Weapons Charges & Gun Defense Lawyer

Legally Reviewed By

Justin E. Sterling

Criminal Defense Attorney

An award-winning trial lawyer specializing in criminal defense and civil rights, Mr. Sterling has dedicated his career to representing the accused as well as those who have been mistreated by law enforcement.

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The State of California takes weapons crimes very seriously, imposing strict penalties as a means of reducing gun-related violence. Penalties for a conviction can include a lengthy prison sentence and mountainous fines. Of course, the consequences extend far beyond incarceration. A criminal record can make it difficult to rent an apartment or even find a job.

At the Law Offices of Justin E. Sterling, we believe that no one is destined for a guilty verdict. There are many opportunities to fight gun charges, pick apart the prosecution’s case, and build your defense. A Los Angeles gun charge defense lawyer from our firm will work tirelessly to fight for the charges against you to be reduced or dropped altogether. If a plea deal is in your best interest, we’ll be honest with you and help you negotiate for the best possible outcome.

Contact us today for a free and confidential review of your case. Our law firm has represented clients facing gun crimes of all kinds, including illegal possession, illegal sale, transfer of large-capacity magazines, and others. Let us help you fight for your freedom and your future.

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(818) 995-9452

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“Justin is a dying breed of lawyer. He's fearless and has an innate understanding of what injustice looks like. Never hesitates to speak truth to power.”
-Daily Journal

Why Trust the Law Offices of Justin E. Sterling with Your Gun Crime Case?

Our firm has the extensive skills, longstanding relationships, and immense resources necessary to tackle even the toughest weapons cases.

We provide:

Over two decades of criminal trial experience, with more than 100 cases tried to verdict
A highly qualified team of private investigators with senior law enforcement backgrounds
An intentionally limited practice, allowing for personalized legal representation and 24/7 access to your attorney
Outstanding working relationships and familiarity with prosecutors, district attorneys, and law enforcement agencies in the Southland criminal justice system

If you’ve been arrested in the Los Angeles area, you need a Los Angeles criminal defense attorney on your side. Contact us today to talk to a trusted Weapons Charge Defense Attorney for free.

Penalties for a Weapons Conviction

The penalties for a weapons conviction vary widely, depending on whether it’s a misdemeanor or a felony and the nature of the crime.

Penalties for common weapons crimes include:

Brandishing a firearm

A maximum 1-year jail sentence and a fine of up $1,000

Transfer of large-capacity magazines

A maximum 1-year jail sentence for a misdemeanor and a maximum 3-year prison sentence for a felony

Negligent discharge of a firearm

A jail sentence of up to 1 year and a maximum $1,000 fine for a misdemeanor, or up to 3 years in jail and a $10,000 fine for a felony

Carrying a concealed firearm

Up to 1 year in jail and a maximum fine of $1,000

Felony in possession of a firearm

Imprisonment in a county jail for up to 3 years and a maximum fine of $10,000

Call us today for help

(818) 995-9452

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Levels of Weapons Charges in California

Some gun crimes are charged as misdemeanors, while others are charged as felonies. A third category are known as “wobblers.” These offenses may be charged as misdemeanors or felonies, depending on the nature of the crime.

Most misdemeanor gun crimes involve the illegal use, sale, or possession of a gun. Examples include:

Carrying a loaded firearm ─ California Penal Code 25850
Selling a firearm without a license ─ California Penal Code 26500
Brandishing a firearm ─ California Penal Code 417
Carrying a concealed weapon ─ California Penal Code 25400

Felony gun crimes include:

Shooting at inhabited or occupied buildings or vehicles ─ California Penal Code 246
Assault with a firearm ─ California Penal Code 245
Possession of destructive device materials ─ California Penal 18720
Drive-by shooting ─ California Penal Code 26100

Additionally, crimes involving guns are punished more harshly than those not involving guns. These are known as “gun enhancements.”

If a gun is involved in an underlying crime, as much as 10 additional years of prison time may be added to your sentence. If the gun was fired and injured another person, even more time will be added.

CA weapons crime penalties

Our Clients Say It Best

Justin’s knowledge of the law, trial experience in LA County courthouses, and respect among judges and prosecutors is a point of difference between him and other defense attorneys. Outlawyered everyone in the courtroom. Case dismissed!

- I.R., Former Client

Justin is an aggressive lawyer who is committed to his clients. I knew Justin when he was coming up in the Public Defender’s Office and have witnessed him cross-examine police officers as well as give a closing argument. He is excellent. Justin is at the top of his game and it has been a pleasure to watch him establish himself as a dedicated and effective lawyer with a solid reputation within the Los Angeles legal community.

- I.W., Attorney at Law

I met Mr. Sterling over 2 years ago when he represented my brother in a very serious case. I attended all court hearings and met with Mr. Sterling numerous times during the course of the case. I am happy to write this recommendation of Mr. Sterling because he is a gifted lawyer who can help. Experienced, knowledgeable, and he actually cares. In court he was aggressive and effective. My family and I basically credit Mr. Sterling with saving my brothers life. The case went to trial and he was acquitted of the most serious charges. If you are looking for a responsive lawyer who has the ability to get results, I would not look beyond this attorney. Mr. Sterling loves what he does, which is pretty evident in the level of service he provides.

