California’s gun laws are pretty strict, with penalties including time in jail or state prison for most charges. However, with an experienced Glendale weapons charges lawyer from the Simmrin Law Group working on your case, you may be able to avoid spending any time behind bars. We have a track record of getting charges reduced, dismissed altogether, and winning weapons charges cases at trial.
Our criminal defense team defends clients at the state and federal level, depending on what the specific weapons charges are. 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.
Don’t try and go it alone. We offer you a FREE consultation on your case, and we can meet with you at the police department, at the hospital, or wherever you need us.
Types of Weapons Charges Cases We Handle
We have lawyers on staff who 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 the one 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 muzzle loaders
- Tasers
The category of firearms does not include air-propelled weapons such as BB guns, pellet guns, or paintball guns.
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, 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 be charged. The gun just has to be concealed.
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 are banned 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. 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 fo 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, it is not considered 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 to do so. There are a number of exceptions, which makes the law very confusing and complex. If you are charged with the unlicensed sale of firearms, you’ll want to consult a weapons charges lawyer to help sort things out.
Potential Defenses in Weapons Charges Cases
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:
- False Identification
- 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 were acting in self-defense.
- And more.
When you meet with our team of lawyers, we’ll build a defense specific to your case. Contact us today today for free to find out more.
Talk to a Glendale, CA Weapons Charges Lawyer for Free
If you or a loved one has 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 at 310-997-4688 or use our contact form for a free case evaluation. We’re available to help you 24/7.
