Weapons Charges in California

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Weapon charges are extremely serious charges as they involve the possession and use of deadly weapons, particularly the possession and use of firearms. In the state of California, the laws governing the possession of weapons are extremely restrictive and harsh. Law enforcement officials have made it a top priority to crack down on weapon-related crimes and get illegal weapons off the streets and out of circulation. This is primarily due to the fact that weapons can be used in the commission of thefts, assaults, sex crimes, drug crimes, and other violent crimes. In worse case scenarios, weapons are used in the commission of a homicide. There are many different types of weapon charges which may be filed against an individual, including:

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• Illegal possession of a firearm

• Concealed weapons charges

• Illegal sale of a firearm

• Use of a weapon in the commission of a crime

• Assault with a deadly weapon (gun, knife, blunt object or other item capable of causing injury)

• Illegally transporting firearms

• Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon

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Most weapon charges are associated with violent crimes, thus making the penalties, fines and potential imprisonment for weapon-related crimes considerably higher. Under California Penal Code Section 245, assault with a deadly weapon can carry a minimum two-year prison sentence. Other weapon charges may automatically result in felony charges, thus exponentially increasing fines, prison time and other penalties.

If you or a loved one is facing weapon charges, you need to seek counsel from a Riverside criminal defense lawyer or San Bernardino criminal defense lawyer at Hampton Law Group right away.