Article 160 of the Federal Penal Code, all citizens must possess weapons for legal purposes only, which include recreation, defense, or work.

People carrying, importing, storing, and manufacturing guns for attack and organized crime are punishable by three months to three years of imprisonment. They can also be charged with fines equal to a guilty person’s annual income.

Moreover, Mexican law enforcement can confiscate their weapons at any time.

Firearm Ownership in Mexico

The Mexican law on firearms and explosives permits citizens to keep guns and firearms in their homes for their defense and security. However, they must register their arms with the national defense secretariat.

The firearm registration process requires gun owners to submit a domicile for themselves and their families. This law is especially crucial for people acquiring one or more arms, mandating them to register their weapons with the secretariat within thirty days. The registration application must include the gun’s brand, serial number, model, and caliber for prompt approval.

Smuggling Guns

Article 84 of the Mexican Federal Penal Code strictly prohibits the smuggling of firearms, ammunition, and explosives to and from the Mexican border. Anyone charged with the crime of smuggling firearms is punishable by five to thirty years of imprisonment. They may also have to pay a fine equal to 500 days of their net income.

The sentencing laws in Article 84 apply to all Mexican citizens and civil servants trying to use their weapons for commercial purposes.

If you’re charged with a firearm-related crime, feel free to get in touch with Fabian Meneses at Meneses Legal. He’s a leading firearms crime attorney in Tijuana, Mexico, specializing in counseling and representing his clients with more than 40 years of experience. All our criminal defense attorneys and lawyers at Meneses Legal support their clients while complying with the Federal Penal Code and the Baja California Penal Code. Call us at (664)500-6896  in Tijuana or (619)777-8627  in San Diego. We are here to help you!