Guns and Firearms Lawyer in Los Angeles

Gun and Firearms Charges

California is tough on guns and firearm charges. If you have been charged with carrying a handgun with an expired permit, carrying a concealed gun or loaded firearm, illegally transporting a gun in your vehicle; or, a gun allegation was added to charges for another offense - you need a Los Angeles criminal defense attorney who is serious and skilled about fighting those charges.

We are experienced defense attorneys who aggressively defend individuals charged with weapons crimes, including gun and firearm charges. Gun and firearm arrests may be prosecuted as felony or misdemeanor offenses, which can result in serious criminal penalties. Even first-time offenders may be sentenced to state prison. Courts may impose county jail time and large fines for either felony or misdemeanor firearm cases. Choosing the right lawyer makes all the difference!

Most California gun charges are "wobblers," meaning that prosecutors can charge the gun or firearm offense as either a misdemeanor or a felony. A misdemeanor gun conviction carries a maximum sentence of one year in county jail along with fines and up to five (5) years of summary probation. If prosecutors decide to file the gun charge as a felony, the maximum penalty is a state prison commitment. Illegal use of a gun is generally punished harshly in this state. Felony "discharge of a firearm at an occupied home, car, or aircraft" carries a sentence of 3 to 7 years in state prison.

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There are a number of sentencing "enhancements" that apply to California gun charges. An "enhancement" is an additional prison term that is added to the base term of the underlying felony. Ten years can be added to a sentence if a gun that is inoperable is used in the commission of a crime. There are other enhancements that are even more severe.

The state laws regulating Gun and Firearms are complex. The charges and penalties vary depending on the defendant's criminal record, personal circumstances, and details of the alleged crime, such as whether the firearm was concealed or loaded.

We will put our aggressiveness, experience and knowledge to work for you. In many gun and firearm cases that initially did not appear defensible, our attorneys have achieved excellent results. Knowing how to prepare a strong weapons defense and aggressively defend you at trial is how we obtain the best possible outcome for every client.

If you are suspected of or have been charged with gun or firearm violation, contact a Los Angeles criminal defense attorney at Stephen G. Rodriguez & Partners.