The state of California treats weapons charges with extreme severity. Convictions for weapons charges often result in steep fines and incarceration. Getting professional help on your side right away can increase your chances of avoiding these penalties.
The Simmrin Law Group has experience helping clients in your situation. Our weapons charges lawyers in Carson understand what you’re going through and they have the skills necessary to build your defense.
Criminal Charges for Carrying a Firearm in Carson
You can end up in serious trouble simply for carrying a firearm in public in California. Individuals who carry a firearm could be charged with:
Carrying a Loaded Firearm
California considers carrying a loaded firearm to be a criminal act. The state considers the following weapons to be firearms:
- Shotguns and Rifles
- Handguns and Revolvers
- Antique Guns and Tasers
You could be charged with carrying a loaded firearm even if your weapon is not otherwise operable. You can face misdemeanor or felony charges for carrying a loaded firearm. A conviction for carrying a loaded firearm can lead to:
- Fines: $1,000 – $10,000
- Jail Time: 1 – 3 Years
Carrying a Concealed Weapon
You cannot get around the penalties for carrying a loaded weapon by attempting to hide your firearm. Carson comes down harshly on individuals who carry a concealed weapon on their person or in their vehicle. Carrying a concealed weapon can result in these penalties:
- Fines: $1,000 – $10,000
- Jail Time: 6 Months – 3 Years
Exceptions for Carrying Weapons
Note that there are several exceptions to the laws on carrying a loaded or concealed firearm. Some individuals are allowed to carry firearms, including:
- Officers of the Law
- Guards
- Military Personnel
- Federal Agents
- Licensed Hunters (in some situations)
You may also carry a concealed firearm if you have a concealed carry permit (CCP) that is valid in California.
For a free legal consultation with a weapons charges lawyer serving Carson, call (310) 896-2723
Criminal Charges for Using a Weapon in Carson
Carrying a firearm can result in harsh penalties. Individuals who actually use a weapon can end up in deeper trouble. Depending on your situation, you might be charged with:
Brandishing a Weapon
Brandishing a weapon involves either:
- Taking out, drawing, or displaying a weapon in an angry, rude, or threatening way around another person, OR
- Taking out, drawing, or displaying a weapon in an argument or fight without lawful reason and without the intent to defend yourself or someone else.
For the purposes of this charge, California defines deadly weapons as objects that could cause “great bodily injury.” This can include:
- Firearms
- Bladed Objects
- Clubs
- Power Tools
- Incendiary Devices
You could end up spending 3 years in prison for brandishing a weapon in Carson.
Negligent Discharge
Individuals commit negligent discharge when they fire a gun in a manner that is unsafe. The gun must be fired willfully and your actions must have had the potential to hurt someone for a negligent discharge accusation to apply. Note that self-defense is not the same as negligent discharge.
You could end up facing the following penalties if convicted of negligent discharge:
- Fines: $1,000 – $10,000
- Jail Time: 1 – 3 Years
Handling a weapons charge properly can improve your odds of winning your case. A criminal defense lawyer in Carson can start building your defense right away, so you’re ready for your day in court.
Carson Weapons Charges Lawyer Near Me (310) 896-2723
Additional Weapons Charges in Carson
Depending on your situation, you could be accused of the following weapons charges:
Unlicensed Sale of Firearms
Individuals who sell firearms in Carson without a license can face serious legal penalties. There are exceptions to this law, but they can be difficult to understand. In general, you will spend 6 months in jail for every firearm that you sell without a license in Carson.
Felon with a Firearm
California’s “felon with a firearm” law makes it illegal for certain groups of people to possess firearms. For example, you are not legally allowed to possess firearms if you are:
- A narcotic drug addict
- A convicted felon
You may also not own firearms if you are subject to certain protective or restraining orders, or if you were convicted of some misdemeanors or federal crimes. You could end up spending 3 years in jail if convicted under the felon with a firearm law.
Federal Gun Crimes
The federal court system handles some weapons charges. These federal gun crimes are more harshly punished than crimes addressed at the state level. You can end up facing incredibly high fines and lengthy prison sentences if you are convicted of a federal gun crime.
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Handle Weapons Charges the Right Way
Getting professional help on your side right away will increase the odds that you will win your case. You can get the advice you need from a weapons charges lawyer right here in Carson. The lawyers at the Simmrin Law Group have built their reputation on winning cases just like yours. You can call us at (310) 896-2723 or fill out our online contact form to find out how we can help.
Get started on your defense right now with one of our FREE consultations.
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