Weapons Charges in California

California Gun Laws Overview

California has some of the strictest gun laws in the nation. The California Penal Code regulates who can possess firearms, where they can be carried, and what types are legal.

Common Weapons Charges

• Carrying a concealed weapon (PC 25400) — carrying a concealed firearm without a valid CCW permit
• Carrying a loaded firearm (PC 25850) — carrying a loaded gun in public without a permit
• Felon in possession (PC 29800) — possession of any firearm by a convicted felon
• Assault weapon possession (PC 30605) — possession of firearms classified as assault weapons
• Brandishing a weapon (PC 417) — drawing or exhibiting a weapon in a threatening manner

CCW and Self-Defense

Steven A. Alexander holds a Class III Federal Firearms Dealer License and has extensive knowledge of weapons, ballistics, and California's gun laws. He represents legal CCW holders and advises clients on self-defense law. If you are a CCW holder involved in a self-defense incident, do not speak to investigators without an attorney.

Defenses to Weapons Charges

Defenses may include: valid permit or exemption, lack of knowledge (you didn't know the weapon was there), unlawful search and seizure, the weapon was not functional, or self-defense (in brandishing cases).