Firearm Offenses

How to Battle Your Firearm Offenses

Whether you have been charged with firearm offenses or you are just curious to the laws about guns in California, there are several things you should know. There are laws against carrying firearms and laws against using them as well. If you own a firearm, it is your responsibility to understand these laws, your rights, and what you can do if you have been charged with a crime involving a firearm.

Who can own and carry a firearm?

In California, most people can purchase a firearm, unless they are a felon, have committed certain misdemeanors, are a drug addict, have a mental illness, or under the age of 18. Not only that, but you can also carry a firearm in California as long as it is in public site and it isn’t loaded. You can only carry an unconcealed firearm in places where it is not prohibited. Primarily prohibited places are government buildings, schools, and post offices. There are permits required, however, for carrying a concealed firearm. If you break any of the rules associated with these laws (such as carrying a firearm when you are not allowed) you may be charged with firearm offenses.

Common Firearm Offenses

There are several firearm offenses that go against California law, such as:

• Unlicensed illegal sale of firearms – you must have a license in order to legally sell firearms to anyone
• Felon with a firearm
• Carrying a concealed weapon without a permit
• Carrying a loaded firearm in public – anywhere in public, even a car, it is illegal to carry a loaded weapon, even if the firearm doesn’t work properly
• Brandishing a Weapon – chargeable if you “draw” or point in a way that is taken as a threat, rude, or with an angry demeanor, even if the intent is not there to use it
• Assault with a firearm – this includes pointing at, firing at, or to “pistol whip” another person

Penalties for Firearm Offenses

The penalty imposed for charges involving firearms vary depending on whether the judge considers the offense at a misdemeanor or felony level, what firearm was used in the offense, the criminal background of the offender, and in California there are firearm sentencing enhancers that can actually make the punishment longer or harsher. All of these factors will be used for the judge to determine the penalty for the crimes.

What can you do to help your case?

Don’t wait another day to give us a call at the Downtown LA Law Offices. The more time we have to put forth to your case the better. Our attorneys are well educated in criminal cases and some of them specialize in firearm offenses. We can do a thorough evaluation of your case and provide you with the best representation to help minimize the penalties as much as possible. Call today for your free confidential consultation.