Being charged with a gun crime in Glendale, California is one of the most serious legal situations you can face. California has some of the strictest firearms laws in the nation, and prosecutors in Los Angeles County pursue weapons charges with exceptional vigor. A conviction for a gun-related offense can result in years in state prison, permanent loss of your gun rights, a felony record that destroys employment opportunities, and immigration consequences that can tear families apart. If you’re facing weapons charges in Glendale, you need an experienced criminal defense attorney who understands California’s complex gun laws and knows how to fight for your freedom.
At Tu Defensor Criminalista, we have extensive experience defending clients against all types of gun crimes in Los Angeles County, including Glendale. We understand that many gun charges arise from misunderstandings, illegal searches, or situations where law-abiding citizens made innocent mistakes about complicated firearms regulations. We also know that California’s gun laws disproportionately affect people who never intended to break the law—people who legally owned firearms in other states, people who inherited weapons without knowing the rules, and people caught carrying firearms for legitimate self-defense purposes.
Glendale, located in the heart of Los Angeles County with a population of approximately 188,000 residents, is ranked as the 148th safest city in the United States[1]. Despite this relatively safe status, law enforcement takes weapons violations extremely seriously. According to recent data, Glendale Police Department reported 61,173 arrests from 2013-2023[2], and weapons-related charges are among the most aggressively prosecuted offenses. The consequences of a gun crime conviction in Glendale extend far beyond criminal penalties—they can permanently alter the trajectory of your life.
If you’ve been arrested or are under investigation for carrying a concealed weapon, felon in possession of a firearm, carrying a loaded firearm in public, illegal possession of an assault weapon, brandishing a weapon, or any other firearms-related offense in Glendale, immediate action is critical. The sooner you contact an experienced gun crimes defense attorney, the better your chances of protecting your rights and achieving a favorable outcome.
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California consistently receives the highest grades from gun control advocacy groups for having the strictest firearms laws in America. While these laws aim to reduce gun violence, they create a complex legal minefield where even well-intentioned gun owners can face serious criminal charges. Understanding the laws you’re accused of violating is the first step in mounting an effective defense.
Before discussing specific gun crimes, it’s important to understand how California law defines a firearm. According to California Penal Code Section 16520[3], a firearm is “a device designed to be used as a weapon, from which is expelled through a barrel, a projectile by the force of an explosion or other form of combustion.”
This definition includes pistols and revolvers, handguns of all types, rifles and shotguns, assault weapons, machine guns, short-barreled rifles and shotguns, and the frame or receiver of any weapon listed above.
Importantly, the definition extends beyond complete weapons to include frames and receivers—the parts that house the firing mechanism. This means you can face gun charges even if you don’t possess a fully assembled firearm. California law also regulates ammunition, magazines, silencers, and various firearm accessories.
California law prohibits numerous categories of people from owning, possessing, or purchasing firearms[4]. These prohibitions include:
The prohibited persons laws are strictly enforced in Glendale and throughout Los Angeles County. If you’re a prohibited person found in possession of a firearm, you face serious felony charges that almost always result in state prison time.
California’s firearms laws create dozens of potential criminal charges. Here are the most common gun crimes prosecuted in Glendale and Los Angeles County:
California Penal Code Section 25850[5] makes it illegal to carry a loaded firearm on your person or in a vehicle while in any public place or on any public street. This is one of the most commonly charged gun crimes in Glendale.
Under this law, a firearm is considered “loaded” when there is an unexpended cartridge or shell in the firing chamber, magazine, or clip attached to the firearm. You don’t need to know the gun is loaded to be convicted—you only need to know that you’re carrying a firearm.
Penalties: Carrying a loaded firearm is typically charged as a misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in county jail and a fine of up to $1,000. However, the offense becomes a felony if you have a prior felony conviction or certain misdemeanor convictions, the firearm is stolen and you knew or should have known it was stolen, you’re prohibited from possessing firearms, you’re an active participant in a criminal street gang, or the firearm is not registered to you and you’re in a prohibited location near a school or government building.
