Once again, due to a national tragedy, California’s gun laws are in the news. In this state, there are many laws that regard legal and illegal possession of weapons, including guns. These laws can be extremely confusing for the layperson and the technicalities can confuse even those who work in the gun industry.
Laws detail the type of guns you can own, the type of knives you can buy, and the specifics of what tasers you can have. Other weapons laws how, where, and by whom weapons can be carried. One example is convicted felons – they’re not allowed to legally own a gun. Another example pertains to transportation guns – they must be transported within a locked container unless the individual carrying them has a concealed carry permit.
If you’ve been charged of any type of gun crime, whether improperly buying or carrying a firearm, or using a firearm during the commission of another crime, then you need legal representation. Reach out to Law Offices of Torrence L. Howell at 909-920-0908 today to get started.
The consequences of a conviction can be significant
Since there are so many types of weapons laws, ranging from selling a gun without the proper license to carrying a firearm illegally, from possessing a firearm illegally to discharging a weapon from your vehicle, there are many types of consequences.
The various factors that will be considered include of course the crime itself, but also your criminal history and the type of weapon used. A judge can assign a different penalty based on how they see these issues. There’s also what we know as the “use a gone and you’re done law.” Essentially, it states that if a person commits a felony, such as burglary, and uses a gun in that crime, then they can get a sentencing enhancement.
That enhancement could be up to ten years if a gun was simple brandished. If the gun was fired, it could be up to 20 years. In the event there was serious harm committed with the gun during the felony, then the judge could add 25 years to life.
There are defense options for weapons charges
The good news is that there are defense options. Of course, the best way to represent you will vary based on what you’re charged with and the evidence against you. For example, if you’re charged with illegally possessing a firearm, it could be as simple as proving that you had the right to possess the firearm in the first place.
We could also argue that the weapon you were found with wasn’t yours and that you didn’t know it was placed in your possession by another person. We will look at all evidence against you to determine if the seizure of it violated your rights. If it did, then we could have that evidence thrown out. Finally, if there is a wealth of evidence, we may work to find the best possible plea agreement. To learn more about the best way to move forward with your case, call Law Offices of Torrence L. Howell at 909-920-0908 today.
