If you are facing gun charges in Encino, your future is on the line right now. At Hurwitz Law Group, our Encino gun charge lawyer knows how quickly a weapons offense can spiral into serious criminal charges. An arrest for unlawful possession, carrying a concealed firearm, or illegal possession can cost you your job, your freedom, and your reputation.
California law does not treat gun crimes lightly, and the district attorney will push hard for a conviction. Call us at (323) 747-7484 for a free consultation and let our legal team start fighting for you today.
You should call a criminal defense attorney the moment police stop you, search your motor vehicle, or place you under arrest. Every minute you wait without legal support puts you at risk. Your attorney in Encino can step in before you make statements that damage your own defense.
Reach out to a defense lawyer right away in any of these situations:
Early involvement in the legal process protects your constitutional rights. A skilled attorney can challenge an illegal search, preserve evidence, and prevent you from making a damaging statement. The legal system moves fast, and so should you.
At Hurwitz Law Group, we build a strong defense for every client facing gun crime charges in Los Angeles and Los Angeles County. Our approach includes:
Our criminal defense team negotiates with prosecutors and prepares for trial from day one.
We handle every type of firearm-related offense, including:
Many law firms take a one-size approach; we build a tailored defense strategy around your specific facts. Call (323) 747-7484 for a free case evaluation and let our legal team protect your future.
California law covers a wide range of firearm conduct, including possession, carrying, storage, transfer, illegal sale, and firearm use during another crime. Gun charges can target the type of weapon, the location, the person's criminal history, or the circumstances of the stop. Some offenses are wobblers, meaning prosecutors choose the charge level based on aggravating factors and your prior record.
Gun crimes in California can be charged as misdemeanor or felony charges depending on the facts. Encino cases typically move through Los Angeles County courts, where the district attorney aggressively pursues weapons charges. Whether you face misdemeanor charges or serious felony charges, the consequences are real and lasting.
California tracks gun crime data closely. In July 2025, the California Attorney General released the 2024 criminal justice statistical reports, including Crime Guns, Inspections, and Handguns in California, reflecting information submitted by law enforcement agencies statewide. The data confirms that gun crime charges remain one of the state's top enforcement priorities.
Prosecutors and law enforcement treat every gun crime case as serious because California monitors firearm activity at the state level. If you face gun charges in Encino, the legal system is already working against you. You need an experienced criminal defense attorney who knows how to fight back.
The penalties for gun charges in California are severe. A conviction can result in county jail time, a state prison sentence, and significant fines. Courts can also impose probation, community service, confiscation of firearms, and a lifetime ban on firearm possession.
Under California Penal Code section 25400, carrying a concealed firearm on your person or in a vehicle is a criminal offense unless a recognized exception applies. Carrying a concealed weapon without a valid permit or legal permit can lead to misdemeanor charges or felony charges. Aggravating factors, such as a loaded firearm, a prohibited location, or a prior conviction, can elevate a lesser charge to a more serious offense.
Possible penalties include:
Even misdemeanor charges can carry jail time, significant fines, and lasting damage to your criminal history and driving record.
A weapons offense conviction reaches far beyond the courtroom. A permanent criminal record can cost you:
If you are not a U.S. citizen, a felony conviction for a firearm-related offense can trigger deportation proceedings.
Gun charges tied to domestic violence carry even heavier consequences:
A defense attorney who understands the full legal process can fight to protect you on every front.
Gun cases vary based on who possessed the firearm, how police found it, whether it was a loaded firearm, and whether another offense was alleged at the same time. Our defense lawyer team handles the full range of gun crimes in Encino and throughout Los Angeles. Here are the most common criminal charges we see.
Charges for carrying a concealed firearm often start with a traffic stop. Police may discover a gun in a glove compartment, center console, backpack, purse, or waistband. Carrying a concealed weapon on your body or inside a motor vehicle without a valid license is a criminal offense under the California Penal Code.
Key issues in these cases include:
A skilled attorney can attack the prosecution's case on any one of these points and potentially get the case dismissed.