As a felony, carrying a loaded firearm carries 16 months, two years, or three years in county jail or state prison.
Certain people are exempt from prosecution, including peace officers, military members on duty, licensed hunters in designated areas, and individuals lawfully traveling to or from certain locations.
If you’ve been charged with carrying a loaded firearm in Glendale, whether you were stopped while driving on Brand Boulevard, walking near the Glendale Galleria, or anywhere else in the city, you need an attorney who can examine whether the police had legal grounds for the stop and search, whether you fall under an exception, and whether the prosecution can prove every element of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt.
Penal Code Section 25400[6] makes it illegal to carry a concealed firearm on your person or in a vehicle unless you have a valid California concealed carry weapon permit. Unlike the loaded firearm law, this statute applies whether the gun is loaded or unloaded.
A firearm is considered “concealed” if it’s substantially hidden from view, even if part of it is visible. California courts have held that a gun is concealed even if an officer can see an outline or bulge that appears to be a weapon.
Carrying a concealed weapon is typically a misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in county jail and a $1,000 fine. However, it becomes a felony if you’re not the legal owner of the firearm, you have a prior felony conviction, the firearm is stolen, you’re prohibited from possessing firearms, you’re an active member of a criminal street gang, or you were previously convicted of certain weapons-related or violent misdemeanors.
As a felony, carrying a concealed weapon carries 16 months, two years, or three years in county jail or state prison, and a fine of up to $10,000.
CCW Permits: To legally carry a concealed firearm in California, you must obtain a CCW permit from your county sheriff or local police chief. Los Angeles County historically issued very few CCW permits, though recent court decisions have expanded access. Even with a CCW permit, there are numerous locations where carrying is prohibited, including schools, government buildings, public transit, and many private businesses.
Many people arrested for carrying a concealed weapon in Glendale are visitors from other states where gun laws are more permissive, people who recently moved to California, or individuals who carry firearms for self-defense without understanding California’s strict regulations. An experienced defense attorney can sometimes negotiate reduced charges or alternative sentencing, particularly for first-time offenders.
Penal Code Section 29800[7] prohibits anyone convicted of a felony from owning, purchasing, receiving, or possessing any firearm. This is one of the most seriously prosecuted gun crimes in California, and convictions almost always result in state prison time.
To prove this charge, the prosecution must establish that you were previously convicted of a felony, you owned, purchased, received, or possessed a firearm, and you knew you possessed the firearm.
Penalties: Felon in possession of a firearm is always charged as a felony, carrying 16 months, two years, or three years in county jail or state prison. Additional penalties apply if the felony conviction was for certain violent crimes, you have multiple prior felony convictions, the firearm possession occurred within 10 years of release from custody, or gang enhancements apply.
Common defenses to felon in possession charges include arguing that you didn’t actually possess the firearm (it belonged to someone else in your home), that your felony conviction was later reduced to a misdemeanor or expunged, that you had a legal right to momentarily possess the firearm for safety reasons, or that the search that uncovered the firearm was illegal.
In Glendale’s diverse community, many immigrants have prior felony convictions from decades ago and may not realize they’re prohibited from possessing firearms. Others inherit firearms from family members or find themselves in situations where they have constructive possession of weapons that belong to others in their household. These cases require careful legal analysis and aggressive defense.
California Penal Code Section 30605[8] prohibits possession of assault weapons, which are defined by specific characteristics and model names in Penal Code Section 30510 and California regulations. California’s assault weapons ban is among the most restrictive in the nation and includes over 70 specific firearm models plus any rifles, pistols, or shotguns with certain prohibited features.
Penalties: Possession of an assault weapon is a wobbler offense that can be charged as either a misdemeanor or felony. As a misdemeanor, the penalty is up to one year in county jail. As a felony, the penalty is 16 months, two years, or three years in county jail or state prison.
