Guns and Firearms Lawyer in Los Angeles
Gun and Firearms Charges
California is tough on guns and firearm charges. If you have been charged
with carrying a handgun with an expired permit, carrying a concealed gun
or loaded firearm, illegally transporting a gun in your vehicle; or, a
gun allegation was added to charges for another offense - you need a Los
Angeles criminal defense attorney who is serious and skilled about fighting
those charges.
We are experienced defense attorneys who aggressively defend individuals
charged with
weapons crimes, including gun and firearm charges. Gun and firearm arrests may be prosecuted
as felony or misdemeanor offenses, which can result in serious criminal
penalties. Even first-time offenders may be sentenced to state prison.
Courts may impose county jail time and large fines for either felony or
misdemeanor firearm cases. Choosing the right lawyer makes all the difference!
Most California gun charges are "wobblers," meaning that prosecutors
can charge the gun or firearm offense as either a misdemeanor or a felony.
A misdemeanor gun conviction carries a maximum sentence of one year in
county jail along with fines and up to five (5) years of summary probation.
If prosecutors decide to file the gun charge as a felony, the maximum
penalty is a state prison commitment. Illegal use of a gun is generally
punished harshly in this state. Felony "discharge of a firearm at
an occupied home, car, or aircraft" carries a sentence of 3 to 7
years in state prison.
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There are a number of sentencing "enhancements" that apply to
California gun charges. An "enhancement" is an additional prison
term that is added to the base term of the underlying felony. Ten years
can be added to a sentence if a gun that is inoperable is used in the
commission of a crime. There are other enhancements that are even more severe.
The state laws regulating Gun and Firearms are complex. The charges and
penalties vary depending on the defendant's criminal record, personal
circumstances, and details of the alleged crime, such as whether the firearm
was concealed or loaded. We will put our aggressiveness, experience and
knowledge to work for you. In many gun and firearm cases that initially
did not appear defensible, our attorneys have achieved excellent results.
Knowing how to prepare a strong weapons defense and aggressively defend
you at trial is how we obtain the best possible outcome for every client.
If you are suspected of or have been charged with gun or firearm violation, contact a Los Angeles criminal defense attorney
at Stephen G. Rodriguez & Partners.