You can get fast help to build a defense against weapon charges in San Diego by contacting the Simmrin Law Group. Our team of legal professionals understands how serious weapons charges can be. That’s why we’re ready to:
- Block evidence against you
- Build a strong defense for your case
- Assess any plea bargains you are offered
- Stand up for you in and out of court
You can easily reach our weapon charges lawyers in San Diego. Let us start constructing your defense if you are accused of violating California’s laws regarding weapon ownership or usage.
Charges for Carrying Concealed Weapons in San Diego
In most cases, it is illegal to carry a concealed weapon in San Diego. This charge applies to firearms as well as other dangerous weapons, including switchblade knives. You can face criminal charges if you conceal a weapon on your person or in your vehicle.
A conviction for carrying a concealed weapon can result in incarceration for up to three years, along with fines of up to $10,000. Note that there are several exceptions to California’s regulations on concealed weapons. For example, you should not face this charge if you have a valid concealed carry permit (CCP).
For a free legal consultation with a weapon charges lawyer serving San Diego, call (310) 928-9347
You Can Be Prosecuted for Openly Carrying a Weapon
Some individuals wonder if they can avoid a charge for carrying a concealed weapon by openly carrying a firearm in San Diego. This action is also illegal. In fact, you can face criminal charges for carrying a gun even if it is not loaded.
You may be exempted from this regulation if you have a CCP, if you are a member of a gun club, or if you are employed in certain fields. For example, police officers and military personnel are generally allowed to carry weapons in public while working.
A conviction for carrying a loaded firearm in public can result in thousands of dollars in fines and jail time of up to three years. Make sure you reach out to a criminal defense lawyer in San Diego as soon as you get arrested for carrying a weapon while in public.
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Brandishing a Deadly Weapon Is Against the Law
You can face criminal charges if you are accused of drawing a deadly weapon around other people in a way that is angry or threatening. Drawing a weapon during a figh – if you are not trying to defend yourself or someone else – can also lead to a brandishing a deadly weapon charge. Deadly weapons can include:
- Firearms
- Knives and other bladed weapons
- Baseball bats and other clubs
- Makeshift weapons like broken glass
- Animals such as attack dogs
You could be sentenced to three years in prison if convicted of brandishing a deadly weapon in San Diego. If you’re charged with this crime, speak to a San Diego weapons charges attorney.
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There Are Penalties for Negligent Discharge of a Firearm in San Diego
Negligent discharge occurs if someone shoots a firearm in a way that grossly disregards the safety of others, resulting in a situation where someone could be hurt or killed.
Negligent discharge accusations do not apply if an individual intentionally fires a gun at another person. That action would either be treated as attempted murder or self-defense, depending on the circumstances.
However, firing a gun around other people without regard for their wellbeing can lead to negligent discharge accusations. You could face fines and prison time if convicted of a negligent discharge.
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California’s Felon With a Firearm Law Regulates Gun Ownership
While the Constitution gives citizens the right to bear arms, this right may be revoked in San Diego if you are:
- Convicted of a felony
- Convicted of certain misdemeanors
- Addicted to some controlled substances
- Mentally ill
Individuals found in possession of a firearm after their gun rights have been revoked could face criminal charges based on the Felon With a Firearm law. This charge can result in fines of up to $10,000 and up to three years of prison time.
San Diego Regulates the Sale of Firearms
You can also face criminal charges if you sell firearms in San Diego without a license. Penalties for the unlicensed sale of firearms can include six months of jail time and fines of up to $1,000. Note that these penalties apply to each weapon sold without a license.
Do Weapons Offenses Count as Strikes Under California’s Three Strikes Law?
Any felony involving a firearm can result in a strike under California’s Three Strikes Law. This sentencing law is highly controversial and faces a constant call for repeal. Despite that, it has been in effect within the state for over twenty years.
Offenders who commit three violent or “serious” felonies can find themselves looking at a sentence of 25 years to life under the Three Strikes Law.
Avoiding a strike on your record is always desirable, and especially so when you already have two previous convictions. A weapons charges lawyer in San Diego can help you fight a weapons charge that could potentially result in a third strike and work to keep you from spending the rest of your life behind bars.
Plea Bargaining to Lessen a Weapons Charge
When facing a weapons charge that carries a potential strike on your record, a plea bargain could help by reducing a felony charge to a lesser charge that does not count as a strike. Plea bargaining may also be able to help you avoid other potential consequences from a conviction of the original charge, like the loss of your right to own a firearm.
Plea bargaining can be useful if you don’t want to risk the consequences of a conviction at trial or if you feel the evidence against you is too strong to beat. However, before accepting a plea deal, make sure to consult with your attorney. Otherwise, you might accidentally agree to plead guilty to a charge you don’t fully understand.
The original plea deal offered by the prosecution is rarely the best deal you can get, no matter what they may say when attempting to make the deal. An experienced weapon charges lawyer can help you negotiate a plea bargain that works for you.
Build a Defense With a San Diego Weapons Charges Lawyer
Get the help you need to face weapons charges in San Diego by contacting the Simmrin Law Group today. It’s easy to reach us. Just complete our online contact form or call us at the number on your screen to speak with a weapons charges lawyer in San Diego.
Our team is ready to start building your defense today, starting with a free consultation.
Call or text (310) 928-9347 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form