Weapons Charge Lawyer California Protecting Your Reputation & Future
Are You Facing Weapons Charges? Schedule a Consultation Today
At Law House PC, our lawyers provide representation for clients in California charged with weapons offenses, including:
- Carrying a Concealed Weapon
- Illegal Discharge of a Firearm
- Possession of a Loaded Firearm in a Motor Vehicle
- Unlawful Use of a Stun Gun
- Possession of a Defaced Firearm
We are the law firm Californians turn to when they need a criminal defense attorney who won't just pressure you to take a plea deal so they can move on. To discuss your case with one of our defense attorneys as soon as possible, contact us online or call
Weapons Charges Defense Strategies
When you begin working with our lawyers after a gun charge or other weapons charge in California, we will review your case thoroughly to determine the best approach to your defense. Our attorneys know that every case and every client is unique, so you can trust that we will custom-design an action plan that is ideal for your specific scenario. Some arguments our California weapons charge lawyers may make after felony or misdemeanor weapons charges include:
You didn't know you had the weapon.
In California, it is illegal to "knowingly" possess a dangerous or illegal weapon. There are plenty of circumstances in which a defendant may have been found with a firearm, knife, or other weapon they didn't know they had. For example, a family member or roommate may have left a weapon in a defendant's bag or car. If this describes your situation, our lawyers will help you construct a convincing case. (Note that "knowingly" possessing a firearm refers to knowing it is in your possession; it does not refer to knowing whether or not possessing the firearm is illegal.)
The weapon was found during illegal conduct by law enforcement.
Every citizen in California has constitutional rights that protect them from unlawful search and seizure. If law enforcement discovers a firearm or some other weapon in your possession during an unwarranted search of your home, an illegal traffic stop, or a mishandled arrest, there is a chance our attorneys can have your entire case thrown out. When we begin investigating any criminal charges, we always pay special attention to the conduct of law enforcement to find any instances of unlawful or inappropriate conduct.
You were within your rights to possess the weapon.
It may be that you are within your rights to possess the firearm. Our California weapons charge lawyers can help you navigate the complex legal system to ensure that a mistaken weapons charge has no effect on your criminal record.
Common Weapons Charges Explained
Unlawful Possession of a Firearm
This is one of the most common gun charges in California. It is legal to own a firearm if you meet certain criteria; this charge refers to gun possession by people such as felons or those who have had restraining orders issued against them. It can be charged as either a misdemeanor or felony, and is punishable by up to three years in jail and fines of up to $10,000.
Possession of an Illegal Weapon
There are several weapons California considers illegal, such as short-barreled rifles, undetectable firearms, zip guns (homemade or improvised firearms), pen knives, armor-piercing bullets, and brass knuckles. Possession can be considered either a misdemeanor or felony. It is punishable by up to three years in prison and fines of up to $10,000.
Carrying a Concealed Weapon
You must have a permit to carry a concealed weapon in California. Charges of illegally carrying a concealed weapon can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony. Our California weapons charge lawyers can examine the facts of your case to construct a defense that can result in reduced or dropped charges of unlawful concealed carry.
Unlawful Purchase of a Firearm
There are multiple licensing and registration requirements a vendor must meet in order to legally buy and sell firearms. California also prohibits the private sale of firearms. Meanwhile, purchasing a gun and giving it to someone who is not legally permitted to possess it is both a state and federal offense. This offense can bring either misdemeanor or felony charges in California.
The Stakes Are High
Being found guilty of a felony will forever alter your life. Convicted felons can have difficulty finding jobs, getting approved for apartments, and gaining or maintaining custody of their children. Contact our California weapons charge lawyers so we can help you avoid these consequences.
Weapons and Other Criminal Charges
The possession of a weapon can have major implications on other types of criminal cases. For example, in crimes like assault, theft, or robbery, the involvement of a weapon can escalate those charges from misdemeanors to felonies. Also, if you are already a convicted felon and you are found with an illegal firearm, the penalties you face are significantly higher. Our defense attorneys represent clients accused of all kinds of crimes, and we represent clients with criminal records. Whatever charges you are facing, our weapons charge lawyers throughout California encourage you to contact us today.
