Concealed Weapons

San Diego | Orange County Concealed Weapons Lawyer

While the second amendment gives Americans the right to bear arms, there are still several weapons laws and regulations that must be followed. Carrying a concealed firearm without the proper permit can come with severe penalties for those convicted. If you have been charged with carrying a concealed firearm, it is essential to contact a highly-qualified criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.  Learn more how a concealed weapons lawyer can help you fight for your rights. 

At Dod Law, our attorneys have over 20 years of experience defending the rights of the criminally accused in San Diego and the surrounding areas. We have a proven track record of aggressively defending our clients and successfully achieving favorable outcomes for their cases. When you partner with us, you can trust us to thoroughly investigate your case and build a solid defense on your behalf.  

What Constitutes Carrying a Concealed Weapon in California?

In California, carrying a concealed weapon without a permit is a serious criminal offense. California law uses specific language regarding concealed weapons charges. To achieve a conviction, the prosecutor must prove the following elements:

• Your weapon was in your vehicle or on your person
• You were aware of the weapon’s location
• You concealed the firearm from view

However, there are many exceptions to California’s concealed weapons laws. Some individuals who may be exempt from the law include the following:

• Taxi drivers
• Licensed hunters
• Police officers
• Security guards
• Federal agents
• Military personnel
• Those carrying a gun because credible threats were made against them by the person they have a restraining order against. 

When you choose a skilled San Diego concealed weapons attorney at Dod Law, we will thoroughly investigate your case to determine if any of the above exceptions apply to your case. 

Possible Penalties For Charges in California

Although most concealed weapons offenses are charged as misdemeanors, certain aggravating factors may escalate a charge to a felony. If you are charged with a misdemeanor, you may face up to one year in county jail as well as a $1,000 fine. However, an alternative sentencing option includes summary probation and significantly less jail time. 

Felony charges, on the other hand, are more severe. If your charge is escalated to a felony, Individuals convicted of concealed weapon felonies may face a maximum of three years in prison and a fine of $10,000. However, depending on the circumstances surrounding your case, your attorney may be able to reduce your sentence to one year in county jail and probation. Unfortunately, felony charges can continue to affect your life long after serving your sentence. Often, convicted felons face difficulties finding employment and housing and maintaining relationships. 

Defending Against Concealed Weapons Charges in San Diego

California takes concealed weapons charges seriously, and convicted individuals often face severe consequences. The risks are too high to go without quality representation if you have been charged with concealing a weapon in San Diego. At Dod Law, our San Diego concealed weapons lawyers are experienced in employing different defense strategies depending on the unique details of your case. Some defense strategies we may apply to your case include the following:  

• You were not in possession of the weapon or firearm
• The prosecutor cannot prove that you were aware of the weapon or firearm
• The weapon or firearm was not readily accessible 
• You were illegally stopped and searched
• The weapon or firearm was in plain sight

Fortunately, those accused of crimes in the United States are considered innocent until proven guilty. In other words, the burden of proving your guilt falls on the prosecution. If the prosecutor does not have sufficient evidence to prove the case against you, your charges may be dropped entirely. At Dod Law, our San Diego concealed weapons lawyers understand the ins and outs of California criminal law and will apply our experience and skills to your case. We will work with you to understand every detail of your situation and build a defense that carefully erodes the prosecutor’s case. 

Partner with an Experienced San Diego Concealed Weapons Attorney at Dod Law

Concealed weapons charges can carry hefty penalties that could have a lasting impact on your life. If you are facing a concealed weapons charge in San Diego, do not hesitate to contact a seasoned criminal defense attorney. At Dod Law, our San Diego concealed weapons lawyers are committed to protecting your rights as we fight for your future. When you retain our services, you can have peace of mind that we are working tirelessly with your best interests in mind.

To schedule a free consultation with a member of our first-class legal team, call us today at our San Diego office (619) 814-5110 | Orange County office 949-681-7020  | Vista office 760-814-6025 | or schedule an appointment by filling out our online contact form