Are Ghost Guns Legal in Indiana?
What are Ghost Guns?
Ghost guns, also known as homemade or DIY firearms, are untraceable firearms that do not have a serial number and are not manufactured by a licensed firearms manufacturer. They are often assembled from components purchased online or at local gun shows, making them difficult to trace back to their original owner or manufacturer.
Are Ghost Guns Legal in Indiana?
The legality of ghost guns in Indiana is complex and has been the subject of ongoing debate and controversy. In 2019, Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb signed a bill into law that made it illegal to manufacture, sell, or distribute ghost guns in the state. However, the law does not make it illegal for individuals to possess or own ghost guns.
Key Provisions of the Law
The law defines a ghost gun as any firearm that does not have a serial number or any other identifying mark, and is not manufactured by a licensed firearms manufacturer. It is illegal to manufacture, sell, or distribute ghost guns in Indiana. Additionally, the law requires that all firearms dealers and manufacturers maintain accurate records of all firearms sold or manufactured, and that all firearms have a serial number and be registered with the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record.
Penalties for Violating the Law
Manufacturing, selling, or distributing ghost guns in Indiana is a felony, punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. Possessing a ghost gun without proper registration and serial number is a misdemeanor, punishable by up to 1 year in prison and a fine of up to $5,000.
Other Considerations
In addition to the legal implications, ghost guns also pose a significant risk to public safety. They are often untraceable and unserialized, making it difficult for law enforcement to trace them back to their original owner or manufacturer. This can make it easier for criminals to obtain and use ghost guns in the commission of crimes.
Current State of the Law
The law regarding ghost guns in Indiana is still relatively new, and there are ongoing efforts to clarify and strengthen it. In 2020, the Indiana General Assembly passed a bill that would have required ghost guns to be registered with the state, but the bill was vetoed by Governor Holcomb.
What You Can Do
If you are a firearms enthusiast or collector in Indiana, it is important to understand the law regarding ghost guns and to take steps to ensure that your firearms are properly registered and serialized. Here are some steps you can take:
• Check your firearms to ensure they have a serial number and are registered: Make sure that all your firearms have a serial number and are registered with the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record.
• Research the law: Make sure you understand the law regarding ghost guns in Indiana, including the penalties for manufacturing, selling, or possessing ghost guns.
• Consider registering your ghost guns: If you have ghost guns, consider registering them with the state to ensure that they are properly identified and tracked.
• Support efforts to strengthen the law: Consider contacting your state representatives and expressing support for efforts to strengthen the law regarding ghost guns and improve public safety.
Table: Key Provisions of the Law
| Provision | Description |
|---|---|
| Definition of a ghost gun | Any firearm that does not have a serial number or any other identifying mark, and is not manufactured by a licensed firearms manufacturer. |
| Illegal manufacturing, sale, or distribution | Manufacturing, selling, or distributing ghost guns is a felony, punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. |
| Illegal possession | Possessing a ghost gun without proper registration and serial number is a misdemeanor, punishable by up to 1 year in prison and a fine of up to $5,000. |
| Registration and serialization | All firearms must be registered with the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record and have a serial number. |
Conclusion
In conclusion, the legality of ghost guns in Indiana is complex and has been the subject of ongoing debate and controversy. While it is illegal to manufacture, sell, or distribute ghost guns in Indiana, it is still legal to possess or own them. However, possessing a ghost gun without proper registration and serial number is a misdemeanor, and manufacturing, selling, or distributing ghost guns is a felony. It is important for firearms enthusiasts and collectors to understand the law and take steps to ensure that their firearms are properly registered and serialized.
