Los Angeles Gun Crime Lawyer
Are you facing gun-related charges in Los Angeles? Gun crimes are serious and being charged with a firearm can be devastating. You need an experienced attorney on your side. The Los Angeles gun crime lawyers at The Law Offices of Hart J. Levin will fight for your rights and your future.
Gun Possession Law in Los Angeles
California has some of the toughest gun possession laws in the country and LA enforces them. Here are some of the key aspects of gun possession law:
Permit Requirements: Individuals must have a permit to carry a concealed weapon.
Restrictions on Possession: Certain individuals, such as felons or those with specific restraining orders, are prohibited from owning firearms.
Transportation Rules: Firearms must be transported in a locked container and unloaded unless carried with a concealed carry permit.
Violations of these laws can result in severe penalties, including imprisonment and substantial fines.
Different Types of Gun Charges
There are many types of gun charges you may face in Los Angeles and each has its own set of consequences and penalties.
Possession of a Loaded Gun
Possessing a loaded firearm in public without a permit is illegal. This charge can be serious and jail time is possible especially if you have prior convictions or the firearm is in a restricted area.
California Penal Code sections 12031 and 25850(a) prohibit carrying loaded guns on your person or in your vehicle. The prosecution must prove:
- You had a gun on you or in your car.
- You knew it was loaded.
- You were in a public place.
Carrying a loaded handgun in public without aggravating circumstances is a misdemeanor, up to 1 year in county jail and $1,000 fine. It can also be a felony, up to 3 years in state prison and $1,000 fine. Carrying a loaded gun is illegal if:
- You are not the gun’s registered owner.
- You have a prior misdemeanor conviction for a person, property or drug offense.
It is a felony with up to 3 years in jail and $10,000 fine to carry a loaded gun if:
- You are a convicted felon.
- You have a prior weapons violation.
- You possess a stolen firearm and know it.
- You are a gang member.
- You are prohibited from owning a gun.
Concealed Deadly Weapon
Carrying a concealed weapon (CCW) on your person or in a vehicle is a big deal in Los Angeles and all of California. This charge requires proof that you knowingly carried a concealed weapon and didn’t have the proper legal permission.
Even with a permit, carrying a concealed weapon is not allowed in certain places like schools, government buildings and airports. Violating those will get you extra charges.
First time offenders will be charged as a misdemeanor which can get you up to 1 year in county jail and $1,000 fine. But if there are aggravating factors like prior convictions or gang affiliation, the charge can be upgraded to a felony and you can get more time in prison (up to 3 years) and higher fine.
Possession Without a Permit
While most California residents can own firearms, some are illegal. Only authorized people can own assault rifles and other guns as per California Penal Code 30600 PC. Uzis, AK-series rifles and similar guns fall into this category and owning them without a permit can get you 1-3 years in prison.
Unlicensed gun manufacturing, distribution, importation, lending and sales are felonies in California and can get you 4-8 years in prison. Selling or transferring these guns to minors adds a year to the sentence.
The state also bans large capacity magazines and certain types of ammo. Violations can be misdemeanors or felonies and can get you jail time and fines. People on probation, parole or with certain restraining orders can’t own guns and breaking those rules can get you more charges and more time. Having a lawyer who knows the laws is key.
Brandishing a Firearm
Brandishing a firearm means displaying a gun in a threatening way. This is taken very seriously as it means you intended to intimidate or threaten someone. Convictions can mean big time in jail and big fines.
As firearm defense attorneys in Los Angeles, our team will work to prove you are not guilty if you only display your gun to another individual, NOT utilizing the weapon in a threatening manner during an argument.
Assault With a Firearm
Assault with a firearm is one of the most severe gun charges. It involves using a firearm to threaten or cause harm to another person. This felony charge carries heavy penalties, including lengthy prison sentences and substantial fines.
How Our Firearm Defense Attorneys Can Help
At The Law Offices of Hart J. Levin we have experienced firearm defense lawyers who will defend you in Los Angeles gun crime cases. Here’s how we can help:
- Case Review: We review your case to determine the best defense.
- Court Representation: We appear in court for you to protect your rights.
- Negotiation: We negotiate with the DA to reduce or dismiss charges.
- Evidence Review: We review police reports and witness statements to find inconsistencies or rights violations.
- Expert Witness: When needed we bring in experts to support your defense.
Our goal is to achieve the best possible outcome for your case, whether that means reduced charges, acquittal, or alternative sentencing options.
Contact Our Los Angeles Gun Crime Lawyers
If you are facing gun charges in Los Angeles, don’t wait to seek legal assistance. The Law Offices of Hart J. Levin is ready to provide you with the defense you need. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can help protect your future.
- Law Offices of Hart J. Levin 355 S Grand Avenue #2450 Los Angeles, CA 90071
- 401 Wilshire, Blvd., 12th Fl. Penthouse Santa Monica, CA 90401