Governor Jerry Brown signed 11 new gun laws last month
California is already regarded as having some of the strictest gun laws in the country. As of October, 11 more laws have been added to the books to further regulate the ownership, availability, and storage of different types of guns and ammunition. Residents of California need to familiarize themselves with these new laws in order to avoid being charged with weapons violations. Here is a sampling of the most important new gun laws.
Certificates now required for rifles and shotguns.
Californians are already required to pass a written safety test in order to obtain a certificate entitling them to purchase a handgun. Now that SB683 has been signed by the governor the same process will apply for purchases of rifles and shotguns.
Ammunition sales must be reported.
Anyone selling or transferring ammunition must now record the identity of the buyer and report the sale to the California Department of Justice or be in violation of AB48.
Limitations placed on parts used for converting guns into assault weapons. Another provision of AB48 makes it illegal to buy the parts necessary to convert a legal firearm into an assault-style weapon.
Gun purchase waiting periods may be extended.
If a background check can’t be completed within 10 days, the Department of Justice may now extend the waiting period for a new gun purchase to accommodate the delay thanks to AB500.
Assault weapon permits granted for individuals only.
Prior to the signing of AB170, assault weapon permits could be issued to partnerships and corporations. Now they can only be issued to individuals, allowing better oversight of who may use the weapons.
Hunting with lead bullets banned.
California is now the first state in the country to ban hunting with lead bullets, which can poison animals that eat carrion like the California condor. AB711 will take full effect in 2019.
Waiting period for gun purchase after threating violence extended.
Prior to the signing of AB1131, a person who has threatened violence could not purchase a gun for 6 months after the event. Now that waiting period has been extended to 5 years.
Need Representation for Weapons Charges?
It will take time for the above new laws to take effect, but in the meantime there are plenty of other gun control laws on the books in California. If you have been accused of violating any gun or weapons laws, you need to get help from an expert weapons charges defense attorney right away. Dan E. Chambers is an excellent choice. He has been on both sides of the table on gun charges cases (having worked as a prosecutor early in his career) and he understands all the minutiae that can be involved in a weapons charges case. Call Dan today for a free consultation to discuss the charges against you and start building your defense.
