Individuals who misuse weapons in California can end up facing serious criminal charges. You can end up sentenced to a lengthy jail term and high fines if you are convicted on a weapons charge in Irvine.
The legal codes surrounding the ownership, sale, and use of weapons are complex and difficult to understand, which can make winning a case more difficult. The Simmrin Law Group can help guide you through any legal issues you’re facing while working on your defense.
You can count on our team of weapons charges lawyers in Irvine to provide you with expert advice. We have years of experience winning cases for clients throughout the Irvine area and we’re ready to put our skills to work for you.
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.
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.
Illegally owning a firearm can come with high legal costs. You can get help navigating the court system by contacting a criminal defense lawyer in Irvine for help today.
Laws on Selling 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 6 months of time in jail for each firearm that is illegally sold.
Laws on Carrying Weapons in Irvine
While most people are allowed to own weapons in California, there are harsh regulations about carrying a weapon in public. You could face criminal charges for:
- Carrying a Concealed Weapon
- Carrying a Loaded Firearm
Note that you can be charged with a criminal act for concealing a firearm on your person or in your vehicle. The penalties for carrying a concealed weapon can include fines of $10,000 and up to 3 years in jail.
Openly carrying a loaded firearm can also lead to serious repercussions, even if your firearm is not otherwise operational. Convictions for carrying a loaded firearm can include 3 years of jail time and fines of up to $10,000.
You may be able to avoid these penalties if you have a valid concealed carry permit (CCP).
Laws on Weapons Usage in Irvine
Individuals in California are only allowed to use weapons in certain 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, OR
- 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. This means that negligent discharge accusations should not apply if a gun is fired accidently.
You should also not face 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.
Let an Irvine Weapons Charges Lawyer Defend You
Weapons charges can disrupt your plans for your future. The Simmrin Law Group doesn’t believe that you should have to put your life on hold to deal with a criminal case. Our weapons charges lawyers in Irvine can work to build your defense right away. You can get information about your legal options now by calling us at (310) 997-4688 or filling out our online contact form.
Get the help you need today with one of our FREE consultations.