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Riverside Weapon Charges Lawyer

California has some of the strictest gun laws in the nation. Consequently, a weapon charge involving a firearm can result in a lengthy sentence. While weapon charges for firearms are common, other items such as knives, clubs, sticks, and even sports equipment also attract charges when used as weapons. An experienced Riverside weapon charges lawyer will help you with your case if you are facing such charges.

You may be charged with a Riverside weapon offense if you:

  • Brandish a weapon in a threatening manner
  • Participate in the unlawful sale of a weapon
  • Possess a firearm after a felony or misdemeanor charge for domestic violence
  • Possess illegal weapons
  • Possess a firearm without a carry permit
  • Use a weapon in the commission of another crime

Arrested Or Charged With A Weapons-related Crime In Riverside?

If you are facing a weapons charge, a Riverside weapon charges lawyer can help you with your case. Our team of criminal defense attorneys understands the severity of weapons charges. We work quickly to block evidence against your weapons charge, build a strong defense for your case, analyze any plea bargains offered to you, and represent you in court.

Top-Rated Riverside Criminal Defense Attorney

Types Of Weapons Charges In California

The possession of an illegal weapon is a serious criminal offense in Riverside. Under the California Penal Code 16590, generally prohibited weapons include:

  • Knives, such as airgauge knives, ballistic knives, belt buckle knives, and writing pen knives
  • Blunt weapons, such as nunchucks and batons
  • Ammunition and explosives, such as explosive bullets, grenades, and concealed explosives
  • Modified or concealed weapons, such as camouflaging firearm containers, cane guns, or cane swords

Objects that are not classified as prohibited weapons can still be considered weapons when used in the commission of a crime. Regardless of whether a prohibited weapon or improvised weapon was used, possible weapon charges include:

  • Armed robbery: If a person uses a weapon to intimidate another person and take their personal property, they may be charged with armed robbery.
  • Assault with a deadly weapon: This is the intentional use of a weapon, instrument, or object to cause injury. Examples include driving into a person, chasing someone with a baton, using a knife against a person, or aiming a firearm at a person.
  • Brandishing a weapon: A person may be charged with brandishing a weapon for pulling out a knife on someone, waving a weapon in a threatening manner, or pulling out a gun.
  • Carrying a concealed weapon: In Riverside, it is unconstitutional to carry a concealed weapon without authorization.
  • Celebratory gunfire: In Riverside, a person may be charged with the crime of celebratory gunfire when they shoot a firearm into the air.
  • Illegal firearm possession: It is illegal to possess generally prohibited weapons such as large-capacity magazines, camouflaged firearms, multi burst-trigger activators, zip guns, and unconventional pistols.
  • Carrying an unregistered firearm: A person may be charged with a felony for carrying an unregistered firearm.
  • Shooting at an occupied dwelling: This is a charge for shooting at an inhabited building or a vehicle.
  • Carrying a loaded firearm in public: A person may be charged for carrying a loaded firearm in public in California, even if the gun is not concealed.

When Do I Need To Call A Riverside Weapon Charges Attorney?

If you are found guilty of a weapons charge, you risk harsh penalties, imprisonment, and the loss of your rights to wield firearms. Therefore, it’s best to hire a Riverside weapon charges attorney immediately when faced with weapons charges.

Don’t let one wrong decision impact your life, job or freedom.

Call today for a free case evaluation.

Possible Penalties For Weapons Charges In California

The penalties for weapons charges in Riverside vary depending on each case. A person can get misdemeanor or felony charges depending on the severity of the crimes.

  • Misdemeanor charges are punishable with up to 12 months of imprisonment in county jail and $1,000 in penalties.
  • Felony charges are punishable by imprisonment for 1-20 years in a California state prison.

A weapons offense in areas such as airports, schools, and federal property may aggravate the nature of the charges.

Riverside Weapon Charges Lawyer Near You

Our experienced Riverside weapon charges attorneys are ready to assist you. With a reliable attorney on your side, you can prepare a comprehensive defense to protect you from criminal charges. We will immediately begin to investigate your charges, the circumstances of the incident, and possible defenses for your case.

Our Process

I’VE BEEN CHARGED. WHAT HAPPENS NOW?

  • Arrest
    01

    Arrest

    The accused is taken into custody. Police will ask basic discovery questions like name and address to identify a person, then pivot to more specific questions related to the incident.

  • Reading Your
    Rights
    02

    Reading Your
    Rights

    You have the right to remain silent to avoid disclosing evidence that could potentially be self-incriminating, as well as the right to an attorney to defend you in court.

  • Booking
    03

    Booking

    The police will take you in for booking — Police will fingerprint you and get and updated photograph for their records. After, you’ll be given a chance to contact your criminal defense lawyer.

  • Arraignment
    04

    Arraignment

    The arraignment is the final date for you to decide how you’re going to plea. If you plead guilty, the case is set for a sentencing date. If you plead not guilty, your attorney will prepare for trial.

  • Discovery
    05

    Discovery

    In the discovery stage, you’ll get to see exactly what evidence the prosecution has against you. This is when your attorney can make additional requests for evidence if need be and strengthen your defense.

  • Plea Bargaining
    06

    Plea Bargaining

    Accepting the plea bargain is the last chance to plead guilty before the trial. Reduced charges may be presented to quickly settle the case and avoid trial.

  • Trial
    07

    Trial

    The prosecutor presents the case to the jury. Any evidence or witness statements are shared at at this time. Afterward, it’s your lawyers turn to take the stands and share your side of the story. The jury will make a final verdict.

  • Sentencing
    08

    Sentencing

    At sentencing, the Judge must decide the appropriate legal penalty for the crime you were found guilty of. Decisions are based on the advised penalties for the specific charges in question.

Possible Penalties For A Criminal Conviction

Jail or Prison Time

Substantial Fines

Lengthy Probation

License Suspension

Mandatory Education

Frequently Asked Questions

HOW CAN I FIGHT WEAPONS CHARGES IN CALIFORNIA?

Your weapon charges attorney uses various defenses to protect you from criminal charges. Common defenses include:

  • Self-defense or defense of others: Using a weapon for protection against harm to yourself or others
  • Affirmative defense: When the accused can justify their actions to negate criminal liability even if they committed an illegal act
  • Lack of knowledge: When a person was unaware of the alleged weapon they were carrying or using

WHAT WEAPONS ARE ILLEGAL IN CALIFORNIA?

There are more than twenty illegal weapons under the California Penal Code 16590. Examples are ballistic knives, air gauge knives, weapons with flechette darts, explosive substances, cane guns, wallet guns, metal (brass) knuckles, nunchucks, and more. However, even everyday objects can be considered weapons under certain circumstances, so even if you were carrying an object such as a large rock, it could result in weapon charges even if it is not covered in this statute.

DO WEAPONS CHARGES RUIN YOUR LIFE?

If you are convicted of a weapons charge, future employers and landlords may use the criminal charges against you. You may also face long periods of imprisonment and lose the right to own weapons such as firearms in the future. Hiring a Riverside weapon charges lawyer helps you fight the long-term effects of a criminal offense.

Criminal Defense for All

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The district attorney is building their case against you right now. The Prosecutor will not take your charges lightly — Will you?

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