Registration Requirements: Some individuals who lawfully possessed assault weapons before certain California ban dates were allowed to register them. Failing to register a previously legal assault weapon can result in criminal charges.
Many Glendale residents face assault weapon charges after legally purchasing firearms out of state, receiving them as gifts, or inheriting them from relatives. Others modify legal firearms with accessories that inadvertently create prohibited configurations under California law. These cases require detailed knowledge of California’s complex firearms regulations.
Penal Code Section 417[9] makes it illegal to draw or exhibit any deadly weapon in a rude, angry, or threatening manner, or to use a weapon in a fight or quarrel other than in lawful self-defense.
To prove brandishing, the prosecution must show you drew or exhibited a deadly weapon including a firearm, you did so in the presence of another person, you did so in a rude, angry, or threatening manner or used it in a fight or quarrel, and you were not acting in self-defense or defense of others.
Penalties: Brandishing a weapon is typically a misdemeanor punishable by at least 30 days and up to one year in county jail. If you brandished a firearm rather than another weapon, the minimum increases to three months. Brandishing a firearm in the presence of a peace officer or in a public place can result in felony charges carrying 16 months, two years, or three years in state prison.
Brandishing charges often arise from road rage incidents, arguments between neighbors, domestic disputes, or situations where someone displays a firearm to scare off perceived threats. Many brandishing cases involve legitimate self-defense situations where the person displaying the weapon reasonably believed they were in danger.
The line between lawful defensive display of a weapon and illegal brandishing is often unclear, and prosecutors in Los Angeles County tend to file charges even in questionable cases. An experienced criminal defense attorney can argue self-defense, lack of intent, or that the alleged display didn’t actually occur in a threatening manner.
Penal Code Section 246[10] makes it illegal to maliciously and willfully discharge a firearm at an inhabited dwelling or occupied building, vehicle, or aircraft. This is an extremely serious felony charge.
Penalties: This offense carries three, five, or seven years in state prison. It’s also a “strike” under California’s Three Strikes Law, meaning a conviction counts against you for sentencing enhancement in any future felony case.
Glendale Context: While Glendale has relatively low violent crime rates compared to other Los Angeles County communities, gang-related shootings have historically occurred in South Glendale. Gang activity has decreased significantly since the 1990s, with only five documented gangs currently operating in the city[1], but shooting cases are still prosecuted aggressively.
These cases often involve issues of identification, intent, and whether the alleged target was actually inhabited or occupied at the time. Expert witnesses, ballistics analysis, and thorough investigation are critical to defending these charges.
California regulates not just firearms but also ammunition. Penal Code Section 30305[11] makes it illegal for anyone prohibited from possessing firearms to own or possess ammunition.
Additionally, California requires background checks for ammunition purchases, maintains an ammunition vendor licensing system, and prohibits certain types of ammunition including armor-piercing rounds.
Penalties: Unlawful possession of ammunition is a wobbler offense, punishable as either a misdemeanor (up to one year in county jail) or a felony (16 months, two years, or three years in county jail or state prison).
People often don’t realize that ammunition restrictions mirror firearm restrictions. If you’re prohibited from owning a gun due to a felony conviction, restraining order, or other reason, you also cannot legally possess ammunition—even a single bullet found in your home can result in criminal charges.
Beyond the base penalties for gun crimes, California law provides for numerous sentencing enhancements that can add years or decades to a prison sentence. These enhancements apply when firearms are used in connection with other crimes.
Penal Code Section 12022.53[12] is California’s principal firearm enhancement law, often referred to as “10-20-life.” This enhancement adds 10 years for personal use of a firearm, 20 years for personally discharging a firearm, and 25 years to life for discharging a firearm causing great bodily injury or death.
These enhancements apply to serious felonies including murder, attempted murder, robbery, carjacking, kidnapping, and certain other violent crimes. They’re consecutive to (added on top of) the sentence for the underlying offense, meaning a robbery conviction with a firearm discharge enhancement could result in 15-25 years in state prison.
