Gun Crimes and Weapons Charges Defense in California

California has some of the nation’s strictest gun laws, and violations carry severe penalties including lengthy prison sentences, substantial fines, and permanent loss of firearm rights. Weapons charges can transform a misdemeanor case into a serious felony with life-altering consequences. As experienced gun crimes defense attorneys, we understand the complexity of California firearms law and the aggressive prosecution these cases typically receive.

Understanding California Gun Laws

California’s Comprehensive Firearms Regulations

California gun laws are among the most restrictive in the United States:

Assault Weapons Ban:

• Specific firearm model prohibitions
• Feature-based weapon restrictions
• Magazine capacity limitations
• Registration requirements for existing weapons

Ammunition Regulations:

• Background checks for ammunition purchases
• Ammunition vendor licensing requirements
• Large capacity magazine prohibitions
• Online ammunition sale restrictions

Concealed Carry Restrictions:

• “May issue” permit system
• Good cause requirements
• Extensive background investigations
• Local agency discretion

Federal vs. State Gun Charges

Federal firearms violations involve:

Interstate Commerce:

• Weapons transported across state lines
• Unlicensed firearms dealing
• Prohibited person possession
• Firearms trafficking operations

Federal Penalties:

• Mandatory minimum sentences
• Federal prison system
• Enhanced penalties for career criminals
• Asset forfeiture proceedings

State charges under California law include:

• Unlawful possession by prohibited persons
• Concealed carry violations
• Assault weapon possession
• Ammunition-related offenses

Common California Gun Crimes

Felon in Possession of Firearm (PC 29800)

Prohibited person possession includes individuals with:

Disqualifying Convictions:

• Any felony conviction
• Violent misdemeanor convictions
• Domestic violence convictions
• Mental health prohibitions

Elements of Offense:

• Knowledge of prohibited status
• Actual or constructive possession
• Firearm definition satisfaction
• Within California jurisdiction

Penalties:

• 16 months to 3 years in prison
• $10,000 maximum fine
• Permanent firearm prohibition
• Possible federal prosecution

Carrying Concealed Weapon (PC 25400)

Concealed carry violations occur when:

Without Valid Permit:

• No CCW permit issued
• Expired or invalid permit
• Violation of permit conditions
• Carrying in prohibited locations

Concealment Requirements:

• Weapon hidden from ordinary observation
• On person or in vehicle
• Readily accessible for use
• Intent for immediate use possible

Penalties:

• Misdemeanor: Up to 1 year county jail
• Felony (with priors): 16 months to 3 years prison
• Enhanced penalties for loaded weapons
• Permit revocation consequences

Assault Weapon Possession (PC 30605)

Assault weapon violations under California law:

Prohibited Weapons:

• Specific model restrictions (AK-47, AR-15 variants)
• Feature-based definitions
• High-capacity magazine violations
• Unregistered assault weapons

Registration Requirements:

• Existing weapons must be registered
• Bullet button modifications required
• Fixed magazine compliance
• Documentation maintenance

Penalties:

• Wobbler offense (misdemeanor or felony)
• Up to 3 years in prison
• $10,000 fine
• Weapon forfeiture

Gun Enhancement Charges

Firearm enhancements add time to underlying sentences:

PC 12022.53 (10-20-Life):

• 10 years for gun use
• 20 years for firing weapon
• 25 years to life for causing great bodily injury
• Consecutive sentence requirements

PC 12022.5:

• 3, 4, or 10 years for gun use
• Personal use requirement
• Consecutive to underlying sentence
• Strike prior implications

Weapons Charges Beyond Firearms

Prohibited Weapons (PC 21810)

Illegal weapons under California law include:

Specific Prohibited Items:

• Switchblade knives
• Brass knuckles
• Throwing stars and nunchucks
• Wallet chains over specified length

Manufacturing and Sales:

• Enhanced penalties for dealers
• Intent to sell considerations
• Commercial quantity factors
• Interstate trafficking implications

Knife and Blade Violations

Knife crimes in California:

Concealed Dirk or Dagger (PC 21310):

• Fixed blade concealment
• Intent determination
• Ordinary observation standard
• Self-defense exceptions

Ballistic Knives:

• Spring-loaded projectile blades
• Manufacturing prohibitions
• Possession penalties
• Federal law overlap

Explosive Device Charges

Destructive device violations:

Bomb-Making Materials:

• Explosive substance possession
• Destructive device manufacturing
• Terrorist threat implications
• Federal terrorism charges

Constitutional Defenses for Gun Crimes

Second Amendment Rights

Constitutional protections under recent Supreme Court decisions:

District of Columbia v. Heller:

• Individual right to bear arms
• Self-defense in home protection
• Reasonable regulation allowance
• Historical tradition requirements

New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen:

• Strict scrutiny standard
• Historical analogies requirement
• May-issue permit system limitations
• Concealed carry protections

Constitutional Challenges:

• Assault weapon ban validity
• Concealed carry restrictions
• Ammunition regulation challenges
• Registration requirement disputes

Fourth Amendment Search and Seizure

Illegal search defenses:

Vehicle Searches:

• Probable cause requirements
• Plain view doctrine limitations
• Consent search validity
• Inventory search exceptions

Home Searches:

• Warrant requirement necessity
• Exigent circumstances limitations
• Consent authority issues
• Curtilage protection scope

Person Searches:

• Terry stop limitations
• Weapons pat-down scope
• Arrest search authority
• Probation search conditions

Specific Gun Crime Defense Strategies

Challenging Possession Elements

Constructive possession defenses:

Lack of Knowledge:

• Unaware of weapon presence
• Planted evidence claims
• Temporary presence defenses
• Multiple occupant scenarios

Lack of Control:

• No authority over location
• Weapon belonging to others
• Temporary presence only
• Lack of access ability

Challenging Weapon Classifications

Technical defenses:

Assault Weapon Definitions:

• Feature analysis challenges
• Registration status verification
• Modification compliance
• Grandfather clause protections

Ammunition Challenges:

• Capacity determinations
• Modification possibilities
• Antique weapon exceptions
• Sporting purpose defenses

Self-Defense and Necessity

Justification defenses:

Imminent Threat Response:

• Reasonable fear of harm
• Proportional response
• Duty to retreat analysis
• Castle doctrine application

Necessity Defense:

• Emergency circumstances
• No legal alternative
• Imminent harm prevention
• Lesser harm choice

Federal Gun Crime Defense

Federal Firearms Trafficking

Interstate trafficking charges:

Straw Purchase Schemes:

• False information on forms
• Purchasing for prohibited persons
• Interstate transportation
• Commercial dealing without license

Defense Strategies:

• Lack of knowledge of prohibition
• Personal use intentions
• Entrapment by law enforcement
• Constitutional commerce clause challenges

Federal Prohibited Person Charges

18 USC 922(g) violations:

Enhanced Federal Penalties:

• 10-year mandatory minimums
• Career criminal enhancements
• Armed Career Criminal Act
• Violent Crime Control Act

Federal Defenses:

• Prior conviction validity
• Interstate commerce nexus
• Constructive amendment challenges
• Sentencing guidelin