Entrepreneurs may ask: As an owner, can I keep a loaded firearm at my small business in California? Running a small business in California is like raising a demanding but rewarding child.
There’s a lot of love and dedication poured in, but also a constant awareness of the rules and regulations that keep things running smoothly. One of those sometimes tricky areas is firearm ownership and storage, especially when it comes to your business location.
This piece isn’t meant to replace a heart-to-heart with a lawyer but to offer a friendly guide. We understand the stress that can come with legal uncertainties, so we’ve put together some basic information to shed light on a common question: can you, as a small business owner, keep a loaded firearm at your shop? Remember, if you have specific questions, a criminal defense lawyer in Burbank from Simmrin Law Group can provide you with answers.
Owning a Firearm in California: Things You Need to Know
California, the land of sunshine and innovation, also has some of the strictest gun control laws in the USA. That means owning a firearm legally comes with a responsibility to follow specific legal requirements and restrictions to keep in mind. These cover everything from the types of firearms you can legally own to ammunition restrictions and safe storage procedures.
- Not all guns are created equal. California has a specific list of firearms you can legally buy and own.
- Ammo limitations. Just like firearms themselves, there are restrictions on the ammunition you can buy and keep on hand. These regulations can vary depending on the type of firearm.
- Safe storage is key. California law takes safe storage seriously. We’re talking secure containers like gun safes or locked cabinets to keep your unloaded firearm out of harm’s way.
The more you understand about California’s gun laws, the better equipped you’ll be to make informed decisions. If things get confusing, don’t hesitate to reach out to a Burbank weapons charges lawyer for a free consultation. They can explain the law in detail and advise you on the requirements specific to your situation.
For a free legal consultation, call (310) 896-2723
Gun Laws in California Explained by a Lawyer
Think of your lawyer as your personal translator, navigating the legal language and explaining things in a clear, easy-to-understand way. Here’s a glimpse into what a lawyer can do for you:
Law Breakdown
They can break down California’s gun laws into bite-sized pieces, explaining the requirements and regulations regarding firearm ownership and storage at your business location.
Specific Situations
No two businesses are exactly alike. A lawyer can advise you on the requirements specific to your situation, considering factors like your business type and location.
Avoiding Trouble
Gun laws can change, and staying informed about updates can be challenging. A lawyer can keep you informed about any legal changes that might impact your business’s firearm storage practices.
A Burbank criminal defense lawyer from Simmrin Law Group can address your concerns and empower you to make confident decisions regarding firearm ownership and storage at your business. It’s a chance to gain peace of mind and get back to focusing on what you do best – running a thriving business.
Requirements and Regulations for Storing a Firearm at a Business Location
California has some of the strictest gun control laws in the USA and has specific requirements and regulations in place to ensure the safekeeping of firearms, especially at business locations. Understanding these rules can help you protect your business, your employees, and yourself. Here’s a breakdown of some key points to remember:
- Unloaded and Out of Sight. California law generally requires firearms at a business location to be unloaded when not in use. This means they should be stored in a secure container, like a locked gun safe or cabinet, with ammunition stored separately.
- Safe Storage Matters. Those secure containers need to be substantial enough to deter a casual break-in. Think of bolted-down gun safes or metal cabinets with sturdy locks.
- Know Your Local Laws. While California has statewide gun laws, some cities and counties might have additional regulations regarding firearm storage at businesses. It’s always a good idea to check with your local authorities for any ordinances specific to your area.
Remember, safety should always be the top priority. By following these requirements and regulations, you’re not just complying with the law, you’re creating a safer environment for yourself, your employees, and your customers.
Can a Small Business Owner in California Keep a Loaded Firearm at Their Business? – FAQ
Who May Purchase a Firearm in California?
The Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution gives people the right to bear arms. In California, most adults over the age of 21 may buy, own, and possess firearms. However, residents must comply with the state’s strict gun laws for purchasing a gun legally in California.
You may qualify to purchase a firearm if:
- You are at least 18 to buy a rifle or shotgun.
- You are at least 21 to buy a handgun.
- You must have a good reason for applying for a gun permit.
- You do not have a mental illness.
- You are not a convicted felon.
- You are not addicted to narcotics.
- You do not have any gang affiliation.
- You are not legally prohibited from owning a gun.
