What Are the Penalties for Weapons Charges in California?

‍The penalties for weapons charges in California vary depending on the type of weapon and the circumstances of your arrest. However, most weapons charges will result in a felony conviction and time in prison.

If you are breaking the law with a weapons offense, it is essential that you contact weapons charges attorney Los Angeles. Even if the potential consequences might seem minor at first glance, these cases can often have secondary implications. An attorney can help you understand your options and plan the best strategy for dealing with the case from there.

Possession of a Prohibited Weapon

The crime of possession of a prohibited weapon is charged when you have in your possession an illegal weapon. Possession charges are usually for when the weapon is found in your home or place of business. However, it is also possible to be breaking the law with possession if you were carrying an illegal weapon.

Depending on the circumstances, possession of a weapon can mean a misdemeanor or a felony. The potential penalties for misdemeanor possession of a prohibited weapon are up to a year in county jail and a $1,000 fine. If convicted of felony possession, you face 16 months to 3 years in state prison.

Manufacturing or Selling a Prohibited Weapon

Manufacturing or selling a prohibited weapon is one of the most serious weapons charges that you can face. And manufacturing and selling weapons like nunchucks or brass knuckles are illegal. Whether or not you are doing so for profit.

If you are breaking the law with manufacturing or selling such a weapon, you can expect to face felony charges. Manufacturing or selling a prohibited weapon can result in felony convictions and up to 3 years in state prison. You may also have to pay significant fines and may have judgment entered against you that could come with additional penalties, such as having to pay back money earned from the sale of the weapons.

Brandishing a Firearm

Brandishing a firearm is a serious weapons charge that can result in felony convictions and up to 3 years in prison. While most people think of waving a gun around when discussing this offense, it is also possible to be breaking the law with brandishing a weapon such as a knife, club, or other deadly weapons.

Possession of an Illegal Firearm

Possession of an illegal firearm is a charge that is often for when police find illegal guns that fall under the category of assault rifles or machine guns. State law requires that you only buy registered assault rifles and are only allowed to be in the hands of law enforcement or military personnel. If you are in possession of such a weapon, you could face felony charges. If convicted, you face a fine of up to $100,000 and 3 years in state prison.

Possession of Ammunition by a Prohibited Person

California has extremely strict laws governing who can own and possess ammunition. If you are a felon, you cannot posses any ammunition, period. And if you have been convicted of certain misdemeanors, you are also prohibited from owning or possessing ammunition.

If you are in possession of ammunition as an unlawful person, you could be breaking the law with a felony and face up to 3 years in state prison. You may also have to pay a fine of up to $100,000.

Transportation and Storage of an Unregistered Assault Rifle or Machine Gun

If you are transporting an illegal machine gun or assault rifle in a vehicle, you can be breaking the law with a felony. This is true even if you have a valid permit to carry a concealed weapon. If you are transporting a weapon without a permit, you can break the law with a felony and face up to 3 years in state prison.

Conclusion

The penalties for weapons charges are serious and can lead to significant consequences, including time in prison. If you are breaking the law with a weapons offense, it is essential that you hire an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.

Even if the potential penalties might seem minor at first glance, these cases can often have secondary implications that may not be obvious at first glance. An attorney can help you understand your options and plan the best strategy for dealing with the case from there.