Gun Crime Lawyer in Santa Ana

California has numerous gun laws that residents must be aware of. If you have been charged with a gun crime in Santa Ana or Orange County, contact the Law Office of Sheny Gutierrez to speak with a knowledgeable and experienced criminal attorney who can handle your case. We offer free consultations, so there’s no risk to discuss the details of your alleged offense and find out how we can help you fight the charges.

California Gun Laws

California has strict gun laws compared to many other states in the country, so familiarizing yourself with the basics is a good idea. However, complex state and federal regulations are frequently changing, and keeping up with the current status of laws can be impossible without assistance.

Possession Laws

There are many laws involving possession of a firearm in the state. Only people who are 21 years or older may legally purchase a handgun; rifles and shotguns have a minimum age of 18. A background check is required for all firearms purchases.

Certain types of guns are illegal in California, including short-barreled shotguns, zip guns, and undetectable guns. Assault weapons are currently banned throughout the state, as well. Firearms are not allowed in schools, government buildings, airports, or public transit.

In order to purchase a gun in Orange County, you must complete a Firearm Safety Certificate. Exemptions to this rule include issuance of a hunting license or the purchase of a long gun. If you move to Orange County of Santa Ana from another state and bring guns with you, you must register the firearm.

This is not an exhaustive list of applicable laws, so if you still have questions about California’s gun laws, contact our law firm to discuss your unique situation.

Transporting and Storing Laws

There are also laws dictating how guns can be stored and transported in California. Most handguns can be transported in your vehicle if it is unloaded, locked up, and apparent. Transporting a loaded firearm is a crime. Non-concealable weapons must also be unloaded during transport but do not always need to be locked up.

When storing your weapons, you must use an approved safety device and keep the weapon unloaded in a locked container and in a separate place from the ammunition. Extra safety measures are required if the weapon is stored where children are present.

Your criminal defense lawyer can discuss the legal issues and requirements for proper firearm ownership and what to do if you are facing felony or misdemeanor charges. Reliable legal advice is one phone call away – contact our criminal defense team in Orange County to discuss your case.

Crimes Involving Firearms in Santa Ana

Violating any of California’s gun ownership, storage, and transportation laws is a criminal activity, but gun crimes can also include violent crimes carried out with a gun.

Gun charges can be added to other criminal charges if a firearm was used in the commission of the crime. Examples include using a gun when committing a sex crime, using a firearm while committing a robbery, or taking guns from police officers.

Firearm charges require an aggressive criminal defense attorney who will tirelessly defend you and fight for the best possible outcome in your case. Sheny Gutierrez and his Santa Ana criminal defense team have a proven track record of success defending clients in their criminal cases, including gun crimes.

Who Cannot Own a Gun in California?

In addition to the numerous possession, storage, and transportation requirements, California prohibits some people from owning these weapons altogether. Convicted felons cannot possess a gun under any circumstances. This includes offenders of both violent and non-violent crimes classified as felonies, such as white-collar crimes and drug crimes. If you’ve been convicted of domestic violence, you cannot own a gun for ten years.

You also cannot own a gun if you are on probation; violations can result in additional terms or reinstatement of the original sentence. There are other notable classifications of people who are not allowed to own guns, including anyone addicted to narcotic drugs and anyone convicted of a misdemeanor or felony violent gun crime.

If you have additional questions about eligibility for gun ownership in Orange County, our Santa Ana criminal defense attorney can help. With so many regulations and frequent updates prompted by changing laws and court cases, it can be difficult to keep up with the current status of requirements.