Los Angeles County prosecutors routinely seek firearm enhancements, and these allegations can dominate plea negotiations. An experienced defense attorney may be able to negotiate dismissal of enhancement allegations or argue that the facts don’t support them.
Defending gun crimes in Glendale requires understanding not just California’s firearms laws but also the local criminal justice system, police practices, and unique characteristics of the community.
Gun crimes cases in Glendale are prosecuted in the Glendale Courthouse, part of the Los Angeles County Superior Court system. The courthouse is located at 600 East Broadway and handles both misdemeanor and felony cases for Glendale and surrounding communities.
The prosecutors handling your case are experienced Los Angeles County Deputy District Attorneys who have handled hundreds of gun crimes. They have access to substantial resources including forensic experts, ballistics analysis, crime scene investigators, and gang intelligence. Without an attorney who regularly practices in Glendale court and understands local prosecution strategies, you’re at a severe disadvantage.
The Glendale Police Department[13] employs approximately 250 sworn officers and serves a community of 188,000 residents. The department has specialized units including a gang enforcement team, SWAT, and investigations division that handle complex weapons cases.
Glendale PD works closely with Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, FBI, ATF (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives), and other federal agencies on gun crimes investigations, particularly those involving gang activity, trafficking, or interstate commerce.
When you’re arrested for a gun crime in Glendale, police will seize the firearms and any ammunition as evidence, document the circumstances through police reports, photographs, and witness statements, run the gun’s serial number through state and federal databases, check your criminal history and firearm eligibility status, potentially conduct follow-up searches of your home or vehicle, and interview witnesses and co-defendants.
Everything you say to police will be documented and used against you. This is why the single most important thing you can do after a gun crimes arrest is remain silent and immediately contact an attorney.
Gun crimes cases frequently involve Fourth Amendment issues regarding illegal searches and seizures. Police often discover firearms during traffic stops, probation or parole searches, searches incident to arrest for other crimes, execution of search warrants, or plain view observations.
If police violated your constitutional rights by conducting an illegal search, your attorney can file a motion to suppress the evidence. If successful, this motion can result in dismissal of all charges since the prosecution cannot prove possession without the illegally seized firearm.
Common constitutional violations include stopping your vehicle without reasonable suspicion of criminal activity, searching your car without probable cause or a valid exception to the warrant requirement, searching your home without a valid warrant, exceeding the scope of consent when you agreed to a search, or conducting a probation search beyond the terms specified in your probation conditions.
An experienced Glendale gun crimes defense attorney knows how to identify these violations and use them to defend your case.
California has made gun violence prevention a top priority, and this focus directly affects how cases are prosecuted in Glendale. According to the California Attorney General’s Office, gun violence costs the state approximately $18 billion annually[14], creating political pressure for aggressive enforcement.
Recent California initiatives affecting gun crimes prosecutions include the Armed Prohibited Persons System that tracks individuals prohibited from possessing firearms and facilitates confiscation, mandatory reporting of lost or stolen firearms, enhanced penalties for gun trafficking, Extreme Risk Protection Orders (gun violence restraining orders) that allow family members and law enforcement to petition for firearm removal, requirements for safe storage of firearms, microstamping requirements for new handgun models, and restrictions on high-capacity magazines.
These policies mean that prosecutors have more tools to pursue gun crimes cases and face less political pressure to offer lenient plea bargains. Defense becomes even more critical in this environment.
With approximately 49.7% of Glendale residents born outside the United States[15], immigration consequences are a critical consideration in gun crimes cases. Many firearms convictions trigger severe immigration consequences including deportation, inadmissibility, and denial of naturalization.
Under federal immigration law, firearms trafficking offenses are “aggravated felonies” resulting in mandatory deportation, many gun crimes are “crimes involving moral turpitude” that can trigger removal proceedings, some firearms violations bar individuals from establishing good moral character for naturalization, and certain convictions make individuals inadmissible to the United States even if they leave voluntarily.
