If you are a California gun owner who has been arrested or charged with a criminal offense involving a weapon, you face a serious and complex legal issue that is best handled by a Los Angeles gun lawyer who has extensive experience with firearms law.
Our seasoned criminal defense attorneys at the Law Offices of Scott Henry are committed to protecting your 2nd Amendment rights and could fight aggressively to help you obtain a favorable outcome. We have over four decades of experience handling a full range of gun-related cases, from a misdemeanor unlicensed sale of a firearm to a serious felony charge of assault with a deadly weapon. Rest assured, our skilled attorneys could provide you with a superior defense and protect your rights and freedoms.
Types of Gun Crimes
With so many serious, highly publicized gun-related crimes taking place in recent years, law enforcement has begun aggressively pursuing these cases. Firearm offenses range from misdemeanor charges to serious felonies. Some common firearm offenses include:
- Illegal ammunition and accessories
- Unlicensed sale or purchase of a firearm
- Possession of a loaded firearm
- Carrying a concealed weapon
- Negligent discharge of a firearm
- Brandishing a firearm
- Felon with a firearm
- Assault with a deadly weapon
An attorney in Los Angeles could help you prepare a defense based on your specific gun charges.
Carrying a Concealed Weapon
In California, it is a crime to carry a concealed weapon on your person or in a vehicle under your control. A concealed weapon is a “pistol, handgun, revolver, or other firearm capable of being concealed.” To be convicted, the prosecution needs to prove that the defendant:
- Was carrying a firearm concealed on his or her person, or
- Carried a firearm in a vehicle under his or her control, or
- Caused a firearm to be carried and concealed in a vehicle under his or her control.
Carrying a concealed weapon is most often charged as a misdemeanor. Penalties for a misdemeanor conviction include up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. In certain cases, carrying a concealed weapon can be charged as a felony. Felony convictions carry harsh penalties that include up to three years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
Moving to California with Guns
If you are a gun owner moving to California, you should obtain information about the laws regarding transportation, possession, and reporting of firearms in this state. If an individual falls into any of the four categories listed below, they cannot legally possess a firearm in California:
- A convicted felon
- Addicted to narcotics
- Under the age of 18
- Suffer from mental illness
Any individual moving to California with a firearm is considered a “personal firearm importer.” To legally own and possess a firearm, they are required to complete a New Resident Report of Firearm Ownership and pay a fee of $19.00. Transporting a gun in a lawful manner is essential in the state of California. Guns must be unloaded, locked in the trunk or other locked container inside the vehicle, and not be concealed in any way. If you are trying to become a gun owner in this state, an attorney in Los Angeles could make sure you understand all relevant firearm regulations.
Defenses for Weapons Charges
If you have been charged with a gun crime, you may be feeling scared and worried about how the outcome of your case could affect your family, career, and future. However, there may be reassurance in knowing there are several solid arguments our skilled Los Angeles defense attorneys could utilize in a gun case. Some of these defense strategies include but are not limited to:
- Carrying a firearm in self-defense or the defense of others.
- The possession of the gun in question was legal.
- Being unaware of carrying a firearm.
- The discovery of the firearm resulted from an illegal search and seizure
- The firearm was planted by another individual or a law enforcement officer.
Speak with a Los Angeles Gun Attorney
When you have been charged with a weapons-related crime, you need legal representation you can rely on. Our Los Angeles gun lawyers have an impressive record of not guilty verdicts, dismissals, and favorable negotiated plea deals. We are experienced litigators who could advocate aggressively on your behalf. Contact our offices today for a complimentary case analysis. We can explain the details of your charges and the general sequence of events in a criminal case, so you can fully understand what lies ahead. You can place your trust in our legal team and know we are committed to providing you with an aggressive legal strategy.