When you find yourself facing a gun crime charge in Los Angeles, it can feel as if your world is collapsing around you. You may be feeling overwhelmed, fearful, and unsure of your next steps. At Hurwitz Law Group, we assure you there is a way forward. We approach our clients with utmost compassion and care and fight tirelessly to protect your rights and future.
Gun crimes are treated very seriously in California, so if you are facing felony gun charges or weapons charges, you need an experienced criminal defense attorney on your side. Our firearms defense lawyers have a tremendous amount of experience representing individuals charged with gun possession in California, so give us a call to schedule a consultation with our firearms defense attorney.
Legal representation by an experienced Los Angeles gun crime lawyer can significantly impact the outcome of your case. Our attorneys at Hurwitz Law Group are well-versed in the complexities of California's gun control laws and are adept at building strong defenses for our clients. Our unwavering dedication to our clients and extensive knowledge and experience have garnered us a well-deserved reputation for excellence in the Los Angeles legal community.
In every case, we prioritize open communication with our clients. We invest the necessary time to thoroughly comprehend the intricacies of your individual situation and explain your options, the potential consequences, and our proposed defense strategy. Our prime objective is to make the legal process less daunting for you and to fight for the best possible outcome.
California has some of the strictest gun control laws in the United States. These laws regulate who can possess firearms, what types of firearms are legal, how firearms must be stored and transported, and the consequences of violating these laws. Understanding these laws is crucial to mounting a successful defense against gun crime charges.
California has one of the most exhaustive sets of gun control laws in the country. Despite the state's stringent regulations, firearm-related crimes still occur, largely due to illegal possession and misuse of firearms. Knowledge of various firearm offenses can help us be better prepared to build a robust defense if you or a relative face such charges.
While it's legal to own a firearm in California, the state mandates a strict process for acquisition, which includes obtaining a valid license. It's illegal to possess a firearm that hasn't been licensed accordingly, and this law is equally applicable to firearms obtained through purchase, inheritance, or as a gift.
Carrying an unlicensed firearm is a serious crime, punishable by significant fines and imprisonment. It's also important to note that it's illegal to sell a firearm to someone without a license, which is a crime that carries its own penalties.
Suppose you're facing charges for possession of an unlicensed firearm. In that case, you must consult with an experienced gun crime attorney who can help you navigate the complexities of this legal landscape.
California's gun control laws don't just regulate the ownership and use of guns. They also control the types of firearms and firearm accessories that can legally be possessed. Some weapons are outright banned in the state, including assault weapons.
Getting caught in possession of an illegal weapon or banned accessory can result in criminal charges that carry severe penalties. These might include heavy fines and imprisonment, depending on the nature and number of banned items found in your possession.
California law also prohibits certain individuals from owning or possessing firearms. This includes individuals with certain criminal convictions, those with restraining orders against them, and people with a history of mental illness. Moreover, individuals under the age of 18 are prohibited from purchasing or possessing a firearm, although there might be a few exceptions.
For these individuals, being found in possession of a firearm can lead to additional charges and penalties beyond those associated with their initial offenses. These charges can dramatically escalate the severity of the situation, resulting in longer sentences and larger fines.
California's concealed carry laws are particularly strict. To lawfully carry a concealed firearm in the state, you must have a valid permit issued by a local sheriff or police chief.
Infringing on this law can lead to serious consequences, such as imprisonment, fines, and potential loss of future firearm rights. This law applies to all types of firearms, including handguns, rifles, and shotguns, and all methods of concealed carry, including in a vehicle or on your person.
Even with a valid permit, it's generally a direct violation of the law to carry a loaded firearm in public in California unless you are in a place where it's legal to do so or have a specific, lawful reason to be carrying a loaded firearm. This law encompasses both open and concealed carry scenarios.
This crime can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony, subject to
the circumstances of the case and the individual's criminal history. Penalties can include imprisonment, fines, community service, probation, and loss of firearm rights.
