
Weapons charges are a serious offense in the state of California, as the majority of weapons charges are felonies. The determination of whether a weapons charge is considered a felony or misdemeanor depends on the kind of weapon the defendant is in possession of upon arrest, intent with the weapon, and prior criminal offenses.
There are a number of weapons charges in California, including:
It is important to note that the definition of a weapon is wide ranging. For example, an individual can be charged for improper use of knives or carrying brass knuckles.
Misdemeanor Charges - Misdemeanor weapons charges can carry a penalty of a up to one year in jail. A fine of up to $1,000 can also be served with or instead of jail time for a weapons charge guilty finding.
Felony Charges - Felony weapons charges often result in a penalty of prison time. An individual could receive the penalty of jail time from one year up to 20 years in the state of California. The type of offense, prior criminal record and circumstances surround the arrest are factored into the length of time an individual is required to serve time.
A guilty finding for a weapons charge can impact an individual for the rest of their life when going for employment or a place of residence. There are also many viable defenses for a weapons charge we take into consideration for you as a client, including:
We at Luftman, Heck and Associates offer the experience you need and the attention that you deserve. We strive to protect your best interests throughout the entire criminal process – from the initial filing of charges through sentencing. Our criminal defense attorneys in California will provide you with a strong defense, regardless of the charge.
If you or a loved one are in need of criminal defense representation and are interested in learning more about Luftman, Heck and Associates LLP, please fill out a contact form. A member of our San Diego law firm will contact you directly to discuss your case in more detail and provide additional information about our criminal defense services.