Weapon offenses are often considered some of the most serious types of crimes in the state of California. When you have been arrested and charged, taking steps to clear your name may be the only way to avoid the devastating implications of a conviction.
However, crafting a powerful defense strategy is not going to be easy. You may require an experienced Chino weapons charges lawyer at the Simmrin Law Group to advocate for your future. Schedule a confidential consultation today to find out more about the potential penalties you could be facing and how you might go about challenging the weapons charge allegations against you.
Common Weapons Offenses in Chino
There are multiple types of criminal charges you could face involving weapons. Your criminal defense lawyer in Los Angeles will need to carefully evaluate the type of weapons offense you have been charged with to determine the extent of your penalties and how to best approach your defense strategy. Some of the most common types of weapon charges you could be facing include:
- Unlawful use of a firearm
- Illegally transporting a firearm
- Carrying a loaded handgun
- Assault with a deadly weapon
- Defacing a deadly weapon
- Felon in possession of a firearm
- Firearm trafficking
- Carrying a concealed weapon
- Possession of pepper spray
- Possession of an unlicensed firearm
- Drive-by shootings
- Shooting at a dwelling
These are just a few of the different types of weapons charges you could be facing. Many of these offenses involve firearms. The gun laws in the state of California are particularly strict.
If you are charged with a weapons or firearm-related offense, you will almost certainly be at risk for severe penalties. For this reason, it is critical to get a weapons charges attorney working for you so you can prepare a powerful defense.
For a free legal consultation with a weapons charges lawyer serving Chino, call (310) 896-2723
What to Do if Charged with a Weapons Crime
If you have been charged with a weapons crime, one of the first steps you need to take is to contact a weapons charges attorney in Chino, CA, for help. Do not speak with law enforcement officials in an attempt to clear up the matter or avoid arrest. Anything you say can and will be used against you should your case go to trial.
As soon as you are given the opportunity to make a phone call, reach out to your weapons charges lawyer for help. Your lawyer can then help prearrange bail and begin gathering evidence to be used to support your case. In many instances, we can work with the prosecutor to obtain a plea agreement or get you entered into a pretrial diversion program as opposed to bringing your case to court.
Once you have been arraigned and bail is set, your lawyer will help to ensure you are released from the San Bernardino county jail where you were booked. From there, we will either begin working with the prosecutor or start building a defense if your case is set to go to trial.
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Sentencing if Convicted of Chino Weapons Charges
The consequences you could face if you are convicted of a weapons offense in Chino are often harsh. Generally, firearms offenses can be charged as wobblers. This means they can be charged with a misdemeanor level or felony level, depending on the specific circumstances of your case.
If this is not your first offense or someone suffered a serious injury or death in your case, you can expect to be charged with a felony-level weapons charge. However, your attorney may be able to get your felony-level weapons charges reduced to a misdemeanor.
There are additional sentence enhancements for weapons offenses, including those involving firearms. If you use a gun in the commission of a felony or are armed with a firearm, you might have an additional 10 years added to your initial prison sentence. Additionally, if you are convicted of one of 19 violent felonies, such as rape, kidnapping, or murder, you could be sentenced to an additional:
- 10 years if you use a firearm in the commission of a crime
- 20 years if you fire a gun while committing a crime
- 25 years to life if someone is seriously or fatally injured because you fired a gun
Additional Gun Charge Consequences
You can also expect to be ordered to pay fines, complete community service hours, and, depending on the details of your case, could even be ordered to register as a sex offender. However, these are only the criminal penalties you will face.
The collateral consequences of a weapons charge convection are also far-reaching. Some examples of collateral penalties could include:
- Loss of child custody or visitation rights
- Loss of gun rights
- Temporary loss of voting rights
- Deportation or other citizenship issues
- Trouble finding housing
- Being passed over for job opportunities or promotions
- Loss of federal student aid eligibility
- Professional or personal reputational damages
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Prepare to Fight for Your Liberties
When you have been charged with a weapons offense in Chino, it is essential to take steps to defend your name. The consequences are simply too severe to plead guilty and accept your fate.
Fortunately, when you work with an experienced criminal defense lawyer, you can choose a defense that is best suited to your personal needs. Some of the most common ways to defend yourself when you have been accused of a weapons offense include:
- Actual versus constructive possession
- Unlawful search and seizure
- Violations of your constitutional rights
- Entering a pretrial diversion program
- Working out a plea agreement with the prosecutor
After carefully analyzing the evidence gathered against you and the aggravating or mitigating factors in your case, your Chino weapons charges attorney will have a better idea as to which defense strategy is going to produce the most favorable outcome for you.
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Contact a Weapons Charges Lawyer in Chino for Help Today
There are several ways you may be able to clear your name when you have been charged with a weapons offense. Explore your opportunities for freedom when you contact a dedicated chino weapons charges lawyer at the Simmrin Law Group for a confidential consultation. You can fill out our quick contact form or call us to get started on your case as soon as today.
Call or text (310) 896-2723 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form