What is the consequence of altering or removing identification from a firearm?

Altering or removing identification from a firearm typically constitutes a serious offense due to the potential implications for law enforcement and public safety. In many jurisdictions, this action is classified as a Class C felony, which emphasizes the gravity of the crime. This classification often involves significant penalties, including imprisonment and hefty fines, reflecting society's concern over the traceability of firearms and the potential for their use in criminal activities.

The identification marks on firearms are crucial for tracking ownership, history, and any previous criminal use of the weapon. By altering or removing these identifiers, individuals may obstruct law enforcement efforts, making it more difficult to investigate crimes and enforce firearm regulations. The legal system treats such actions with severity to deter individuals from engaging in practices that could facilitate unlawful behavior or circumvent legal accountability.

The other options represent lesser penalties or consequences that do not align with the serious nature of this offense. A misdemeanor charge would indicate a minor offense, while a fine and probation does not typically reflect the severity associated with tampering with a firearm's identification. A suspended license is unrelated to firearm offenses, making it an inappropriate consequence in this context. This underscores why Class C felony is the correct designation for the act of altering or removing identification from a firearm.