Penal Code 30610 PC | Possession of a 50 BMG Rifle

Note that PC 30610 is usually treated as a misdemeanor in California. However, sometimes the court treats this offense as an infraction. The Simmrin Law Group can provide you with more information about PC 30610 charges. Call (310) 997-4688 to get additional information.

Basic Information about the .50 BMG

The .50 BMG is a kind of firearm used by many militaries around the world. The weapon was first developed in the 1910s. However, it was not used officially in the military until 1921. NATO is one of the many organizations around the world to make use of this weapon.

However, individuals outside of the military are not supposed to use this weapon in the state of California. California restricts the usage of a .50 BMG due to the size of the ammunition used in the weapon and its rate of fire. California classifies a .50 BMG as an assault weapon.

For a free legal consultation with a lawyer serving California, call (310) 928-9347

Facts About Possession of a .50 BMG

It is against the law to “possess” a .50 BMG in the state of California. The state recognizes two primary kinds of possession. Both forms of possession will result in criminal charges. Individuals can face PC 30610 charges if they have:

Actual Possession of a .50 MG

“Actual” possession involves direct contact with a .50 BMG. An individual who goes for a walk with a .50 BMG slung over their shoulder is in actual possession of a .50 BMG. Individuals who carry around a firearm in a bag are also in actual possession of the weapon.

Constructive Possession of a .50 BMG

People can still have possession of a .50 BMG even if they are not carrying it. This is considered “constructive” possession. Individuals have constructive possession of weapons that are in their control. You have constructive possession of a .50 BMG if you have it stored in a gun case in your home, for example.

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Penalties for PC 30610 Convictions

PC 30610 is generally treated as a misdemeanor in the state of California. A conviction under PC 30610 usually results in:

• Fines of up to $1,000
• Jail time of up to one year

However, misdemeanor charges are not always used. In some cases, the prosecution will treat a PC 30610 offense as an infraction. Infractions are less serious than misdemeanors. An infraction charge will only lead to fines of up to $500.

Individuals can face an infraction charge only in specific circumstances. Infraction charges are only used for a first-time PC 30610 offense. Additionally, individuals only face infraction charges if they have possession of no more than two firearms. Furthermore, the court only treats PC 30610 violations as an infraction if an individual lawfully had possession of a .50 BMG before 2005.

Reach out to a weapons charges lawyer in Los Angeles if you have questions about infraction and misdemeanor charges. Just call (310) 997-4688 to start working with a member of our team at the Simmrin Law Group.

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Charges Like Possession of a .50 BMG

California has a reputation for having strong gun control laws. Our state uses many different charges to handle the illegal possession of certain weapons. Examples of these charges include:

• Penal Code §30600, for the sale of an assault weapon
• Penal Code §30605, for the possession of an assault weapon
• Penal Code §16590, for the possession of a generally prohibited weapon

In many cases, individuals can face charges if they import, sell, or give away firearms in the state of California. In fact, people need to have a license to sell firearms in our state. Some firearms – including assault weapons – are much harder to buy and sell legally.

Furthermore, individuals face criminal charges if they carry legally purchased firearms in public. California only allows you to carry a firearm in public if you have a concealed carry weapons (CCW) permit. Most people are not awarded one of these penalties. Individuals can face charges even for carrying an unloaded or broken weapon in public.

Finally, using a firearm to harm or kill someone else is a serious criminal offense in Los Angeles. Individuals can face charges for murder or attempted murder. You can get help with these charges from a violent crimes lawyer in Los Angeles.

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Defenses for Possession of a .50 BMG

PC 30610 charges do not automatically result in a conviction here in California. In fact, you can work with a Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer to build a strong defense right away. A lawyer can review the specific facts of your case and then work to show that:

You Were Exempt from PC 30610 Charges

Some people in the state of California are legally allowed to possess a .50 BMG. These individuals may have a permit that allows them to own an assault weapon. Talk to a lawyer right away if you are legally permitted to have possession of a .50 BMG.

You Didn’t Have Possession of a .50 BMG

We discussed the legal definition of “possession” earlier in this article. You should not face a PC 30610 conviction if you were not in possession of an assault weapon. Perhaps the weapon belonged to someone else and they merely brought it into your presence. This could allow you to avoid a PC 30610 conviction in Los Angeles.

Ask a Lawyer for Help with Penal Code 30610 Charges

The Simmrin Law Group can help if you are charged under Penal Code 30610 in California. Just reach out to our criminal defense lawyers in Los Angeles to get help. Our team understands charges for the possession of a .50 BMG. We’ll get to work on your case when you call us at (310) 997-4688. You can also fill out our online contact form.

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