
How to Defend Against Your Firearms Charges
The gun was stolen and you knew it to be stolen. You have a prior conviction for a California firearms offense. Under the following circumstances, carrying a loaded weapon will be charged as a felony, punishable by up to three years in prison and / or a $10,000 fine: You have a prior conviction for a misdemeanor against a person or property, or a conviction for a narcotics offense. There is evidence that you are not registered with the Department of Justice as the firearm’s owner. Carrying a loaded weapon is a wobbler when: In other cases, the offense becomes a wobbler, which means it may be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony punishable by a possible $1,000 fine and up to three years in prison. Without aggravating factors, carrying a loaded firearm in public is a misdemeanor punishable by a maximum sentence of one year in jail and / or a $1,000 fine. You carried a firearm on your person or in your car. For a prosecutor to successfully build a case against you, he or she will have to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that: In substantially similar language, California Penal Code sections 1200(a) prohibit carrying loaded weapons on your person or in your car. It’s Illegal to Carry a Loaded Firearm on Your Person or in Your Vehicle The penalties for breaking firearms regulations are harsh, and the sooner your lawyer can begin working on your case, the better chance you’ll have of avoiding a conviction. If you’ve been charged with carrying a loaded firearm in public, you should retain the services of a skilled San Diego weapons defense attorney as soon as possible. While these laws were meant to protect Californians from violent crime, the practical result is that many innocent or well-intentioned people get convicted for carrying weapons outside of their homes or businesses. Carrying a Concealed Weapon without LicenseĬalifornia has some of the strictest firearms laws in the nation. Why Fight a California Traffic Violation. Creating or Maintaining a Public Nuisance. San Diego Vehicular Manslaughter Lawyer. Administrative License Suspension & Appeals. Drug Diversion & Sentencing Alternatives. Being Investigated for San Diego Drug Charges?. Crimes Against The Police And Government. Legal Defenses Against an Assault Charge.