If you’re not a U.S. citizen, it’s absolutely critical that your criminal defense attorney understands immigration law and structures your defense to avoid convictions that will trigger deportation. Sometimes a seemingly favorable plea bargain is actually the worst possible outcome if it results in mandatory removal.
Every gun crime case is unique, but certain defenses frequently apply in Glendale prosecutions. An experienced attorney will thoroughly investigate your case to identify all possible defenses.
The Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution protects against unreasonable searches and seizures. If police discovered the firearm through an illegal search, your attorney can file a Penal Code Section 1538.5 motion to suppress the evidence.
Without the illegally seized firearm, the prosecution cannot prove you possessed it. Successful suppression motions often result in complete dismissal of charges.
Common search and seizure issues include pretextual traffic stops where the officer’s stated reason for the stop was not the real reason, searches based on “consent” that was actually coerced, searches exceeding the scope of a valid warrant, prolonging a traffic stop beyond the time necessary to complete the original purpose, or using drug-sniffing dogs without reasonable suspicion.
Your attorney will scrutinize the police reports, body camera footage, dash camera recordings, and witness statements to identify constitutional violations.
Most gun crimes require that you knew you possessed the firearm. If you genuinely didn’t know the weapon was in your car, home, or on your person, you cannot be convicted.
Examples of valid lack of knowledge defenses include someone else placing the gun in your vehicle without your knowledge, driving a borrowed or rental car and not knowing the owner left a firearm inside, carrying someone else’s bag or backpack that contained a concealed weapon, or a passenger in your vehicle having a concealed firearm without your knowledge.
The prosecution must prove knowledge beyond a reasonable doubt. If there’s legitimate question about whether you knew about the firearm, your attorney can create reasonable doubt.
“Possession” can be actual (physically on you) or constructive (within your control, even if not directly on your person). However, mere proximity to a firearm is not enough to establish possession.
If the firearm was found in a shared space—like a car with multiple occupants or a home where multiple people live—the prosecution must prove you had dominion and control over it. Your attorney can argue that someone else possessed the weapon, particularly if multiple people had access to the location where the gun was found, the gun wasn’t in an area exclusively controlled by you, no fingerprints or DNA evidence link you to the firearm, or other evidence suggests someone else owned or controlled the weapon.
California recognizes a limited exception for momentary possession of a firearm for safety purposes. If you momentarily possessed a weapon only to secure it or remove it from a dangerous location, and you intended to immediately turn it over to authorities, you may have a complete defense.
For example, if you found a gun on a playground and picked it up to remove it from children’s reach with the intent to give it to police, you should not be convicted of weapons possession. However, this defense is narrow and requires proof that you didn’t intend to keep or use the weapon, your possession was truly momentary, you were acting solely to prevent harm, and you intended to turn the weapon over to authorities.
The Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution protects the right to bear arms. While California’s gun laws are generally upheld as constitutional, certain prosecutions may violate your Second Amendment rights.
Recent U.S. Supreme Court decisions, including District of Columbia v. Heller (2008) and New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen (2022), have expanded Second Amendment protections. These cases may provide defenses to certain California weapons restrictions, particularly complete bans on commonly possessed firearms, may-issue CCW permit systems (California now operates under shall-issue), or certain restrictions on carrying firearms in public for self-defense.
Second Amendment defenses are complex and rapidly evolving. Your attorney should stay current on the latest constitutional developments.
If you possessed or displayed a firearm because you reasonably believed it was necessary to defend yourself or others from imminent danger, you may have a necessity defense.
For example, if you’re prohibited from possessing firearms but armed yourself only because you received credible death threats and police couldn’t protect you, you might argue necessity. This defense is difficult but not impossible to establish.
