Americans have a Constitutional right to keep and bear arms. Nonetheless, those rights are bound by legal restrictions. Some of these are well known by people while other laws are not as familiar. This unfamiliarity with the law can lead people to run afoul of the law, and this may mean being brought up on weapons or gun charges in California.
The state takes gun and weapons charges very seriously. Prosecutors have been known to seek the strictest penalties allowed by the law in every case. Unfortunately, this does not always take into account the facts of each particular case. A simple accident or mistake does not always merit a long stint in prison. That’s why the Los Angeles weapons charges attorneys at this firm work so hard to protect the rights of their clients. They put in tireless effort to get the charges against their clients reduced or dropped. In fact, through their zealous defense they have been able to get clients who are charged with a weapons violation that might have been penalized with a prison sentenced reduced to attendance at a gun education class or a short probationary period. Don’t leave your future to chance or to the doubtful skill of an inexperienced attorney. Contact our seasoned California gun charges attorneys today.
California Felony Weapons Charges Are Serious
Most gun and weapons charges in California are charged as felonies. Some possession charges may be kept at the misdemeanor level. Occasionally, a Los Angeles weapons crimes defense attorney will be able to get a felony charge reduced to a misdemeanor, resulting in a lighter sentence. However, being convicted of a felony weapons violation comes with serious consequences that may include jail or prison time, significant fines and a criminal record that makes life difficult for many years.
The District Attorney will decide how to proceed based on a number of factors. These include the criminal history of the defendant. Someone who has no criminal history may be charged with a lesser crime while someone with an extensive background with the criminal court system may be looking at a harsher penalty. Prosecutors will also review what type of weapon was used. Guns may be considered the most dangerous, but knives, box cutters, brass knuckles, billy clubs and other items may also be categorized as dangerous and potentially deadly weapons. Prosecutors not only look at the exact weapon that was used, but also at the way in which it was used. A person caught with a concealed handgun and no permit may be subject to lesser penalties than a person who was brandishing the weapon in a crowded place. Suspects can also expect law enforcement to review their history regarding drug crimes. They may even be tested for being under the influence at the time they were caught with the weapon. A person who was drunk, high or otherwise impaired at the time of the alleged incident may be facing more serious charges.
California Gun and Weapons Laws
California has some of the most comprehensive weapons laws in the nation. This makes it difficult for the average person to be familiar with all of the laws. For instance, people may not be aware that possessing a silencer or a switchblade knife are both considered weapons violations. Short-barreled rifles and shotguns are similarly prohibited. People may also be charged with the unlawful discharge of a firearm in California or with dealing in firearms without a license.
The potential for getting into trouble with the police over weapons violations is grim even for those who are unaware that a crime is being committed. Consider the case of a young man riding around in a car with a friend. The driver possesses a stolen handgun that’s hidden under the seat of the car. If the police have probable cause to search the car and they uncover the gun, then both young men may be charged with a crime. It’s certainly an unfair situation. However, a qualified weapons charges defense attorney would have little problem having these charges reduced or dropped.
Call a Competent Los Angeles Gun and Weapons Charges Attorney
If you are facing gun or weapons charges in California, do not hesitate to contact a criminal defense attorney. It is sometimes possible for an attorney to get the charges against you reduced or dropped simply by scheduling a meeting with the District Attorney. With a full understanding of the circumstances leading up to your arrest it may be possible to prove that the police behaved in an overzealous manner or that they did not properly observe your Constitutional rights. Our criminal defense lawyers have enjoyed tremendous success when it comes to defending our clients against weapons charges in Los Angeles. Our experience and dedication to justice can easily be put to work for you.
The sooner you contact a Los Angeles gun charges defense attorney, the sooner you can put this troubling incident behind you. Our attorneys work to get the best possible outcome for your case, and they don’t rest until a resolution is achieved. With a solid track record and a reputation for aggressiveness, integrity and a commitment to justice, our criminal defense lawyers are prepared to fight the charges against you until the end. Whether you are facing charges for possession, sale, brandishing, assault with a deadly weapon or something else, our attorneys stand ready to fight for you.