California has strict gun laws, with penalties including time in jail or state prison for most charges. However, with an experienced weapons charges lawyer in Glendale from the Simmrin Law Group working on your case, you may avoid spending any time behind bars.
We have a track record of getting charges reduced or dismissed and winning weapons charges cases at trial. In addition, our criminal defense team defends clients at the state and federal levels, depending on the specific weapons charges.
Whether you’re charged as a first-time offender or as a convicted felon, we believe everyone is entitled to a strong defense. We’ll listen to your story, take your side, and build your case. We offer you a FREE consultation on your case.
Benefits of Working With Glendale Weapons Charges Lawyers
A weapons charges lawyer in Glendale can provide you with specialized assistance following an arrest. Lawyers on our team offer you:
- Guidance during legal questioning
- Help protecting your rights during police investigations
- Support during bail hearings if necessary
- Answers to any legal questions you have
- Assistance having your charges reduced or dismissed
In some cases, we can negotiate with the prosecution to reduce your charges with a plea bargain. Plea bargains require you to accept a different criminal charge in exchange for lessened penalties. We also work to block evidence to weaken the case against you, which can result in the dismissal of your charges.
We understand that some weapons charges accusations in Glendale go all the way to court. In this situation, we stand up for you, working to provide a defense to counter the prosecution’s accusations.
For a free legal consultation with a weapons charges lawyer serving Glendale, call (310) 896-2723
Types of Weapons Charges Handled by Glendale Weapons Charges Attorneys
A weapons charges lawyer can specialize in defending clients in weapons charges cases. Any weapons charge is serious, and some weapons charges become federal charges under certain circumstances, such as if a federal agency is making charges or if the charge is for illegal gun sales, for example.
For the purposes of these charges, firearms are defined as weapons using an explosive propellant and include:
- Revolvers or handguns
- Rifles
- Shotguns
- Antique guns such as muzzleloaders
- Tasers
The category of firearms does not include air-propelled weapons such as BB guns, pellet guns, or paintball guns. Examples of weapon charges in Glendale can include:
Brandishing a Weapon
The charge of brandishing a weapon is not the most serious of weapons charges, but it covers a lot of territory. A weapon can be a gun, knife, sword, club, attack dog, or any other item that might be used in an angry or threatening way.
Brandishing a weapon is often charged as a misdemeanor under Penal Code 417 but can be charged as a felony.
Carrying a Concealed Weapon
California Penal Code 25400 makes it illegal to carry a concealed firearm on your person or in your vehicle unless you have a permit for concealed carry. The gun doesn’t even have to be loaded for you to face these charges. The weapon just has to be hidden.
Carrying a Loaded Firearm
In the state of California, it is illegal to carry a loaded firearm in public or keep it in your vehicle. Exceptions to the law include possession of the following:
- Concealed carry permit
- POST certification (and you’re on the job)
- Membership in a gun club (and physically on the premises)
Felon With a Firearm
Federal law prohibits a convicted felon from possessing a firearm. In California, several groups face restrictions that prevent them from possessing a firearm, including:
- Convicted felons
- People convicted of certain crimes that carried a federal prison sentence
- Narcotic drug addicts
- Anyone under a restraining order or protective order that prohibits owning a gun
Federal Gun Crimes
Federal gun crimes can mean time in federal prison if you are convicted. In addition, gun charges can become federal cases in several instances, including:
- Felon in possession of a firearm
- If a firearm was used in “furtherance” of another crime such as drug trafficking or committing a felony
- Related to a federal investigation such as drug trafficking or money laundering
- If a federal agency such as the DEA or ATF is the one bringing charges
Negligent Discharge
Negligent discharge of a firearm means you willfully fired (discharged) a gun in a grossly negligent manner, in a way that someone could be hurt or killed. If a gun goes off by accident, the court does not consider it negligent discharge because you did not willfully intend for the gun to go off.
Unlicensed Sale of Firearms
In California, you cannot sell, rent, or even give away a gun unless you have a license. However, there are several exceptions, which makes the law very confusing and complex.
If you face charges for the unlicensed sale of firearms, you’ll want to consult a weapons charges lawyer to help sort things out.
Glendale Weapons Charges Lawyer Near Me (310) 896-2723
Defenses Used by Glendale Weapons Charges Attorneys
There are many avenues of defense against the various weapons charges. Which defense we mount depends on the circumstances of your individual case, but can include showing that:
- Witnesses falsely identified you
- You forgot you had the gun or didn’t know it was there
- Police performed an illegal search and seizure
- You didn’t know the gun was loaded
- You acted to protect yourself or someone else
When you meet with Glendale weapons charges lawyers, they’ll build a defense specific to your case.
Click to contact our Glendale Criminal Defense Lawyers today
Penalties for Weapons Charges in Glendale
The penalties for weapons charges in Glendale can vary based on the facts of your case. However, in many cases, a conviction can result in:
- Fines
- Jail time
- Probation
The court may require you to give up any weapons you own after a conviction, revoking your right to keep or purchase firearms. In addition, if you face charges for violent usage of a weapon, the court may also require you to attend anger management classes.
Generally, felony charges result in harsher penalties than misdemeanor charges. However, our team takes all weapons charges seriously, devoting time and attention to building a defense designed to meet your unique needs.
Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now
Talk to a Glendale Weapons Charges Attorney for Free
If you or a loved one is facing a weapons charge, you need an experienced Glendale weapons charges lawyer to help you navigate the legal system. Call the Simmrin Law Group or use our contact form for a free case evaluation.
We’re available to help you 24/7; reach out to us now to get started.
Call or text (310) 896-2723 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form