The court system in California handles weapons charges very seriously. You could end up charged with a misdemeanor or even a felony if you use a weapon in an illegal way. Individuals who are convicted on a weapons charge often face fines and incarceration for months or years.
Dealing with a weapons charge on your own can be difficult due to California’s complicated legal codes. It’s easy to get overwhelmed by conflicting rules and confusing exceptions. You can get expert advice and legal guidance from the Downey weapons charges lawyers at the Simmrin Law Group.
What to Expect from a Weapons Charge in Downey
Downey uses weapons charges to handle any misuse of weapons. Many of these charges deal strictly with firearms, but this is not universally the case. You might be charged with:
- Carrying a concealed weapon
- Carrying a loaded firearm
- Unlicensed sale of firearms
- Brandishing a weapon
- Negligent discharge
Under California’s “felon with a firearm” law, you could face criminal charges for possessing a firearm in some circumstances. Weapons charges are generally handled as misdemeanors or felonies in the courtroom. Fighting a weapons charge can be successful with help on your side.
For a free legal consultation with a weapons charges lawyer serving Downey, call (310) 928-9347
How Much does a Criminal Defense Attorney Cost?
The cost for a felony defense attorney varies. The rate depends on their expertise and your caseload. While the average reported cost for a entry to mid-level lawyer ranges from $250 to $750 per hour, work time and experience level will determine your rate.
Downey Weapons Charges Lawyer Near Me (310) 928-9347
Is Hiring a Criminal Defense Lawyer Worth It?
When facing a criminal weapons charge, defense lawyers make a vast difference in the outcomes of cases. Hiring a Downey weapons charges attorney is beneficial to your case in the following ways:
They Help You Understand the Process
Lawyers that are able to assist their clients in navigating the procedural process show a deep knowledge and understanding of the law. Hiring a professional lawyer that demonstrates full legal support shows preparedness and transparency.
They Weigh and Consider All Alternative Options
The weight of a criminal offense can be debilitating. A masterful attorney will not only weigh your available option, but also negotiate deals that positively impact your future.
They Closely Re-Examine Evidence
The role of an expert lawyer is to poke holes in the prosecution’s statements. Inspecting evidence for tampering and interviewing witnesses helps solidify the details of your defense.
At the very least, requesting a free case evaluation will help you to determine if hiring a lawyer is worth it.
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Laws for Carrying a Weapon in Downey
Most individuals are not allowed to carry a weapon in public in Downey. You may have an exception from this rule if you have a concealed carry permit (CCP), but lawyers are ready to help with the following criminal charges:
Carrying a Concealed Weapon
Downey laws prohibit carrying a concealed weapon on your person or in a vehicle without a special permit. You could face criminal charges if you are found with a concealed weapon. Penalties for carrying a concealed weapon can lead to $10,000 in fines and three years in jail.
Carrying a Loaded Firearm
While you are not allowed to carry a concealed weapon in Downey, you are also not allowed to openly carry a loaded firearm. Downey considers firearms to be:
- Rifles
- Shotguns
- Handguns
- Revolvers
- Antique guns
- Tasers
You could be charged with a misdemeanor or a felony for carrying a loaded firearm, even if the gun does not otherwise function. Dealing with a charge for carrying a weapon can be complicated by the laws in Downey.
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Charges for the Unlicensed Sale of Firearms
Legally, Penal Code § 26500 only permits you to lease, sell, or change the ownership of a firearm in Downey if you have a license. If you take part in the unlicensed sale of firearms, you can be charged with a misdemeanor and sentenced to six months in jail if you are convicted. A weapons charges lawyer in Downey can work to reduce or eliminiate the penalties.
Downey’s Laws on Brandishing a Deadly Weapon
According to Penal Code § 417, you can be charged with brandishing a deadly weapon if you take out or display a dangerous weapon if you are behaving in an angry, rude, or threatening way. You can be charged for using:
- Firearms
- Baseball bats
- Knives or swords
- Rocks
- Incendiary devices
You could be charged with a misdemeanor or a felony for brandishing a deadly weapon. Individuals convicted of brandishing a deadly weapon can be sent to prison for three years.
Laws Against Negligent Discharge in Downey
Negligent discharge occurs when someone willfully fires a gun in a way that is grossly negligent and that could lead to someone else’s injury or death. Reckless behavior with a firearm can include actions like:
- Firing a gun in the air
- Shooting a gun in a residential neighborhood
- Using a BB gun in a yard
You could be sentenced to three years of jail time and fined up to $10,000 if you are convicted of negligent discharge. A skilled weapons charges lawyer in Downey can help you make a case before you’re overwhelmed by legal penalties.
The Felon With a Firearm Law in Downey
California has made it illegal for convicted felons and narcotics addicts cannot legally own guns. This ruling was set out in the “felon with a firearm” law (Penal Code § 29800). Gun ownership is restricted by certain protective orders as well.
If caught illegally possessing a gun, you can be convicted and sent to jail for three years and fined $10,000. You can even be charged in federal court if connected to an ongoing federal investigation or if you use a firearm in certain unlawful ways.
Weapon Charges Defense Strategy
Defense strategies for weapons charges can vary greatly and calls for an airtight argument. For anyone in Downey facing a weapons charge, your attorney can tailor facts of your case to fit the details of the offense. Common defenses are:
- Entrapment
- Self-defense
- Violation of the Fourth Amendment
- Accidental discharge of a firearm
A skilled weapons charges lawyer in Downey can get you an acquittal or have your charges significantly reduced.
Fight for Your Future With a Weapons Charges Lawyer
A weapons charge can seem surreal at first, but you could face serious repercussions if you are convicted. Building a case as soon as possible can improve your chances in court.
Our Downey weapons charges lawyers at the Simmrin Law Group has the experience you need to fight for your freedom. Take advantage of our FREE consultation to see what we can do for you by contacting us today.
Call or text (310) 928-9347 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form