CALIFORNIA WEAPONS CHARGES

Guns · Firearms · Concealed Weapon

                                                       Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney
                                                          California Criminal Attorney

California Weapons Charges are Serious and Come with Jail Time

We represent people charged with the following Gun and other Weapons Offenses:

• Possessing a Gun (concealed, loaded or otherwise with no permit)
• Possessing a Firearm by an Ex-Felon (concealed, loaded or otherwise with no permit)
• Possessing an Assault Weapon
• Possessing a Weapon ((illegal weapons include knives, daggers, brass knuckles, nunchucks and other martial arts weapons)
• Brandishing a Firearm
• Discharging a Firearm
• Selling a Firearm (unlawful sale)
• Using a Gun in Committing a Crime (assault, robbery, drug offenses)

California Gun Law
Gun/weapon charges are aggressively prosecuted in California. Most carry the prospect of jail time (or state prison), expensive fines, and a criminal record that may make it difficult to obtain employment and housing.

In general, a weapons offense is a felony under California law, but possession can be charged as a misdemeanor in some cases. The penalties will vary depending on a number of circumstances:

• The type of weapon involved
• What was being done with it
• If it was loaded and/or concealed
• The individual’s criminal record, drug record or drug use at the time of arrest
• Any other factors that might affect the sentence

California uses a “determinate” sentencing system to offer different levels of punishment depending on the nature of the crime.

With a felony weapons offense and sentenced to prison, the judge will choose from three prison terms—“low-term,” “mid-term,” and “high-term.” For example, for an assault with an assault weapon, the low-term is four years in prison, mid-term is eight years and high-term is twelve years. With no criminal record, the sentence would most likely be four years.

For a misdemeanor (such as carrying a concealed weapon with no prior convictions), the maximum allowable sentence is a fine and up to one year in county jail.

Defenses for Weapons Charges
Many weapons arrests are based on evidence collected during searches, seizures and witness interrogations. If the police illegally searched you, your home or your car; or they illegally obtained testimony against you; a skilled attorney can get the evidence thrown out of court on constitutional grounds.

An experienced California criminal defense attorney also investigates if the gun or other weapon was used in:

• Self-defense or defending property,
• Protecting yourself or someone from a life-threatening crime (murder or rape), or
• An accident (lack of intent)

Talk to an Experienced California Criminal Lawyer
If you’ve been arrested and charged with a weapons offense in the Los Angeles area, you need an experienced California criminal defense attorney with a successful track record.

Stephen G. Rodriquez and his associates will focus on getting you the most favorable disposition using a variety of proven techniques and defenses, including:

• Making all necessary court motions including “motions to suppress evidence”
• Interviewing all witnesses connected to your case
• Gathering evidence in support of your defenses
• Seeking a reduction of  the charges
• Negotiating a favorable plea (if necessary)
• Preparing for trial
• Seeking alternative sentencing such as house arrest/electronic monitoring, work furlough, weekends in jail, community service                           

Call us immediately if you’re facing a weapons charge. We’ll arrange for a free consultation to discuss the specific facts of your case.

Please contact us for a FREE CONSULTATION

Law Offices of Stephen G. Rodriguez
633 West 5th Street
26th Floor
Los Angeles, California 90071

Telephone
(213) 223-2173