California 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