Address: 2900 Bristol St., Suite C204 Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Available To Serve You Nationwide On All Federal Cases
This page was written, edited, reviewed & approved by Karren Kenney following our comprehensive editorial guidelines Karren Kenney, the Founding Partner, has 30+ years of legal experience as a criminal defense attorney.
Weapon crime charges can have serious consequences, ranging from lengthy prison sentences to the loss of your gun ownership rights. If you are facing weapons charges in Orange County, it is crucial to have experienced legal help. Kenney Legal Defense specializes in defending clients against all types of weapon-related crimes. Our team of criminal defense attorneys understands the complexities of California's gun laws and is ready to provide you with aggressive representation.
Kenney Legal Defense helps individuals who are accused of crimes involving guns, ammunition, and other deadly weapons. We are committed to defending your rights and working towards a positive outcome in your case.
Whether you are accused of carrying a concealed weapon or facing charges for possession of an illegal firearm, our defense lawyers will guide you through the legal system and fight to reduce or dismiss your charges.
Weapon crimes in California involve the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of weapons such as firearms or knives. California law takes these crimes seriously, and if convicted, individuals may face significant prison sentences, fines, and the loss of their firearms rights.
These offenses can involve carrying an illegal weapon, discharging a firearm, or using a weapon to harm someone else. In many cases, aggravating circumstances can lead to even harsher penalties.
Weapon crimes in Orange County can range from minor offenses to serious felonies. If you are facing criminal charges, it's essential to understand the types of crimes you may be accused of.
Here are some common weapon crimes in the area:
Under Penal Code § 25400, carrying a concealed weapon without a valid permit is illegal in California. This includes having a firearm hidden on your person or in a vehicle. If you are caught carrying a concealed weapon without the proper authorization, you could face serious penalties, including fines, probation, or prison time.
The severity of the penalties depends on factors like whether the weapon was loaded and if you have a prior criminal record.
Penal Code § 29800 makes it illegal to possess certain types of firearms in California, such as assault weapons or unregistered firearms. This law also applies to individuals who have been previously convicted of a felony and are not allowed to possess firearms. Violating this law can lead to serious consequences, including prison sentences, fines, and loss of firearm rights.
It's essential to consult a criminal defense attorney if you're facing possession of an illegal firearm charges to understand your legal options.
Certain individuals, such as convicted felons, individuals with domestic violence restraining orders, or those with certain mental health issues, are prohibited from owning or possessing firearms. If someone who falls into one of these categories is found in possession of a firearm, they can face criminal charges under California law.
The penalties for possessing a firearm as a prohibited person can include lengthy prison sentences and significant fines. If you're accused of this crime, it's important to work with a criminal defense lawyer to protect your rights.
Brandishing a weapon under Penal Code § 417 occurs when someone displays or uses a weapon in a way that causes fear or threatens harm to another person. This includes firearms or any other deadly weapon used in a threatening manner. If you're accused of brandishing a weapon, the charges can range from a misdemeanor to a felony, depending on the circumstances.
Penalties for brandishing a weapon can include jail time, probation, and fines. Also, if the weapon was displayed during an argument or in public, it can lead to aggravating circumstances that result in more severe charges. Having an Orange County weapon crime lawyer is crucial to challenge these allegations and protect your rights.
Discharging a firearm in public or at another person is illegal under Penal Code § 12034. This crime involves firing a weapon in a way that poses a danger to others, whether intentional or reckless. Discharging a firearm can be charged as a felony, especially if the action causes harm or threatens public safety. The penalties can include prison sentences, large fines, and the loss of firearm rights.
If the firearm is discharged in an area where it is prohibited, such as near schools or government buildings, the consequences can be even more severe. If you are facing charges for discharging a firearm, it's important to work with a criminal defense attorney to build a strong case and protect your future.
In Orange County, the penalties for weapon crimes can be very serious, depending on the crime and whether it's charged as a misdemeanor or felony. The consequences can include jail time, fines, and losing your rights to own a firearm.
Here's the difference between misdemeanor and felony charges, and how sentencing enhancements can make penalties worse:
Misdemeanors are less serious offenses, often leading to up to 1 year in jail and smaller fines.