Brandishing a firearm, or displaying a firearm in a threatening or intimidating manner, is a serious crime in California. While this offense is often charged as a misdemeanor, certain circumstances can elevate it to a felony, such as brandishing the weapon in the presence of a police officer.
Assault using a firearm is a serious crime, typically charged as a felony in California. This offense includes instances where an individual uses a firearm to threaten or physically harm another person.
Convictions can result in substantial prison terms, significant fines, and lifelong prohibition from owning firearms, among other penalties. Given the seriousness of this charge, it's crucial to consult with a knowledgeable gun crime lawyer as soon as possible if you're facing such allegations.
Firing a firearm at an inhabited dwelling or occupied vehicle, also known as "discharging a firearm at an inhabited dwelling," is a felony offense under California law. This law is designed to safeguard individuals from the extreme danger posed by indiscriminate shooting at homes or vehicles.
Penalties for this offense can include a state prison sentence of up to seven years, substantial fines, and permanent loss of firearm rights. If you're facing charges of shooting at an inhabited dwelling, it's crucial to seek the guidance of an experienced gun crime lawyer who can help protect your rights.
The legal process for gun crime cases typically involves the following steps:
Felony gun charges and gun possession convictions, including those involving a concealed weapon, can come with severe penalties. This is even more serious for those with a prior criminal history. If you have been charged with any crime involving a deadly weapon, be sure to reach out to us to schedule a case consultation as soon as possible.
A gun crime conviction in California can have serious and long-lasting consequences. Aside from potential imprisonment, fines, probation, and mandatory firearms training or counseling, a conviction can significantly affect your future. It could result in a permanent criminal record, affecting your ability to obtain employment or housing and limiting your future rights to possess firearms.
Building a strong defense strategy is crucial when you're facing gun crime charges in California. The appropriate strategy can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. Defenses often hinge on the specific circumstances of your case and require an in-depth understanding of California gun laws and court processes.
In some scenarios, using a firearm can be justified under California's self-defense laws. To successfully argue self-defense, you need to establish that you had a reasonable and prudent assumption that you (or another person) were in urgent danger of being harmed and that you resorted to no more force than was necessary to defend yourself or the other person.
A self-defense claim often comes down to proving that your actions were a proportionate response to the perceived threat. An experienced attorney can guide you in presenting a persuasive self-defense claim.
The Fourth Amendment safeguards people from unreasonable searches. If law enforcement violated your rights by obtaining the firearm or other evidence against you through an unlawful search or seizure, that evidence might be excluded from your case.
Exclusion of evidence obtained through an invalid search or seizure could significantly weaken the prosecution's case against you, potentially leading to the charges being reduced or dismissed altogether. An attorney with a thorough understanding of Fourth Amendment rights can help challenge the legality of the search and seizure.
The burden of proof in criminal cases rests with the prosecution. They must present enough evidence to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that they committed the gun crime you're being charged with.
If the prosecution lacks sufficient evidence to meet this high standard, or if there are doubts about the validity or reliability of the evidence (such as how the firearm was found, who it belongs to, or whether it was operable), you may be acquitted. An experienced gun crime attorney can scrutinize the prosecution's evidence for weaknesses and work to exploit those in your defense.
In certain situations, it may be possible to argue that a mental health condition or intoxication impaired your ability to understand what you were doing or control your actions. This defense can be complex and is typically used in specific circumstances.
If successful, it may result in a reduced charge or sentence or potentially an acquittal on the grounds of diminished capacity or lack of criminal intent. However, these defenses are highly fact-specific and should only be sought under the guidance of a skilled criminal defense attorney who understands the nuanced interplay between mental health or intoxication issues and criminal liability.
Facing a gun crime charge in Los Angeles is a serious matter that can have grave consequences. But remember, you are not alone. At Hurwitz Law Group, our experienced Los Angeles gun crime lawyer is ready to fight for you, protect your rights, and help you navigate this difficult time.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation. Your future is worth fighting for, and we are here to help.
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