Weapons Charges Attorney In Oakland, California

In California, weapons charges can result in serious and life-altering penalties. If you are facing weapons charges in Oakland or surrounding areas in California, reach out to Darryl A. Stallworth Law Office. As a skilled weapon charges attorney in Oakland, California, I can help you navigate the complex legal system, present your defense adequately, and work tirelessly to reduce or dismiss the charges against you.

Remember that there is a lot at stake when facing weapons charges, which is why you need reliable legal representation to fight for your rights. From my office in Oakland, I represent individuals charged with weapons-related offenses, throughout the Bay Area, Northern California, San Francisco, and Alameda County.

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Common Weapons Charges In California

California laws regulate everything related to weapons, including:

1. Who can possess weapons;
2. What kinds of weapons are prohibited; and
3. Where individuals who legally possess weapons can use and carry those weapons.

When people violate these laws, they can face a number of weapons charges, including:

• Possession of an unlicensed firearm - Having an unlicensed firearm is a usually misdemeanor charge in California. However, taking an unlicensed firearm outside of your home or place of work can be charged as a felony.
• Possession of an illegal weapon - Certain types of weapons are considered illegal in California and are banned under state law.
• Felon with a firearm - As the name implies, this weapons charge applies when a convicted felon owns, purchases, possesses, or receives weapons in violation of the law.
• Carrying a concealed firearm - Carrying a concealed firearm is generally prohibited under California law. When transporting firearms, the owner must make sure it is unloaded and stored in a locked box.
• Carrying a loaded gun in public - Carrying loaded guns is considered a weapons offense in California. The only exception is if you have a special permit. Additional penalties will apply for carrying a loaded gun in restricted places such as government buildings and schools.
• Brandishing a weapon - People can face criminal charges for displaying or using a firearm or another deadly weapon in a threatening or aggressive manner.

These are not the only weapons charges in California. Others include drive-by shootings, assaulting with a firearm, shooting at dwellings, and more.

California Gun Carry Laws

As mentioned earlier, California prohibits the open carry of loaded or unloaded firearms in public. California law also makes it illegal to carry a concealed firearm in public. The only exception is when you have a valid Carry Concealed Weapon (CCW) license issued by the sheriff of your county or the chief of police in your city.

U.S. citizens or legal residents 18 years of age or older can legally carry a handgun within:

1. their place of business;
2. their place of residence; or
3. private property owned or possessed by that person.

California law does not require licenses or permits to carry handguns within these three types of locations.

Unlawful Weapons

Certain types of weapons are banned under California Penal Code. Unlawful weapons and other banned items include:

• Gun silencers
• Stun guns
• Armor-piercing ammo
• Laser scopes or pointers
• Short-barrel shotguns/rifles
• Can guns
• Zip guns
• Wallet guns
• Camouflaged/disguised firearms

Manufacture, sale, import, possession, carrying, and other activities with these unlawful weapons and banned items are prohibited under California law.

Possible Penalties

Weapons charges are usually categorized as either misdemeanor or felony offenses in California, depending on the severity of the offense. The potential penalties for weapons offenses may include hefty fines, confiscation of weapons, jail time, probation, and community service. Penalties can increase even further if the weapons charge was accompanied by other criminal offenses, such as assault, robbery, or drug crimes.

Weapons Charges Attorney Serving Oakland, California

If you face weapons charges in Oakland, California, it is imperative that you consult and retain the services of a reputable and skilled attorney. Hiring a weapons charges attorney increases your chances of getting the best possible defense in court to dismiss or reduce the charges. Reach out to my law firm – Darryl A. Stallworth Law Office – to schedule a case evaluation and discuss your defense options.