California has strict laws regulating the possession and use of various types of weapons. These laws are not exclusively about firearms – all sorts of knives, blunt objects, martial arts weapons, and more are subject to restrictions. Violating these restrictions can quickly result in criminal charges, either misdemeanor or felony, with potential sentences up to a year in county jail (for misdemeanors) or several years in prison (for felonies).
Firearms, of course, are heavily regulated. You must have a permit to legally possess most types of handgun or rifle. To carry a firearm concealed on your person or in your vehicle, you must have a special Concealed Carry permit. You cannot be drinking alcohol while concealed carrying. Even residents with the proper permits may violate some part of California’s firearm laws without realizing it.
In addition to guns, state law also bans the possession of certain other weapons, such as switchblade knives, brass knuckles, some types of clubs, and a variety of weapons used in martial arts such as swords, nunchucks, and throwing stars. Charges for these offenses are typically misdemeanors, with maximum sentences of up to one year in jail.
Even common household items such as baseball bats, hammers, and box cutters may be considered weapons in certain situations.
How Can Farris Law Firm Help?
In California, weapons charges can qualify for diversion under Penal Code § 1001.95. This is a process that allows a defendant the opportunity to have their case fully dismissed if they complete certain requirements. Additionally, if pleading guilty or no contest is the best option, we pursue unsupervised probation, gun safety classes, and very minimal terms to make the process as easy as possible.
Farris Law Firm has also developed a step-by-step process to assist you in recovering a firearm that has been confiscated by law enforcement.
Finally, you always have the option of going to trial. Farris Law Firm will fight your case out in open court, in front of a jury, and hold the prosecutor to their burden. The prosecutor must prove, beyond a reasonable doubt, every element of an offense before you can be convicted and sentenced.
Your attorney at Farris Law Firm knows the ins and outs of this part of our legal system and can help you at every step of the way with your weapons-related case.