Gun Possession

California has some of the strictest gun laws in the country. If you’ve been charged with illegal possession of a firearm, you need a criminal defense lawyer who understands California gun possession laws. The handgun ownership attorneys at Power Trial Lawyers have successfully represented many clients across the state facing the same situation.

The state of California treats unlawful gun possession harshly, but our team of legal professionals will work tirelessly to make sure your rights are protected. California’s gun laws are complicated and frequently changing, and, oftentimes, individuals aren’t even aware that they’re acting unlawfully.

We know how to build a strong defense for our clients, and we’ll dedicate ourselves to your case. Contact our Los Angeles gun possession attorneys today at (213) 800-7664 to schedule a meeting to discuss your case. The first consultation is completely free.

Why You Need a Lawyer for a Gun Possession Defense

Federal and state gun laws can be complex, and penalties may vary depending on your location when arrested, as well as whether you were in possession of illegal or stolen goods, or under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Every defendant has certain rights in an arrest, but police and prosecutors don’t always observe these rights, either due to carelessness or in pursuit of another conviction to add to their record.

An experienced gun possession attorney can make sure that you are afforded all the protections you are entitled to under the law. They can investigate the scene of the arrest, speak with witnesses, and negotiate with government lawyers to create a solid case for leniency or dismissal of the charges. A good lawyer can answer all your questions and keep you informed of the developments in your case.

Why Hire Power Trial Lawyers?

The award-winning gun law attorneys at Power Trial Lawyers understand California and federal firearms legal defense strategy, and we have had many serious felony charges dismissed for clients facing penalties for firearms possession and assault with a deadly weapon. Power Trial Lawyers will thoroughly investigate the circumstances of your arrest and will aggressively work to get any illegal evidence suppressed and get the case dismissed, if possible.

We take pride in our ability to devote specialized attention and resources to each client that we serve. When you hire our firm, you bring in a top-notch team of advocates who will fight relentlessly to get the best possible resolution to your case.

California Gun Possession Laws

In the State of California, most adults age 18 and older are allowed to possess a gun. Certain people are prohibited from owning a gun. These include:

• Convicted felons (anyone convicted of a felony in any jurisdiction)
• Children under 18 years of age
• Persons addicted to narcotics
• Those with two or more convictions for brandishing a weapon
• People with certain mental conditions
• Those convicted of certain misdemeanors or other crimes, including crimes involving domestic violence or physical abuse.

California red flag laws allow coworkers, neighbors, and others to seek restraining orders that would remove an individual’s ability to possess a weapon.

Concealed Firearms Permits

California Penal Codes 26150 and 26155 permit carry of a concealed pistol, revolver, or other firearm for those who hold the appropriate license. In order to carry a weapon concealed on their person, an individual must hold a CCW (Carry Concealed Weapons) license issued by a county sheriff or city police department.

You must show that you are of good moral character, that there is good cause for the license to be issued, that you’re a resident of the locality in which you’ve applied for the license, and that you’ve completed required firearms training.

Your Rights in a Gun Possession Arrest

Whenever police take a suspect into custody, the person who is being arrested has certain rights that must be observed. Among these rights is the Miranda warning, popularly known as the right to remain silent. The police must inform you, with possible variations in wording, that you have the right to remain silent, that anything you say can be used against you in court, and that you have the right to have an attorney present during any interrogation.

If you aren’t read these rights, your lawyer can ask that any statements you made be ignored by the court. You must assert your right to remain silent if questioned, however. If you volunteer information, it can be used against you.

In most cases, an officer must have your consent or a search warrant in order to conduct a search of your person, house, or vehicle. There are exceptions to this requirement. If you’re arrested, an officer may search you for weapons or illegal or stolen goods. The police may search your home without a warrant in certain emergencies and may search your car if they have a reasonable belief that it contains evidence or stolen goods.

The police must follow strict rules in these cases, however, and any evidence they find upon breaking these rules can be thrown out of court. Police often do not meet these high standards, and it’s very important to have a lawyer that will hold them accountable when they break the rules.

Frequently Asked Questions About Gun Possession and Ownership

If you’ve been arrested for unlawful possession of a firearm, you may have many questions. While your attorney is the most reliable source for information about your own case, here are a few answers to questions that defendants frequently have about gun laws.

Does My Criminal Record Prohibit Me From Possessing or Owning a Firearm?

If you’re unsure whether your record in the State of California disqualifies you from gun ownership, you can request a Personal Firearms Eligibility Check (PFEC) by submitting a PFEC application to the Department of Justice. It’s important to note that this check will not tell you whether Federal law prohibits you from owning a firearm, only whether you’re eligible under California law.

What are Castle and Stand Your Ground Laws, and How Do They Work in California?

California law follows the Castle doctrine, which allows a homeowner to use deadly force inside their own residence to protect their home from an intruder. California does not have a Stand Your Ground law, which allows a person to use deadly force to protect themselves outside of that person’s property. In this state, the right of a person to use force against an intruder ends when that intruder no longer presents a threat.

Can I Bring a Firearm Across State Lines Into California?

In order to bring a gun bought or obtained out of state into California, you must ship the weapon directly to a licensed gun dealer. The dealer must then follow procedures for in-state transactions. You must submit to a criminal background check, a ten-day waiting period, and show a firearms safety certificate. There are a few exceptions to this rule, for certain owners with a record of sale from a dealer and some adults who have inherited their guns from a family member.

What is the Law With Regard to Household Gun Safety?

It’s a crime in California to store a loaded gun on your property if a minor could get access to it without parental permission. Whether you simply stored the gun carelessly, a child took it out and threatened or hurt someone with it, or they killed or seriously injured someone, you could face serious penalties, ranging from a misdemeanor with a $1,000 fine to a felony with up to three years in jail and a $10,000 fine.

California requires all firearms sold in the state to include a safety device, such as a trigger lock or cable lock, or proof that the purchaser owns a gun safe. These devices are only as secure as the precautions taken to protect the key or combination, however. It’s recommended that any gun owner train children in the household on gun safety protocols.

What are Some Possible Defenses for Gun Possession?

There are a number of arguments an attorney can make use of in your defense against illegal weapons charges, including:

• Self-defense – You believed your life or the lives of others were in imminent danger.
• Accidental firing of the weapon – You were not acting negligently, and the gun went off anyway.
• Lack of ownership or knowledge of the weapon in your possession – Someone else left a weapon in your vehicle or planted it on you.
• Illegal search and seizure – The police did not follow constitutionally required procedures in their search.
• Police misconduct – The police did not read you your rights or committed some other violation of your legal protections.

The defense strategies your attorney uses will depend heavily on the particular circumstances of your case and how you were treated during and after your arrest.

Speak With a Los Angeles Gun Possession Lawyer Today

If you or a loved one has been arrested for a gun possession crime, contact our Los Angeles criminal defense attorney at Power Trial Lawyers as soon as possible. Whether the charges involve a misdemeanor or are related to a more serious charge, we can make sure that police and prosecutors treat you appropriately and that you are afforded all legal and constitutional protections.

Facing a gun possession charge can be a stressful and difficult situation, but you don’t have to go through this alone. Call us at (213) 800-7664 or fill out our contact form today to schedule a free consultation.