Defending Clients Accused of California Weapons Offenses
If you have been charged with possessing an illegal weapon, carrying a concealed weapon illegally, or being a felon in possession of a weapon, you need an experienced attorney who is prepared to protect you from serious consequences such as jail time and a criminal record.
At The Law Office of Charles B. Smith, we defend clients who have been charged with California weapons offenses. San Mateo weapons charge lawyer Charles B. Smith is a former police officer and former prosecutor with more than 25 years of criminal law experience.
Holding the Prosecution Accountable for Proving Its Allegations
While the U.S. Constitution guarantees the right to bear arms, there are certain types of weapons that are illegal or heavily restricted in California. If you have been accused of any other the following offenses, you could be facing serious criminal penalties:
- Possession of an illegal weapon: Certain weapons — including assault rifles, short-barreled firearms, switchblades, brass knuckles and billy clubs — are completely illegal in California.
- Carrying a concealed weapon: Certain weapons — including handguns and daggers — are legal to own and carry openly, but you cannot carry them concealed without a permit.
- Felon weapon possession: If you have been convicted of a felony criminal offense, or one of a list of certain misdemeanors, within the past 10 years, it is illegal for you to possess or carry any type of firearm.
Mr. Smith is highly knowledgeable about different types of weapons and the criteria by which something is regarded as a restricted or illegal weapon in California. He is frequently called upon to teach courses on these issues to local police departments and students.
Often, our clients are charged with weapons offenses after weapons that do not belong to them have been found in their homes or cars. We are prepared to hold the prosecutors in your case accountable for proving actual possession and all other elements of the offense.
Call a San Francisco Gun Possession Defense Attorney at 650-425-7703
If you have been charged with a weapons offense in California, it is important to talk to a lawyer right away. To schedule a free consultation, call us at 650-425-7703 or e-mail us. We accept credit cards, are available outside of regular business hours, and regularly visit our clients who are in jail.
