California’s weapons laws are among the strictest in the nation, and a single misstep can lead to serious legal consequences. Whether you’re facing charges for illegal possession, carrying a concealed weapon, or any other weapons-related offense, you need a San Gabriel weapons charges lawyer.
The Simmrin Law Group can help protect your rights and freedom. Call our San Gabriel criminal defense lawyers for legal advice and learn how we can fight your charges. We have won over 100 jury trials, including ones involving homicide and weapons charges.
Common Weapons Charges Our San Gabriel Lawyers Represent
Weapons charges in California encompass a wide range of offenses. Some of the most frequent cases we handle in San Gabriel include:
- Illegal possession of firearms
- Carrying a concealed weapon without a permit
- Possession of assault weapons
- Brandishing a firearm or weapon
- Felon in possession of a firearm
Each charge has specific elements that the prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt. Understanding the exact nature of your charge is crucial for developing an effective defense strategy.
For a free legal consultation with a weapons charges lawyer serving San Gabriel, call (310) 896-2723
Potential Penalties for Weapons Charges
Depending on the specific offense and your criminal history, you may face:
- Substantial fines
- Probation or parole
- Mandatory minimum jail sentences
- Felony convictions leading to loss of certain civil rights
- Prohibition from owning or possessing firearms in the future
Many weapons offenses in California are “wobblers,” meaning they can be charged as either misdemeanors or felonies. Prosecutors often use prior convictions to justify pursuing felony charges in these cases.
Additionally, some weapons charges automatically become more serious with prior convictions. For instance, carrying a loaded firearm in public is typically a misdemeanor, but it becomes a felony if you have certain prior convictions.
San Gabriel Weapons Charges Lawyer Near Me (310) 896-2723
The Impact of Weapons Charges on Your Future
A weapons charge conviction can have far-reaching consequences beyond legal penalties. It can affect:
- Your ability to find employment
- Housing opportunities
- Professional licenses
- Your right to own firearms in the future
- Personal relationships and reputation
Given these potential long-term impacts, it’s crucial to fight these charges with the help of an experienced legal team.
Click to contact our San Gabriel Criminal Defense Lawyers today
Effective Defense Strategies Our San Gabriel Weapons Charges Attorneys May use
Depending on the details of your case, Simmrin Law Group may employ various defense strategies:
Challenging the Legality of Police Actions
If law enforcement violated your Fourth Amendment rights during the search and seizure process, we may be able to have evidence suppressed, potentially leading to the dismissal of charges.
Demonstrating Lack of Knowledge or Intent
In some cases, you may have been unaware that you had an illegal weapon or that your actions constituted a crime.
Asserting Self-Defense or Defense of Others
Using a weapon in legitimate self-defense situations or to protect others could serve as a valid legal justification for your actions.
Proving Mistaken Identification or Faulty Evidence
We scrutinize all evidence to ensure accuracy and challenge any misidentifications or errors in the prosecution’s case.
Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now
Dealing with Weapons Charges While on Probation or Parole
If you’re facing weapons charges while on probation or parole in California, you’re in an especially precarious legal situation. Not only are you dealing with new criminal charges, but you’re also at risk of violating the terms of your probation or parole, which typically prohibit possession of weapons.
This combination can lead to severe consequences, including reinstating your original sentence, additional criminal charges, and potentially lengthy prison time. At Simmrin Law Group, we understand the complexity of these cases and the high stakes involved.
Our San Gabriel weapons charges attorneys can challenge the evidence of the weapons charge, negotiate with prosecutors for reduced charges or alternative sentencing, and present mitigating factors at your violation hearing. Our goal will be to protect your freedom and prevent the compounding of penalties.
How Simmrin Law Group Defends Against Weapons Charges
At Simmrin Law Group, we bring years of experience and a deep understanding of California weapons laws to your defense. Our approach includes:
- Thorough case evaluation: We meticulously examine your case’s evidence and circumstances.
- Strategic defense planning: We develop a tailored defense strategy based on the specifics of your situation.
- Skilled negotiation: When appropriate, we negotiate with prosecutors for reduced charges or alternative sentencing.
- Aggressive courtroom representation: If your case goes to trial, we will fight vigorously for your rights.
The Critical Role of Intent in Weapons Charges Cases
In legal terms, intent refers to the state of mind with which an act is committed. The prosecution must often prove intent as an element of the offense. For example, in simple possession of an illegal weapon, the prosecution must prove that you knew you possessed the weapon and were aware of its illegal nature.
“I didn’t know it was illegal” isn’t usually a successful defense. However, if you can demonstrate that you genuinely did not know of the weapon’s presence (such as if it was planted in your vehicle without your knowledge), this could form the basis of a strong defense.
Intent can also play a role in determining whether a charge is filed as a misdemeanor or a felony. For instance, carrying a concealed weapon without a permit can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony. The prosecutor’s decision may be influenced by why you had it, whether it was loaded, and other questions of intent.
Contact Simmrin Law Group
If you’re facing weapons charges in San Gabriel, don’t wait to seek legal help. The experienced team at Simmrin Law Group is ready to fight for your rights and freedom. Our San Gabriel weapons charges attorneys have a proven track record of successful defenses against weapons charges.
Don’t let weapons charges jeopardize your future. Contact Simmrin Law Group today for a confidential consultation.
Call or text (310) 896-2723 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form