- Former Client

Justin is an excellent trial lawyer who cares deeply for his clients.

- Superior Court Commissioner

Justin has unwavering commitment in what he does.

- R.E., Attorney at Law

Mr. Sterling is a compassionate attorney and person. He goes the extra mile for his clients. He has done so for me on more than one occasion.

- P.S., Former Client

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Our Criminal Defense Case Results

At the Law Offices of Justin E. Sterling, we know results matter. It’s your life and your future on the line. We have successfully defended individuals facing serious criminal charges, secured dismissals, not-guilty verdicts, and achieved life-changing outcomes in both state and federal courts. While every case is unique, these examples reflect our experience and commitment to justice.

Firearms & Weapons Charges

Felony Firearm & Drug Charges

DISMISSED

Early defense intervention convinced prosecutors not to file charges.

Unlawful Discharge of Firearm

NO CHARGES FILED

Case rejected by the District Attorney before the first court appearance.

Gun Crime Cases We Handle

Our dedicated Los Angeles criminal defense law firm has handled a variety of gun cases, including:

Aggravated assault with a deadly weapon – California Penal Code 245(a)(1)
Assault with a weapon – California Penal Code 245(a)(2)
Brandishing a firearm – California Penal Code section 417
Carrying a concealed and/or loaded handgun – California Penal Code 25400
Dealing in assault weapons without a license – California Penal Code 26500
Illegal discharge of firearms – California Penal Code 246.3
Improper handling of a firearm in a motor vehicle – California Penal Code 25850
Making false statements to obtain firearms – California Penal Code 115
Manufacture or possession of destructive devices – California Penal Code 18720
Transfer of large-capacity magazines – California Penal Code 32310
Use of firearms in a restricted area or for self-defense – California Penal Code 171.7
Possession of grenade launchers, grenades, machine guns, multi-burst trigger activators, shotguns and short-barreled rifles, silencers, etc. – California Penal Code 18710
Possession of prohibited weapons such as billy clubs, switchblade knives, and brass knuckles – California Penal Code 16590
Possession of unregistered firearms or assault weapons – California Penal Code 12031 and 25850
Possession of a weapon by a convicted felon – California Penal Code 29800

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Common Defenses to Gun Charges

A conviction requires proof beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant committed the crime. Defense attorneys may employ a variety of strategies to put this standard out of reach.

Common defenses to gun crimes include:

Fourth Amendment: Due to Fourth Amendment protections, the police are only allowed to search your person and property under certain circumstances. If the gun was discovered during an illegal search, the case may be dropped.
The gun isn’t yours: For example, your attorney may be able to show that the gun belonged to someone else, such as a person who had been in your vehicle previously.
Fired by mistake: Some gun crimes require the defendant to have intentionally pulled the trigger. In this case, your attorney may be able to show that the weapon was fired accidentally.
Entrapment: The police cannot coerce you, whether through harassment or threat, to commit a crime.
Self-defense: Your attorney may be able to show that you were in fear for your life and had to act in self-defense.

Each case has a unique set of circumstances, and there will be many opportunities for a skilled weapons charges defense attorney to argue on your behalf. The sooner you begin working with a lawyer, the better.

Common Defenses

Who Is Prohibited from Owning a Gun in California?

Although most people in California who are 21 or older are able to own a gun, the state prevents certain people from owning firearms on the grounds of public safety. You may be prohibited from owning a gun if:

You’re a convicted felon.
You’ve been convicted of certain domestic violence crimes.
You’re addicted to narcotics.
You’ve been convicted of a hate crime, a firearms crime, or a crime involving violence.
You know you’re subject to an outstanding arrest warrant for a firearms offense.
You’re prevented from owning a firearm under the terms of your probation.
You are subject to a restraining order a protective order.
You have a history of severely impairing mental illness or chronic alcoholism.

Trusted advocates Justin E Sterling

How a Los Angeles Weapons Charges Attorney Can Help

The fear, the anxiety, the uncertainty – being charged with a serious weapons crime can be overwhelming. However, an arrest is not the same as a conviction. There are likely many potential moves you can make in your defense.

An Experience Los Angeles gun crime Lawyer can represent you during interactions with police, launch an investigation to obtain evidence, and uncover weaknesses in the prosecution’s case

The Law Offices of Justin E. Sterling have been protecting the rights of Los Angeles residents for nearly two decades. We know how the police and prosecution operate, and we put up strong and strategic defenses on behalf of our clients. Our approach to legal representation is built on empathy, compassion, and understanding our clients’ needs.

If you’re in need of a Los Angeles gun charge defense attorney who fights tooth and nail for clients, contact the Law Offices of Justin E. Sterling today for a free initial consultation.

We also serve the following locations: Beverly Hills, Brentwood, Burbank, Century City, Los Angeles Airport, Marina Del Rey, Pasadena, Sherman Oaks, Torrance, Valencia, West Los Angeles, and Woodlands Hills.

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Los Angeles Gun Charges Defense Lawyer