[greglepore]

Well, the deal is this-if his guns were all legal, its probably not a huge deal...if its only state charges. Without evidence of further dealing, 15 plants IS manufacturing (one is) but not likely enough to convince a judge of intent to deliver. If it stays state, its likely misdemeanor and probation...but if feds want to get involved (unlikely) they assign a finished weight to the plants and he's looking at a felony (federal felony is lifetime loss of gun rights, forget about what your state may say) but likely probation.

However, as he found out, the weed is used a means to conduct a full search. If his guns aren't all squeaky (ie maybe he unwittingly bought something stolen at a gunshow?) then its BATF and he has major problems......

This is not just some hairball opinion.