There are severe penalties for individuals who misuse weapons in California. In Irvine, the repercussion of paying a high fine and serving a jail term is required. The laws surrounding gun sales, ownership, and use are complex but not as complex as clearing a firearms conviction.
If you need a defense attorney for your weapons charge, our team can provide you with expert advice. We have record-level success in winning cases for our Irvine, CA clients and are ready to defend you.
Costs of a Weapons Defense Attorney
The price to hire a weapons charges lawyer in Irvine depends on case complexity, legal experience, and a firm’s fee structure. How much a criminal defense lawyer costs varies but most charge by the hour and usually require a retainer for their services. You can expect a reputable law firm to offer you a free case review to help you get started.
For a free legal consultation with a weapons charges lawyer serving Irvine, call (310) 896-2723
Common Defense Strategies of Weapons Charges Cases
A criminal defense attorney has strategic ways to help clients win their weapons charges case. California statutes are numerous but there are always ways to remain protected. Gun charges carry heavy sentences so strong defenses like this are prepared:
Possession
Proving that the defendant possessed and owned the weapon is a job for the prosecution. Your lawyer will carefully examine the evidence to determine if the gun was not found in your possession.
Suppression
If the police obtained the firearm in an unlawful way, it must be demonstrated how and why. If the weapon was retrieved without suspicion or probable cause the case may be dismissed due to suppression.
Operability
BB guns and airsoft guns can be mistaken for a real firearm. Your attorney may request ballistics testing to prove that the gun was real and operable.
Irvine has lawyers that will evaluate the evidence within your case to aggressively defend your rights. Let a legal team handle the technical aspects of a weapons defense.
Irvine Weapons Charges Lawyer Near Me (310) 896-2723
Types of Weapons in Irvine, CA
Weapons are defined as implements capable of causing bodily harm in California. This broad definition can include a wide range of items, including:
- Swords
- Knives
- Baseball bats
- Clubs
- Rocks
- Beer bottles
- Power tools
The state of California also considers all types of firearms to be weapons. This means that revolvers, pistols, rifles, shotguns, and tasers are all weapons.
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Restrictions on Weapon Ownership
Most people over 18 are allowed to own weapons in Irvine. However, California’s “felon with a firearm” law makes it illegal for some groups to possess firearms. For example, you can face criminal charges for owning a gun if you are:
- Addicted to narcotics
- Convicted of a felony
- Convicted of certain misdemeanors
- Subjected to some protective or restraining orders
Additionally, it is currently illegal in California to purchase assault rifles. Individuals who already own these firearms may keep them if they obey certain regulations. Navigate the court system by contacting a criminal defense lawyer in Irvine for help with your firearm charge today.
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Laws on Selling and Carrying Weapons in Irvine
You must have a special license to legally sell firearms in Irvine in most circumstances. The unlicensed sale of firearms can lead to fines of $1,000 and up to six months in jail for each firearm that is illegally sold. While most people are allowed to own weapons in California, you could face criminal charges for publically:
- Carrying a Concealed Weapon
- Carrying a Loaded Firearm
You can also be charged with a criminal act for concealing a firearm on your person or in your vehicle. The penalties for carrying a concealed weapon include fines of $10,000 and up to three years in jail. Convictions for carrying a loaded weapon can include three years of jail time and fines of up to $10,000. Learn more from a weapon defense attorney in Irvine if you’ve been charged.
Laws on Weapons Usage in Irvine
Individuals in California are only allowed to use weapons in specific ways. You can face criminal charges if you are accused of:
Brandishing a Weapon
You can brandish a weapon if you take out or display a weapon around other people:
- In a way that is threatening or angry
- While in a fight or argument
Charges of brandishing a weapon should not apply if you drew a weapon to defend either yourself or another individual. You can end up spending years in prison if you are convicted of brandishing a weapon in Irvine.
Negligent Discharge
California defines negligent discharge as purposefully firing a gun in a grossly negligent way that could lead to injury or death for another person. Your lawyer will fight to clear your conviction if your gun was fired accidently.
They will also work to clear a negligent discharge conviction if you were acting in self-defense when you fired a gun. However, these defenses can be difficult to prove on your own. You can get help standing up for yourself by working with a weapons charges lawyer right away.
Benefits of Hiring a Weapons Charge Lawyer in Irvine
Navigating through the criminal procedure process can be complex, at a minimum a weapons charge lawyer will be with you every step of the way. A criminal defense attorney prepares a strong defense strategy to lessen or clear your conviction. They perform the following functions:
- Clarify charges and penalties
- Investigate evidence
- Protect your constitutional rights
- Examine and suggest plea offers
- Handle caseload and paperwork efficiently
- Develop tactics to navigate the legal system
- Give personalized attention to you and the details of your case
- Coach you on or handle prosecutor and police discussions
Fighting a criminal case can be a gamble. Maximize your chance of winning. Hiring a professional attorney increases the chance of a favorable outcome.
Let an Irvine Weapons Charges Lawyer Defend You
If you were charged with a firearm offense in Irvine, CA, contact us immediately. The Simmrin Law Group has a successful record of defending firearms charges. Our weapons charges attorneys in Irvine can evaluate your case and build a strong defense to avoid conviction.
Call or text (310) 896-2723 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form