- You pass the Personal Firearms Eligibility Check (PFEC).
It’s important to keep in mind that you must obtain a Firearm Safety Certificate or Handgun Safety Certificate before purchasing a gun. This means taking a 30-question test and answering at least 23 questions correctly to pass.
You must purchase your gun from a licensed dealer through the Dealer’s Record of Sale (DROS) process. There is a 10-day waiting period after buying a gun before it may enter your ownership. California does not limit the number of handguns you may own but you can only purchase one gun in 30 days.
Where Can You Carry a Gun in California?
You need to have a permit to purchase a handgun in California. However, you do not need a permit or license to carry a gun on private property, such as:
- Your home
- Your business
- Private property owned by a U.S. citizen or resident
Can I Carry a Gun in Public?
In California, you generally may not carry a firearm in a public place. To carry a weapon in public California, you will need a concealed weapons permit (CCW). Without this permit, you may be charged with a crime, whether or not the gun is loaded.
Even if you have a CCW, you may not bring firearms into gun-free zones, such as:
- Schools and universities
- Daycare facilities
- Rehab facilities
- Courthouses and courtrooms
- Public buildings and public gatherings
Can You Keep a Gun at Work in California?
There is no specific law for carrying guns at work in California, so if you work on private property, you may legally be permitted to keep a gun at work. However, your employer may ban firearms from the premises. Most employers in California have weapon policies in place to decrease the likelihood of workplace violence.
If that is the case, a licensed owner may leave a gun in their car while at work. It must be unloaded and kept in the trunk or a locked compartment. Note that California employers may ban weapons from parked cars in private parking lots and garages.
Can You Keep a Loaded Gun in California?
One of the most important gun laws in California is Penal Code (P.C.) §25850, California’s law about carrying a loaded firearm. It is illegal to carry a loaded gun, either on your person or in your car, while in public areas. You may keep a loaded gun in the privacy of your own home.
Are There Exceptions to This Law?
There are several exceptions to P.C. §25850. You are legally allowed to carry a loaded firearm in public if:
- You have a concealed carry permit
- You have Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) certification
- You are a police officer or federal agent
- You are a member of the military
- You work as a security guard or a private investigator
What California Firearm Laws Mean for Business Owners?
State law prohibits you from carrying a loaded gun in public, and businesses like convenience stores are considered public spaces. However, California recognizes business owners’ desire to protect their assets and their employees from harm. Under P.C. §26035, business owners and their employees are permitted to keep loaded guns at work.
A small business owner who wants to keep a loaded firearm at their business should:
- Pass the Personal Firearms Eligibility Check
- Purchase a firearm from a licensed dealer
- Wait 10 days before taking ownership of the gun
- Store the firearm in a locked container that is not publicly accessible
- Offer employees information about gun safety and proper use
Bear in mind that a handgun must be unloaded and in a locked container while you transport it to and from your place of business unless you have reason to believe you will need it for self-defense.
What does the California’s Castle Doctrine Mean?
California does not have a “stand your ground” law. There is a Castle Doctrine that serves a similar purpose if an intruder enters your home or business and poses a deadly threat. You are allowed to defend yourself as long as your body or property is in danger.
Be aware that your right to use force ends once the threat has passed or the intruder has left your property. For example, you may shoot at a robber who enters your business and presents a threat of violence. If the robber surrenders or runs away, you legally cannot open fire.
Responsible gun owners must stay informed about state laws and best practices. Firearm and weapon laws in California are subject to change at any time.
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Talk to an Experienced Criminal Law Attorney in California for Free Today
Running a small business is an adventure, but sometimes legal uncertainties can cast a long shadow. The legalities surrounding firearm ownership and storage at your business can feel especially complex. Don’t let confusion hold you back. A free consultation with a Burbank criminal defense lawyer can be your roadmap to clear skies.
A lawyer can explain California’s gun laws in plain English, answering your questions about requirements, regulations, and safe storage practices specific to your business.
Our Burbank criminal defense lawyers at SImmrin Law Group offer free consultations. Take advantage of this opportunity to clear the confusion and gain the confidence you need to move forward. Your business deserves to thrive, and with the right knowledge on your side, you can ensure its success and safety. Contact us today.
Call or text (310) 896-2723 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form