Weapons Attorney in Los Angeles

Guns, Firearms, Concealed Weapons

Weapons charges are serious and come with jail time. If you have been charged with weapons offenses you need a Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer to help prepare your defense.

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 (displaying or waving around a firearm)
• Discharging a firearm
• Selling a firearm (unlawful sale)
• Using a gun in committing a crime (assault, robbery, drug offenses)

Weapons are not just guns. A deadly weapon is defined very broadly and includes weapons listed above plus many more items including box cutters, tear gas, keys, a car, or your own fist if used to harm someone.

Los Angeles Criminal Defense Lawyer

Gun/weapon charges are aggressively prosecuted. 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

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. Felony weapons offense prison sentences can be anywhere from 4 to 12 years. If you've been arrested and charged with a weapons offense in the Los Angeles area, you need an experienced weapons attorney with a successful track record.

Stephen G. Rodriguez & Partners 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

Contact a Los Angeles weapons attorney in our office immediately if you are facing weapons charges. We'll arrange for a free consultation to discuss the specific facts of your case.