What to Know About Firearm Offenses in California
In the United States, you have both the right to own a firearm and the right to be safe in a public area. Because of both of these rights, there are certain laws around firearms in order to protect the general public. Violating these laws can lead to very serious consequences.Carrying a Loaded Firearm
One type of firearm offense is carrying a loaded firearm in a public place or a restricted area. In these instances, the firearm needs to be loaded at the time. You can be convicted even if the weapon is loaded but not functioning. If you are convicted of carrying a loaded firearm, there are several common defenses you can use. First, you can use the defense that you did not know you were in possession of the firearm. It’s important to note that not knowing you had the firearm can be used as a defense but not knowing the firearm was loaded is not a valid offense. You can also defend yourself if you are a police officer, in the military, at a shooting range, a business owner or private property owner, a government officer, a vehicle guard, or if you have a permit to carry a weapon.Carrying a Concealed Weapon
In order to carry a weapon, you need to have a permit. Without any kind of permit, you can be convicted if you have a weapon concealed on your person or in your vehicle. There are many defenses you can use if you are accused of carrying a concealed weapon. Much like possessing a loaded firearm, you can use the defense that you had no knowledge of the weapon being concealed. You can also defend yourself if the weapon is at your place of business or on your private property. Having a permit to carry a concealed weapon is also a strong defense. It is also possible to defend having a concealed weapon if you feel that your life was in imminent danger.Penalties of a Firearm Offense
There are a variety of factors at play in any firearm case. These include the type of weapon used, the situation surrounding the incident, and even your personal history. Each of these factors will determine the consequences you face as well as whether the charge will be a misdemeanor or a felony. In most cases, you can face either extensive jail time and/or hefty fines. If you’ve been accused of any kind of firearm offense, it is in your best interest to hire a qualified attorney to help defend your case. Firearm offenses are very serious matters and they can be quite complicated. Having a strong attorney on your side can help you navigate your case and find the best defense. Bradley Corbett is an experienced attorney who can help your case.
Bradley Corbett
Bradley Corbett is a criminal defense attorney in San Diego. He graduated from Brigham Young University in Provo Utah in 2004. Later he enrolled at Thomas Jefferson School of Law in San Diego where he participated in a prestigious internship program with the Los Angeles County Public Defender. Since then he has handled over 2,000 cases.