Weapons Offenses and Violations in California

Caliweapons offensesfornia weapons offenses carry very serious criminal consequences. However, the criminal consequences will vary depending on the circumstances surrounding the allegations against you. Some of these circumstances might include:

» The type of weapon involved
» What the weapon was used for
» If there was a loaded firearm
» Whether the weapon was concealed
» If drugs were involved

Is it a misdemeanor or a felony?

The distinction between a misdemeanor and felony charge is also important. Due to the “crackdown on crime” era, most weapons offenses and violations in California result in a felony charge. However, your attorney can negotiate an illegal possession of weapons charge down to a misdemeanor. In either case, the consequences may include one or more of the following:

» Jail sentences
» Prison sentences
» Significant fines
» Probation or Parole
» Deprivation or seizure of personal property
» Loss of employment
» Preclusion from various jobs
» Discharge from the military
» Prohibition against owning any firearms (possibly for life!)

CASE EXAMPLE

LIFE CASE) Armed Robbery/Assault with a Firearm Jury Trial – Client was charged with felony robbery [PC 211] with a great bodily injury enhancement that carried 25 YEARS TO LIFE IN PRISON [PC 12022.53]. Client was also charged with 2 felony counts of assault with a firearm [PC 245(a)(2)], with special allegations of personal use [PC 12022.5]. Client did not deny the shooting, but stated he acted in self-defense and that there was no robbery. The jury found client NOT GUILTY! *

Was the weapons search illegal?

First and most importantly, our firm determines if the search made by the officers was lawful. A skilled attorney should be able to throw out these charges if he successfully challenges the search in which a gun is found as a result. Additionally, you might have other good defenses and exceptions for carrying a firearm.  For instance, Lack of Knowledge. You may not have known there was a firearm in the area. Also, self defense and fear of losing your life is a consideration. Our firm will examine all the possibilities for your defense. The most common violations in California appear below:

  • Assault with a deadly weapon
  • Brandishing (guns, knives, etc.)
  • Concealed weapon
  • Felon in possession of a firearm
  • Gun enhancements
  • Illegal sales of firearms
  • Possession of a firearm near schools
  • Illegal transportation of weapons
  • Possession in commission of drug offense
  • Illegal weapons possession
  • Possession of a loaded firearm

See some of our other success stories here

* Does not guarantee any result in your particular case