Weapon charges are prosecuted vigorously under the California Penal Code. If you have been accused of illegally carrying a concealed firearm or other weapons charges, we can help you.
At Perlman & Cohen Los Angeles Criminal Lawyers, we have experience defending against weapon crime allegations in LA County.
If you want to avoid felony gun charges and a criminal record, you need a strong criminal defense attorney. A conviction could lead to a stint in county jail or a lengthy state prison sentence. Learn more about weapon crimes and potential defenses below. Then, contact our Los Angeles Weapon Crime Lawyer to schedule a free consultation.
The state of California aggressively prosecutes individuals charged with weapons offenses. Such offenses may include:
The law in Los Angeles covers many weapons, not just firearms. Under the regulations, weapons include guns, knives, brass knuckles, and some types of blunt instruments that can cause severe harm. Regulating these items aims to prevent violence and ensure public safety. Everyone needs to know what qualifies as a weapon to avoid unintentional legal issues.
Different laws may apply depending on the type of weapon and the circumstances of its use or possession. For example, firearms are regulated more strictly than other weapons due to their potential for harm.
California's gun laws are some of the strictest in the country, and they include specific rules about who can own a firearm, how it must be stored, and where it can be carried. Awareness of these laws can help individuals avoid severe charges.
If you have questions about how these laws apply to your case, contact us today. We even handle cases involving assault weapons.
If you are facing a weapons charge in Los Angeles, it likely falls into one of three categories: commission of a crime with the use of a deadly weapon; illegal possession, sale, or manufacture of a firearm; or a weapons offense involving something other than a firearm such as a knife or brass knuckles.
Allegations of illegal gun possession are among the most frequent weapons charges in Los Angeles. This charge can apply to someone who owns a gun without a proper license or who is prohibited from owning firearms due to a prior conviction or mental health issues.
The laws are designed to keep the community safe by ensuring only qualified individuals can access firearms. If someone is caught with a firearm unlawfully, they can face considerable legal penalties.
To prove illegal possession of a firearm, the prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you knowingly possessed the firearm.
If your friend placed a gun in your motor vehicle or home and you had no knowledge of such a fact, you would not be guilty of a crime. Another possible defense strategy is to seek the suppression of a seized firearm if it was obtained due to an unconstitutional search and seizure.
Selling or distributing firearms without proper authorization is another severe offense in Los Angeles. This includes selling guns without a license, failing to perform needed background checks, or selling to someone who is not legally allowed to own a firearm.
These regulations are in place to control the flow of firearms and prevent them from getting into the wrong hands. Violations of these laws are taken very heavily and can lead to severe consequences.
Using a weapon during the commission of a crime highly increases the severity of the charges.
Whether it's a robbery, assault, or any other crime, the presence of a weapon can turn a less severe offense into a major felony. This is because weapons increase the potential for harm and indicate a greater threat to public safety.
Being charged with using a weapon in a crime requires a strong defense strategy to reduce the potential penalties.
As experienced criminal defense attorneys, there are many ways that we can raise a strong defense on your behalf. We are passionate advocates for each of our clients and work diligently to minimize the consequences they face due to criminal charges. Reach out to us today to learn more.
The consequences of facing weapon charges in Los Angeles can be severe and long-lasting. These charges can lead to jail time, hefty fines, and other major penalties. It's important for anyone facing these charges to know what's at stake and to seek competent legal representation.
The penalties for weapon charges vary depending on the nature of the offense and the defendant's prior criminal history. For instance, unlawful possession of a firearm might result in several years in prison, especially if the individual has previous convictions.
Additionally, using a weapon in committing a crime can lead to enhanced penalties, which means longer prison time and larger fines. Our defense attorneys work diligently to reduce these penalties or seek alternative sentencing options.
Convictions for weapon charges can profoundly impact a person's legal status and future rights. For example, a conviction can lead to the loss of the right to own firearms and may affect employment opportunities, especially in sectors that require clean criminal records.
It can also impact one's ability to qualify for certain professional licenses and influence child custody arrangements. Awareness of these long-term consequences is vital for anyone facing weapon charges.
Developing an effective defense against weapon charges requires a deep awareness of the law and the case details. Our attorneys at Perlman & Cohen are experienced in navigating these complex cases and work to protect our clients' rights and freedoms.
One common defense strategy is challenging the legality of the search and seizure that led to the weapon's discovery.
If the weapon was found during an illegal search, the evidence might be excluded from the trial, which can highly weaken the prosecution's case. Our lawyers are skilled in identifying violations of constitutional rights and will aggressively challenge any illegal procedures used by law enforcement.
Another defense involves disputing the ownership or possession of the weapon. Just because a weapon was found on a property or in a vehicle does not automatically mean it belongs to the person charged with the offense.
We can argue that our client had no knowledge of the weapon's presence or that it belonged to someone else. These arguments can be important in cases where possession is a key element of the charge.
In some cases, possessing or using a weapon may be justified by circumstances such as self-defense.
If we can demonstrate that our clients used the weapon to protect themselves or others from imminent harm, the charges may be reduced or dismissed. This defense requires a thorough awareness of the specific details of the incident and the applicable laws.
We always take the time to answer your questions before we move forward. Some of the most common questions we get asked include:
Remain silent and request to speak with a lawyer immediately. Avoid discussing your case with police or investigators without legal representation present.
It depends on your case's specifics, including the charge's severity and criminal history. Perlman & Cohen can help determine if expungement is possible and guide you through the process.
Defenses may include proving the weapon was not yours, that you were unaware of its presence, or that you possessed it for a lawful purpose, such as self-defense. Each case is unique so that specific defenses will depend on the circumstances.
If you have been arrested for a weapons offense, you must protect your rights by retaining an experienced Los Angeles weapon crime lawyer. For a vigorous defense, contact Perlman & Cohen Los Angeles Criminal Lawyers at (310) 557-1700 or contact us by e-mail.
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