Are Armor-Piercing Bullets Illegal in California?
The right to bear arms is guaranteed by the United States Constitution, but does that right extend to possessing armor-piercing bullets in California? The state has some of the strictest gun laws in the country, including serious restrictions on the possession of ammunition. Merely possessing some armor-piercing rounds can be grounds for felony charges. If convicted of having armor-piercing bullets, you can face multiple years in prison.
What Are Armor-Piercing Bullets?
Every firearm needs ammunition to be effective and meet its purpose. California’s laws on guns restrict who can possess them, the times and places where carrying firearms is allowed, and what type of weapons are legal. Similarly, the state’s laws regarding armor-piercing bullets ban varieties of ammunition for specific types of firearms.
Under California law, an armor-piercing bullet is one that is specially designed to penetrate body armor, such as a tactical vest or shield. This type of ammunition goes by several names, including “steel core” or “steel jacketed” bullets.
Crucially, California’s armor-piercing bullet law only prohibits steel core bullets designed for handguns. A handgun is a firearm such as a revolver, sidearm, or semi-automatic pistol. The state has a blanket ban on knowingly possessing all armor-piercing ammunition for handguns. However, armor-piercing bullets designed for long guns such as rifles are fully legal to possess.
How Can I Defend Myself From Charges of Illegal Ammunition?
If you were charged with having illegal armor-piercing ammunition, there are various strategies to argue you should not be convicted of a crime.
First, the state requires that you knowingly possessed the bullets for it to be a crime. You and your defense team can show that you had no idea you had the ammunition in your possession. For example, maybe they accidentally ended up in your bag after a trip to the shooting range.
You can also defend yourself by showing that the bullets are not armor-piercing. Possibly, your ammunition was confused for steel core material during an investigation. If the bullets were not armor-piercing, you did not commit a crime.
Additionally, you can always show that the ammunition was not meant for a handgun. Because California only penalizes possession of armor-piercing handgun bullets, you should not face any punishment if your steel jacketed ammo was for a rifle.
Penalties for Possessing Armor-Piercing Bullets
A California prosecutor has the option to charge possession of armor-piercing bullets as either a misdemeanor or a felony. The level you may face would depend on the facts of the case and your criminal history. Felony charges have much more severe consequences.
As a misdemeanor, the maximum punishment for having steel core bullets include up to a $5,000 fine and a year in county jail. However, when charged with a felony, you face up to three years in state prison if convicted.
Additionally, if you are convicted of a felony for possessing armor-piercing ammunition, you will lose your right to own any firearms. Between the difference in prison time and the possibility of losing your right to bear arms, it is essential you and your legal team fight to ensure you are not convicted of felony possession of armor-piercing ammunition.
If you are facing charges for possession of armor-piercing bullets in Newport Beach, California, Chambers Law Firm can help. Our skilled criminal defense attorneys are available 24 hours a day. Schedule a free consultation by calling 714-760-4088 or emailing dchambers@clfca.com.
