You can face serious legal penalties for the misuse of a weapon in West Covina. Many people think that you only have to worry about the use of a firearm, but you can face criminal charges for the use of other implements as well.
The state laws surrounding weapons charges can be difficult to understand and you might end up facing federal charges in some situations. You can get the legal protection you need with a weapons charges lawyer in West Covina. The Simmrin Law Group has experience winning cases just like yours.
Laws for Owning or Selling Firearms
Many people consider firearm ownership to be a Constitutional right, but there are exceptions to this rule. The state of California has made it illegal for members of certain groups to own a firearm. The “felon with a firearm” law prohibits these individuals from gun ownership:
- Convicted Felons
- Narcotic Drug Addicts
You can also be prohibited from owning a firearm by certain protective or restraining orders and if you were convicted of some misdemeanors.
Selling, leasing, or otherwise changing the ownership of a firearm is even more heavily regulated. You must have a license to sell or lease a firearm in West Covina. There are exceptions to this rule, but they can be difficult to understand and may lead to an accidental breach of the law.
Note that you can be fined $1,000 and sent to jail for 6 months for the unlicensed sale of firearms. You can also face charges for selling or purchasing an assault rifle, even if you have a license. Make sure you’re following all of California’s laws surrounding the sale of firearms by working with a criminal defense lawyer in West Covina.
The Legality of Carrying a Firearm in West Covina
The state of California prohibits most individuals from carrying firearms while in public. Note that you may apply for a concealed carry permit (CCP) to get around these laws. Without a permit, you can be charged for:
- Carrying a Concealed Weapon
- Carrying a Loaded Firearm
You cannot legally conceal a weapon on yourself or in your vehicle in West Covina without a permit. You can be fined $10,000 and sentenced to 3 years of jail time if you are caught carrying a concealed weapon illegally.
Some individuals think that you can get around the laws for carrying a concealed weapon by openly carrying a firearm, but this is not the case. You can be charged for displaying a weapon and you can face harsher charges for carrying a loaded firearm.
Legally, the following weapons are considered firearms in West Covina:
- Rifles and Revolvers
- Handguns and Shotguns
- Tasers and Antique Guns
You can face harsh penalties if you are caught with a loaded firearm, even if the gun does not function.
Drawing a Weapon or Using a Firearm in California
The court system harshly penalizes the act of brandishing a deadly weapon. You can face criminal charges if you display a weapon in a threatening way. The legal definition of a weapon can be stretched by prosecutors. The following objects can all be considered a weapon in court:
- Pens
- Scissors
- Baseball Bats
- Rocks
You could also be charged with brandishing a deadly weapon for the use of standard weapons, like firearms, knives, or swords. A conviction for brandishing a deadly weapon can lead to 3 years in prison and high fines.
The state of California can also charge you with negligent discharge if you fire a gun recklessly. You do not have to intend to harm anyone to be charged with negligent discharge. Most individuals who use a firearm recklessly simply aren’t thinking about the safety of those around them.
Note that accidentally firing a gun does not constitute negligent discharge. You must intentionally shoot a weapon to face this charge. Convictions for negligent discharge can lead to fines of $10,000 and 3 years of time in jail.
Any charge for brandishing a weapon or negligently discharging a gun can have serious consequences for your life. You can improve your odds of winning in court by getting help right away. A skilled weapons charges lawyer can guide you through the legal system in West Covina.
Fight Back Against Weapons Charges in West Covina
It’s easy to be overwhelmed by a weapons charge if you don’t have professional help. Allowing a weapons charges lawyer in West Covina to take on your case can boost your chances of winning in court. You can count on the Simmrin Law Group to support you every step of the way. We can start focusing on your case today with a FREE consultation.
Get started by filling out our contact form or calling (310) 997-4688.
