These charges can lead to fines and even incarceration. The team at the Simmrin Law Group can help. Call us today at (310) 896-2723.
Penalties for PC 33215 Violations in Los Angeles
The state of California classifies PC 33215 as a “wobbler.” Wobblers are special criminal charges. Sometimes they are treated as misdemeanors, and other times the prosecution will treat them as felonies. In order to decide how to handle them, the prosecution will:
- Assess an individual’s past criminal record
- Review the current charges
A misdemeanor conviction leads to less serious penalties. However, misdemeanor charges should still receive serious consideration here in Los Angeles. Misdemeanor PC 33215 convictions can result in:
- Fines of up to $1,000
- Jail time of up to one year
A felony conviction, on the other hand, can lead to:
- Fines of up to $10,000
- Incarceration for up to three years
A criminal defense lawyer in Los Angeles can help you with either misdemeanor or felony charges here in our state.
Defenses Against PC 33215 Allegations in California
Turn to a Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer if you are being accused of possession of a sawed-off shotgun or short-barreled rifle. We can assess your situation and work to show that:
You Are Allowed to Possess These Weapons
Some individuals in California are allowed to have short-barreled rifles or sawed-off shotguns. For example, antique dealers and law enforcement officers are often allowed to possess these items. Inform a lawyer if you think you were legally allowed to own these weapons.
You Did Not Possess One of These Weapons
A lawyer can take steps to show that you never possessed a restricted weapon. Perhaps you were falsely accused of possessing a short-barreled rifle or sawed-off shotgun. We can help in either of these situations.
Laws Pertaining to Short-Barreled Rifles and Sawed-Off Shotguns
Short-barreled rifles and sawed-off shotguns are two different kinds of firearms. Possession of either of these firearms is illegal in California.
Penal Code §17170
PC 17170 deals with the definition of a “short-barreled rifle.” According to PC 17170, short-barreled rifles are rifles that have:
- A barrel less than 16 inches long OR
- The overall length of under 26 inches
Penal Code §17180
The state uses PC 17180 to define “sawed-off shotguns.” These items are also called short-barreled shotguns in some situations. These weapons must be shotguns. Shotguns have a “short barrel” if:
- The barrel is under 18 inches long OR
- The overall length is under 26 inches
Any weapons that are too short can lead to PC 33215 charges in the state of California.
How PC 33215 Charges Work
Individuals face PC 33215 charges for the possession of short-barreled rifles or sawed-off shotguns. Individuals can also face PC 33215 charges if they:
- Make or create sawed-off shotguns or short-barreled rifts
- Import these weapons into the state of California
- Lend, sell, or give away these weapons
Some individuals face PC 33215 charges if they have a short-barreled rifle or sawed-off shotgun in their possession even if it is disassembled. Individuals who have the parts to make these weapons can still be convicted under PC 33215. However, the court has to show that the weapon could be put together quickly to secure a conviction.
Fight PC 33215 charges with the team at the Simmrin Law Group. Get help now by calling (310) 896-2723.
Talk to a Lawyer Today About Penal Code 33215 Charges
The team at the Simmrin Law Group will help you fight back against charges related to sawed-off shotguns and short-barreled rifles. We can help you build a defense against PC 33215 accusations. Find out more with a free consultation.
Reach our Los Angeles criminal defense lawyers easily by completing our online contact form or by calling (310) 896-2723.