Some gun charges focus on who held the firearm, not just how they held it. A convicted felon, someone subject to a domestic violence restraining order, or a prohibited person under state or federal law cannot legally possess a firearm. Unlawful possession in these cases can carry serious felony charges.
These cases turn on two core issues:
Our criminal defense attorney team challenges both the status and the evidence at every step of the legal process.
Prosecutors often pile gun crime charges on top of other criminal charges, including assault, robbery, drug offenses, domestic violence, or criminal threats. These enhancements can dramatically increase the prison term if the district attorney proves the firearm was used or was present during the underlying offense.
Our defense attorney scrutinizes the prosecution's case for weaknesses on both the main charge and the enhancement. Successfully defeating or reducing a firearm enhancement can mean the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony prison sentence.
Yes, there are strong legal defenses available. The right defense depends on the facts, the police conduct, where the firearm was found, and whether the prosecution's case can meet the burden of proof beyond a reasonable doubt. Never assume guilt before a defense lawyer reviews your case.
Our legal team builds a tailored defense strategy based on what actually happened. Common defenses our attorneys use include:
Each of these legal defenses requires investigation and a clear legal strategy. Our attorneys review every detail to build the strongest possible argument for your gun crime case.
An unlawful search produces evidence that courts can throw out. If police searched your home, motor vehicle, or person without a proper warrant, without consent, or without probable cause, we file a motion to suppress. Suppressed evidence cannot be used against you, and in many cases, the charges get dismissed.
Our team reviews body camera footage, chain-of-custody records, and police reports in detail. Unlawful and illegal searches appear frequently in weapons charges cases. A successful suppression motion can have your case dismissed before trial.
The steps you take after an arrest matter as much as the facts of the case. Follow these steps right away:
Do not try to explain your way out of serious criminal charges. The prosecution will use anything you say. Call a criminal defense attorney at (323) 747-7484 for a free consultation before making any statement.
Do I need an Encino gun charge lawyer after an arrest?
Yes. Gun crime charges carry severe penalties, including prison time and a permanent criminal record. An Encino gun charge lawyer can challenge the prosecution's case and protect your constitutional rights from day one.
Is carrying a concealed firearm always a felony?
No. Carrying a concealed firearm can result in misdemeanor or felony charges depending on your criminal history, whether the gun was loaded, and other aggravating factors. A defense lawyer reviews the facts to assess your exposure.
What are common defenses to gun charges?
Common defenses include illegal search, insufficient evidence, lack of possession, valid permit, and self-defense. The right legal defenses depend on the facts of your specific gun crime case.
Can a domestic violence case affect gun rights?
Yes. Even a domestic violence misdemeanor conviction can trigger a lifetime federal ban on possession of a firearm. These collateral consequences make early legal support critical to your case.
Can police search my car for a firearm?
Not always. Police must have a warrant, valid consent, or a recognized exception to search a motor vehicle. An unlawful search can lead to the suppression of evidence and, potentially, to a case being dismissed.
What should I bring to a free case evaluation?
Bring all arrest paperwork, court notices, text messages related to the incident, and a written account of what happened. The more detail you share, the faster our defense attorney can identify the strongest legal strategy for your defense.
If you face weapons charges in Encino, do not wait. Hurwitz Law Group fights hard for every client. Our Encino gun charge lawyer team handles cases involving concealed firearm allegations, carrying a concealed weapon, illegal possession, unlawful possession, assault weapon violations, prohibited weapons, destructive devices, illegal sale of firearms, and firearm enhancements tied to serious criminal charges. We serve clients throughout Los Angeles and Los Angeles County.
Our law offices offer free consultations and case evaluations with no obligation. Our criminal defense attorney team will review your gun crime case, explain your legal defenses, and build a tailored defense strategy around your facts. Do not speak with law enforcement or the district attorney before speaking with a skilled attorney who can protect your constitutional rights.
Call Hurwitz Law Group at (323) 747-7484 to schedule your confidential case evaluation today.
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