More than 100 gun laws in California establish how residents and visitors may acquire, possess, and handle weapons. A Nevada County gun crime attorney can explain these laws to you and ensure you understand your charges.
If you want to own guns in California, you may do so as long as you meet the following requirements:
You are responsible for maintaining and using your weapons safely. Additionally, if your gun is lost or stolen, you must report it to the police right away.
If you purchase a gun outside of California, it must be shipped to a licensed dealer that follows California procedures for gun ownership. You must also pass the standard background check, a gun safety course, and complete a 10-day waiting period.
California law prohibits some individuals from owning guns, including:
If you are unsure about your gun ownership eligibility, consult a Nevada County gun crime attorney. Your attorney can help you apply for a Personal Firearms Eligibility Check (PFEC) through the Department of Justice. This application applies to California laws and not federal laws.
Walsh Law handles a variety of gun charges for clients who are facing serious criminal penalties. We can help you with the following weapons charges in Nevada County:
"Mr. Walsh is a great attorney with in depth knowledge on how to navigate the local court system. I recommend him to all the people in the local area who needs a good attorney."
Gun crimes can result in a variety of penalties depending on the type of charge you are facing. Some gun offenses are considered “wobblers,” which means they may be charged as either misdemeanors or felonies depending on the facts of the case.
Some specific penalties for gun crime convictions in Nevada County include:
Gun crimes can result in consequences other than incarceration and fines, some of which can impact your entire life. Some of the collateral consequences of gun crimes include, but are not limited to:
Your Nevada County gun crimes attorney can use a variety of defenses to build you a strategy that will win your case. Some of the most common defenses include, but are not limited to, the following:
Under California Penal Code Section 198.5 PC, you have a right to use deadly force if you reasonably fear great bodily injury or death and you are protecting yourself in self-defense or defense of others.
For example, if someone breaks into your home with a gun, then you have a right to defend yourself on your property. You do not have to run away or retreat.
In California, you can carry a concealed weapon with a proper permit. You must be at least 21 years old and complete 16 hours of training. California does not honor other states’ concealed carry permits. You also cannot carry a weapon in certain places, such as schools, courts, government buildings, hospitals, and airports.
There is no limit on how many total handguns you can own in California. However, you are restricted to purchasing no more than one handgun every 30 days. There are some exceptions to this rule, including private party transfers, returns to owners, and transactions between law enforcement officers.
California does not restrict how guns are stored unless a minor is likely to have access to them. If they are accessible to a minor, guns must be stored in state-approved locked containers. If a minor does gain access to guns when they should have been locked up, and the minor causes death or harm to someone else or themselves, then the gun owner can face felony charges.
Gun crimes often result in serious penalties because these offenses are typically felonies. You may be facing years in prison or hefty fines. Nevada County gun crime lawyer Chris Walsh understands how California gun laws apply to your case, and he can help you develop a strong defense.
Call Walsh Law today at (530) 499-0645 or use our online contact form to schedule a free initial consultation about your Nevada County criminal case.