Most citizens or legal residents of California who are at least 18 years old can own a handgun and keep it within their home, business, or private property. Outside of these places, it is not legal to openly carry a handgun, shotgun, or handgun (whether loaded or not) except for very specific exceptions. You can carry a concealed weapon if you have a license to carry one. Keep reading to learn more about California gun laws and then contact Chambers Law Firm at 714-760-4088 if you have been charged with a gun-related offense.
There Are Certain People Who Cannot Legally Carry a Concealed in California
Anyone who wants to carry a concealed weapon in California can apply for a license to carry one. This license is known as a CCW. However, not everyone will be awarded the necessary license. They may be denied for one of two reason. First, that they lacked “good moral character.” This generally means that they have a criminal record. Second, that they cannot show that they had cause to carry a concealed weapon.
Situations in Which it is Not Legal to Carry a Gun
Even people who have concealed carry licenses cannot carry guns everywhere. For example, they cannot carry a gun in a school zone (except in specific situations), in a State capital, legislative hearing room, Governor’s office, polling place, while picking or protesting, or in a public transit facility. Your concealed carry license does allow you to carry a handgun into a public or government building, meeting, or property and land within the California State Parks systems.
Potential Penalties for Unlawfully Carrying a Gun
If you unlawfully openly car a handgun, you can face penalties up to and include a fine of $1,000 and a year in jail. If you are convicted of carrying a concealed firearm without a concealed carry license, you could face a fine of up to $1,000 and six months in jail. If you use a firearm in commission of a crime, this can be added a sentencing enhancement and result in years in prison.
A Criminal Defense Attorney Can Help You Fight Gun-Related Charges
If you have been charged with or accused of any crime involving a gun, then your next call should be to a criminal defense attorney. To learn more about your options, contact Chambers Law Firm now at 714-760-4088. We are happy to provide a free legal consultation.