Remember that the prosecution bears the burden of proving every element of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt. This is an extremely high standard. Your attorney’s job is to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and create reasonable doubt.
Common evidentiary problems in gun crimes cases include witness identification issues (was it really you?), lack of physical evidence linking you to the firearm, conflicts in witness testimony, missing documentation or broken chain of custody for evidence, questions about whether the item is actually a “firearm” under California law, or ambiguity about whether the weapon was actually “loaded.”
Even if the evidence seems strong, an experienced attorney can often identify problems that create reasonable doubt.
A gun crime conviction carries numerous collateral consequences that extend far beyond jail or prison time.
A felony gun crime conviction results in a lifetime prohibition on owning or possessing firearms under both California and federal law. Even if you were an avid hunter, sport shooter, or collector, one conviction permanently strips these rights.
Some misdemeanor convictions also trigger temporary or permanent firearm prohibitions. Once you’re prohibited, even a single bullet in your home can result in new felony charges.
Gun crime convictions appear on background checks and can disqualify you from numerous types of employment, including any position requiring firearms (law enforcement, armed security, military), jobs requiring security clearances, positions working with children or vulnerable populations, many government jobs, or positions of trust in financial services.
In Glendale’s diverse economy—including major employers in entertainment (Disney Imagineering, DreamWorks Animation), healthcare, and professional services—a gun crime conviction can close doors to career advancement.
California licensing boards take gun crime convictions very seriously. If you hold or are seeking professional licenses, a conviction can result in denial of license application, suspension or revocation of existing license, mandatory disclosure to clients or patients, or probation or practice restrictions.
Affected professions include doctors, nurses, pharmacists, attorneys, accountants, real estate agents, contractors, security guards, and many others.
For non-citizens, gun crime convictions can be absolutely devastating. Many firearms offenses qualify as “aggravated felonies” under immigration law, making deportation virtually certain. Even misdemeanor convictions can affect naturalization eligibility or trigger removal proceedings.
The intersection of criminal law and immigration law is extremely complex. Your criminal defense attorney must understand immigration consequences and structure your defense accordingly.
Beyond legal consequences, a gun crime conviction carries substantial social stigma. Family relationships may be strained, romantic partnerships may end, and your reputation in the community can be permanently damaged. The psychological toll affects mental health, self-esteem, and overall quality of life.
These collateral consequences underscore why aggressive defense of gun crimes charges is so critical.
Not every gun crimes case must end in trial or plea to the charged offense. Depending on circumstances, alternative resolutions may be available.
Most criminal cases resolve through plea negotiations. An experienced attorney can negotiate with prosecutors for reduction of felony charges to misdemeanors, dismissal of firearm enhancements, probation instead of state prison, alternative sentencing programs, reduced jail time, or deferred entry of judgment.
The strength of your defense and quality of your attorney directly impact available plea bargains. Prosecutors offer better deals when they face strong defense and real risk of losing at trial.
If your gun crime offense was substantially related to a mental health condition, you may qualify for mental health diversion under Penal Code Section 1001.36. If approved, you’ll receive treatment instead of prosecution, and charges will be dismissed upon successful completion.
Even if convicted, you may later be eligible for expungement under Penal Code Section 1203.4[16]. After completing probation or your sentence, you can petition the court to dismiss the conviction. While expungement doesn’t restore gun rights or erase the conviction for all purposes, it does provide significant benefits for employment and housing.
When you’re facing gun crimes charges in Glendale, the attorney you choose can make the difference between freedom and years in prison, between keeping your gun rights and losing them forever, between remaining in the country and being deported.
We regularly practice in the Glendale courthouse and have extensive experience with Los Angeles County prosecutors, judges, and court procedures. We understand how gun crimes cases are prosecuted in this jurisdiction and can use that knowledge to your advantage.
We’ve built relationships and credibility with decision-makers, which can be invaluable during negotiations. We also have experience defending cases throughout Los Angeles County and Southern California.
