[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/sterlingdefense.com\/blog\/what-are-the-penalties-for-gun-crime-convictions-in-los-angeles-california\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/sterlingdefense.com\/blog\/what-are-the-penalties-for-gun-crime-convictions-in-los-angeles-california\/","headline":"What Are the Penalties for Gun Crime Convictions in Los Angeles, California?","name":"What Are the Penalties for Gun Crime Convictions in Los Angeles, California?","description":"Both federal and California laws address gun crimes. A conviction on gun crime charges could have severe implications for your future, including the possibility of a lengthy prison sentence. As an\u00a0experienced\u00a0gun crime attorney in Los Angeles, Justin E. Sterling understands the consequences of these high-stakes cases. Our firm provides personalized representation for people facing gun [&hellip;]","datePublished":"2024-02-20","dateModified":"2026-06-11","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/sterlingdefense.com\/blog\/author\/sterling-defense\/#Person","name":"Law Offices of Justin E. Sterling","url":"https:\/\/sterlingdefense.com\/blog\/author\/sterling-defense\/","identifier":12,"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/2aa0280c0e1efaf674a97a59974db31e4f7fb0dbf3a9cb51b1c654cad5fb5101?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/2aa0280c0e1efaf674a97a59974db31e4f7fb0dbf3a9cb51b1c654cad5fb5101?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Law Offices of Justin E. Sterling","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/sterlingdefense.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/law-offices-justin-e-sterling-logo.png","url":"https:\/\/sterlingdefense.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/law-offices-justin-e-sterling-logo.png","width":421,"height":80}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/sterlingdefense.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/gun-crimes-in-Los-Angeles.jpg","url":"https:\/\/sterlingdefense.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/gun-crimes-in-Los-Angeles.jpg","height":400,"width":600},"url":"https:\/\/sterlingdefense.com\/blog\/what-are-the-penalties-for-gun-crime-convictions-in-los-angeles-california\/","about":["Criminal Defense"],"wordCount":601,"keywords":["assault weapon","Common Gun Crimes","Crime Lawyer","deadly weapon","Defense Lawyer","firearm","Gun Crime Lawyer","Gun Crimes in Los Angeles","Los Angeles Gun Crime Lawyer"],"articleBody":"Both federal and California laws address gun crimes. A conviction on gun crime charges could have severe implications for your future, including the possibility of a lengthy prison sentence. As an\u00a0experienced\u00a0gun crime attorney in Los Angeles, Justin E. Sterling understands the consequences of these high-stakes cases. Our firm provides personalized representation for people facing gun crime charges and will work tirelessly for the best possible outcome in your case.Common Gun Crimes in Los AngelesThere are many types of gun crimes in Los Angeles, including:Unlawful possession of a firearm \u2013 It is illegal for certain individuals to possess a firearm, including those with certain prior convictions or those who failed to obtain the necessary permits.Illegal carrying of a concealed weapon \u2013 This charge involves carrying a hidden firearm on your person or within a vehicle without a valid concealed carry permit.Possession of an assault weapon \u2013 California classifies certain firearms as assault weapons. These guns are strictly prohibited.Brandishing a weapon \u2013 Displaying a weapon threateningly or during an altercation is illegal, even if you had no actual intent to harm.Assault with a deadly weapon \u2013 It is against the law to attack or threaten someone with an object that could cause significant injury or death. Guns count as deadly weapons.Using illegal weapons accessories \u2013 This charge pertains to possessing or using restricted accessories, such as laser scopes, armor-piercing rounds, silencers, and similar items.Illegal sale of a firearm \u2013 The unauthorized selling or distribution of guns is unlawful, including transactions without a license or to prohibited individuals.Gun crime charges in Los Angeles\u00a0may involve offenses at either the state or federal level. California weapons charges are based on violations of state law, while federal weapons charges involve breaches of U.S. laws that apply to everyone.Federal offenses usually carry more severe penalties, reflecting the broader jurisdiction and often more serious nature of the crimes. Attorney Justin E. Sterling has successfully handled gun crime charges in both state and federal courts. He can clarify the nature of the charges against you and prepare an effective defense on your behalf.Penalties for Gun Crime ConvictionsThe penalties for\u00a0gun crime convictions in Los Angeles\u00a0depend on the offense you\u2019ve been charged with, your prior criminal history, and any aggravating factors. For instance,\u00a0selling a firearm without a license\u00a0is a misdemeanor punishable by up to six months in jail and a $1,000 fine. On the other hand,\u00a0assault with a deadly weapon\u00a0is usually a felony and could send you to jail for up to 12 years. It\u2019s crucial to seek\u00a0gun crime legal assistance and work with an attorney who understands the penalties involved.How a Los Angeles Gun Crime Lawyer Can HelpYour choice of attorney can significantly affect the outcome of a gun crime case in Los Angeles. Some defense firms focus on volume and getting defendants through the system as quickly as possible \u2014 an approach that might jeopardize the resolution of your case.At the Law Offices of Justin E. Sterling, we focus on quality over quantity. Founding attorney Justin Sterling has a role in every case we handle. You can trust us to thoroughly evaluate the case against you and tailor our defense to your circumstances. We will aggressively defend your rights to the full extent of the law.Talk to an LA Criminal Defense Lawyer NowIf you\u2019ve been charged with gun crimes in Los Angeles, you have no time to waste when it comes to building your defense. Call the Law Offices of Justin E. Sterling today for a free consultation."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Blog","item":"https:\/\/sterlingdefense.com\/blog\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"What Are the Penalties for Gun Crime Convictions in Los Angeles, California?","item":"https:\/\/sterlingdefense.com\/blog\/what-are-the-penalties-for-gun-crime-convictions-in-los-angeles-california\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]