Felonies are more serious and can lead to longer prison sentences, bigger fines, and other penalties.
For example, possession of an illegal firearm may be a felony, while carrying a concealed weapon might be a misdemeanor.
Sentencing enhancements can make penalties harsher for weapon crimes. If the crime involved a deadly weapon or caused harm, the judge may add extra years to your sentence. This means that the punishment can be much worse than the normal penalty, especially in cases where aggravating circumstances exist, such as using a weapon during a robbery.
If you're facing weapon crime charges, there are defenses that can help you avoid conviction. A skilled criminal defense lawyer can argue that you did not have the weapon, didn't intend to harm anyone, or were just protecting yourself.
Some of the common defenses used in weapon crime cases are:
If you didn't know about the weapon or didn't own it, this can be used as a defense. For example, if someone else left a weapon in your car or home without your knowledge, you can argue that you weren't in possession of it.
If you used a weapon to protect yourself or someone else from harm, self-defense can be a valid defense. If you can show that you were in danger and acted to stop harm, the charges against you may be reduced or dropped.
If the police didn't follow the rules when they searched you or your property, anything they found may not be used as evidence in court. This is called illegal search and seizure. If your firearms law rights were violated during the search, your criminal defense attorney may argue that the evidence should be thrown out, which can help you build your best defense in gun crimes cases.
If you didn't mean to break the law or didn't act recklessly with a weapon, this can be a defense. For example, if you had other weapons but didn't plan to use them to harm anyone, you can argue that there was no intent to commit a crime. Recklessness may also be a factor in some cases, and proving that you weren't reckless could help reduce or dismiss charges under the criminal justice system.
A conviction for a weapon crime can affect many parts of your life, even beyond jail time. If you are convicted, you may face serious consequences that can change your future.
When you're facing gun crimes charges, having the right legal help is crucial. Our law firm has extensive experience in defending clients against weapon crimes in Southern California, including Orange County assault and other related charges.
We focus on building customized defense strategies to fight for the best possible outcome, whether through a plea deal or trial.
Our team of attorneys has a deep understanding of California's firearm laws and gun crimes. We've successfully defended clients in Orange County against assault and other weapon-related charges. With years of experience, we know how to challenge the prosecution's evidence and work to protect your rights.
Every case is different, and we take a customized defense approach tailored to your specific situation. Whether you are facing charges for domestic violence involving weapons or possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, we will create a strategy focused on reducing charges or securing a favorable plea deal. Our goal is always to protect your future and your rights.
1. What are the penalties for weapon crimes in California?
Penalties for weapon crimes in California can include community service, prison time, and hefty fines. The exact penalties depend on whether the crime is a misdemeanor or felony, as well as factors like forensic evidence and aggravating circumstances.
2. How can a lawyer help with a weapon crime case?
A criminal defense lawyer can challenge the prosecution's case, examine forensic evidence, and help negotiate plea deals. They will fight for a reduction in charges or a more favorable sentence in criminal cases.
3. Can weapon crime charges lead to a felony conviction?
Yes, weapon crimes such as assault or possession of illegal firearms are often felony offenses. A felony conviction can lead to significant prison time and a permanent criminal record.
4. What happens if I am accused of weapon-related sex crimes?
If you are accused of sex crimes involving weapons, it's critical to have strong legal representation. A criminal defense attorney will challenge the evidence and work to reduce or dismiss the charges.
5. How does a prosecutor build a weapon crime case?
A prosecutor builds a criminal case using evidence such as forensic evidence, witness statements, and expert testimony. They aim to prove that you committed the crime beyond a reasonable doubt. An experienced lawyer can help you defend against these charges in San Bernardino and other areas.
If you're facing weapon crime charges in Orange County, it's important to act quickly and seek legal help. Kenney Legal Defense offers a free consultation to discuss your case and review your options. Whether you're dealing with assault, possession of an illegal firearm, or other various crimes, our experienced team of criminal defense attorneys is here to protect your rights and help you fight the charges.
We understand how serious weapon crime charges can be, and we're committed to providing you with the best defense possible. From gathering evidence to challenging the prosecution's case, we'll work hard to secure the best outcome for you.
Contact us today for your free consultation, and let us help you take the first step towards a stronger defense.