California’s gun laws are among the most complex in the nation. We stay current on all developments in firearms legislation, court decisions interpreting weapons laws, and regulatory changes affecting gun owners. This knowledge is essential to identifying defenses and attacking weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
We’re not afraid to take cases to trial when that’s in your best interest. While many criminal defense attorneys prefer easy plea bargains, we have extensive trial experience and know how to present compelling cases to juries. Prosecutors know we’re willing and able to fight in court, which gives us leverage during negotiations.
We don’t rely solely on police reports and prosecution evidence. We conduct independent investigations, hire private investigators when needed, retain expert witnesses in firearms identification and ballistics, and thoroughly examine every aspect of your case to build the strongest possible defense.
With nearly half of Glendale residents born outside the United States, we recognize the importance of culturally competent legal services. Our team includes bilingual attorneys who can communicate effectively with clients in English and Spanish.
We understand that your case isn’t just about the criminal charges—it’s about protecting your future. We consider collateral consequences including immigration status, employment, professional licenses, and gun rights. We fight for outcomes that preserve your ability to move forward with your life.
We believe in keeping clients informed throughout the legal process. You’ll have direct access to your attorney and always know what’s happening with your case.
Generally, you must know about the gun’s presence to be convicted of most weapons charges. However, if police found it in an area under your control (like your car or bedroom), prosecutors will argue you should have known it was there. Lack of knowledge is a defense, but you’ll need strong evidence supporting your claim.
Carrying a concealed weapon applies whether the gun is loaded or unloaded—it just has to be substantially hidden. Carrying a loaded firearm applies when you have a loaded gun in public, whether it’s concealed or not. You can be charged with both offenses simultaneously.
No. California does not recognize concealed carry permits from other states. Even if you have a valid CCW permit from your home state, carrying a concealed weapon in California without a California CCW permit is illegal and can result in criminal charges.
Sometimes. Many gun crimes are “wobblers” that can be charged as either felonies or misdemeanors. Even if you’re initially charged with a felony, an experienced attorney may negotiate a reduction to a misdemeanor.
It depends on the specific charge and your criminal history. Some gun crimes (like felon in possession) almost always result in state prison. Others might result in county jail, probation, or alternative sentencing, particularly for first-time offenders.
Law enforcement seizes the firearm as evidence. Even if you’re found not guilty or charges are dismissed, getting your gun back can be difficult and may require filing a petition with the court. If you’re convicted, you’ll permanently forfeit the weapon.
Yes. Charges can be dismissed for many reasons, including illegal searches, lack of evidence, witness credibility problems, successful suppression motions, or violations of your constitutional rights.
Potentially yes. Many gun crimes are considered “aggravated felonies” or “crimes involving moral turpitude” under immigration law, which can lead to deportation. If you’re not a citizen, it’s critical to have an attorney who understands both criminal and immigration law.
This refers to Penal Code Section 12022.53, which adds mandatory consecutive prison time when firearms are used in serious felonies: 10 years for using a gun, 20 years for firing a gun, and 25 years to life for firing a gun and causing great bodily injury or death.
You have the legal right to represent yourself, but it’s almost never advisable. Gun crimes law is extremely complex, prosecutors are experienced attorneys, and judges won’t give you special treatment. The stakes are too high to risk inadequate representation.
It depends on whether you’re legally allowed to possess firearms and whether you follow California’s transfer procedures. Even inherited firearms must be transferred through a licensed dealer or using intra-familial transfer procedures. Simply taking possession without following proper procedures can result in criminal charges.
If you’ve been served with a Gun Crimes in Glendale, time is running out. Don’t face this crisis alone. Contact Tu Defensor Criminalista immediately for a free, confidential consultation about your case.
Attorney Armando Josué Cespedes is rated 5.0 on Avvo, with 34 five-star reviews from clients praising his dedication, professionalism, and results. Many note how his trial skills and attention to detail led to reduced charges or outright dismissals.
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