California firearm laws are some of the strictest in the country. In fact, they are so strict that it is possible to violate them without realizing it. At Law Office of Michael L. Fell we work with a wide range of clients facing weapons charges. Following are ten potential ways you could violate firearm laws. If you are accused of one of them, or another crime entirely, contact us at (949) 585-9055 for your free legal consultation.
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Carrying a loaded gun in your car
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Shooting in a Residential Area
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Violating Laws at the Airport
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Not Buying or Selling a Gun Correctly
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Possessing a Machine Gun without a Permit
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Possessing an Unregistered Assault Weapon
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Possessing an Illegal Gun or Gun Accessory
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Concealed Carry without a Permit
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Using a Weapon in Self-Defense When it Was Not Called For
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Possessing a Firearm Near a School
The law requires that any firearm in your vehicle must be unloaded at all times. If you are carrying a handgun or registered assault weapon, then it must be either in the trunk or in some type of locked container other than the glove compartment.
You may not see a problem with shooting in the sky in your own backyard but the law prevents you from doing so. Shooting a gun within a suburban or other closed area can potentially be charged as a felony and come with a lifetime ban from owning a firearm.
According to federal law, you can transport a gun via airplane but it must be in a checked bag and declared to the airline. Failing to do either of those things can result in civil penalties of as much as $10,000, as well as jail time.
In almost all cases, it is required by law that a private gun sale in California must be proceed via a licensed dealer. Failing to do so can result in a felony charge.
It is illegal to have a machine gun in California unless you have a valid permit from the California Department of Justice.
Though this can be charged as a felony or a misdemeanor, it is most commonly charged as a felony that can come with as much as three years in prison.
The list of illegal guns and gun accessories is a mile long. If you are not sure if a gun or accessory you own is legal, contact Law Office of Michael L. Fell right away to find out what your options are.
It is illegal to carry a concealed weapon without a permit yet the state gives out very few permits for them. This can be charged as a felony if the person with the gun has a criminal record or has been charged with domestic violence.
You are allowed to use a gun in self defense but only if it is deemed appropriate force.
You cannot legally carry a firearm within 1,000 feet of a school with grades Kindergarten through 12th grade. There are exceptions to this law, such as a person’s residence if they live within 1,000 feet of a school.