Facing weapons charges as a defendant in San Mateo County, CA, can feel overwhelming. When you find yourself in this situation, it helps to work with a criminal defense lawyer who understands the local legal system and how these cases are handled. Ahmed & Sukaram, Criminal Defense Attorneys, can guide you through every step of your case, explaining what to expect and helping you understand your rights.
This support can make a big difference as you navigate the legal process. We’re here to help with a criminal charge in San Mateo County, California. Contact or call (650) 299-0500 Ahmed & Sukaram, Criminal Defense Attorneys, to schedule a free consultation with a San Mateo County weapons charges lawyer.
How Ahmed & Sukaram, Criminal Defense Attorneys Can Help If You’re Arrested
If you’re arrested on weapons charges in San Mateo County, CA, our team can provide the skilled legal help you need. Here’s how we can assist:
- We will carefully review the details of your arrest and all the evidence against you.
- Our team will examine whether proper procedures were followed during the search and seizure of any weapons. If they weren’t, we can file a motion to suppress any illegally obtained evidence.
- We can challenge any inconsistencies in the evidence that may weaken the prosecution’s case.
- We will negotiate plea deals with prosecutors and explore options that could reduce the charges you face or the severity of the sentence.
With our experience on your side, you can feel more confident that your rights will be protected throughout the process. For help in San Mateo County, California, Contact Ahmed & Sukaram, Criminal Defense Attorneys, to schedule a free consultation with a San Mateo County weapons charges attorney.
Overview of Weapons Charges in California
California’s laws on weapons are very strict. These rules not only cover firearms but also involve weapons such as knives, electric stun devices, and brass knuckles. Below are some common types of charges you might encounter:
- Carrying a Concealed Weapon Without a Permit: If you carry a concealed firearm on your person or in your car without the proper license, you could face serious charges. The state requires a valid permit before you can legally carry a concealed weapon.
- Possession of Prohibited Weapons: Certain types of weapons, such as short-barreled rifles, switchblades, or batons, are banned entirely. Being caught with these items can lead to heavy penalties under California law.
- Prohibited Person: In California, a prohibited person is someone who is legally barred from owning or carrying a weapon. This can include individuals with a prior felony conviction, certain restraining orders, or other legally defined restrictions. If a prohibited person carries a weapon, they face harsh penalties under state law, including possible jail time and significant fines. They can also face charges under federal law.
- Unlawful Sale, Transfer, and Use of Weapons in Crimes: Selling or transferring a firearm without the correct licensing or background checks is against the law. If a weapon is used during another crime, like robbery or assault, additional charges often apply.
- Brandishing a Weapon: Even if you don’t use the weapon, simply brandishing it in a threatening or aggressive way can be considered a criminal offense. The law sees this as a dangerous act that can put others at risk.
These strict laws mean that any misstep involving a weapon can lead to significant legal consequences. If you are facing any charges related to weapons, it is important to understand your options and seek guidance as soon as possible.
What Are the Penalties for Weapons Charges in San Mateo County, California?
In San Mateo County, weapons charges come with a wide range of penalties based on the nature of the offense, the details of your case, and your past record. Penalties might include the following:
- Misdemeanor Offenses: If you are charged with carrying a concealed weapon without a permit, it is usually treated as a misdemeanor. This type of charge can lead to up to one year in jail, fines, or both. The penalty may increase if additional aggravating factors are present.
- Felony Offenses: A felony charge might be brought if you have illegal possession of a firearm, especially if you have a past felony record or if a firearm is used during another crime. Felony weapons charges can result in several years behind bars, along with heavy fines and time on probation. The court reviews each case carefully, so the circumstances of your offense play an important role in the final sentence.
- Three Strikes Law: If a weapons offense is considered a violent felony, it might count as a strike under California’s Three Strikes Law. This means that if you already have previous strikes, your prison sentence could be significantly longer. It is a practice that greatly affects repeat offenders.
- Loss of Rights and Collateral Consequences: Convictions for certain weapons charges can lead to collateral consequences. This can include a permanent loss of your right to own firearms. Even after you’ve served your sentence, a felony conviction can also impact your ability to find employment, secure housing, or even affect your immigration status. These long-term consequences make all of these charges incredibly serious.
Understanding these penalties helps you see the severe impact a weapons charge can have on your life, which is why getting proper legal advice is very important.
What Defenses Can Be Raised if I’m Arrested for Weapons Charges?
If you’re facing weapons charges, you have several defenses that might help you fight the allegations. Each defense focuses on different aspects of your case. Common ones include:
- Unlawful Search and Seizure: If law enforcement violated your constitutional rights during the arrest or search – like an unjustified stop and frisk – your defense team can challenge how the evidence was obtained. If successful, the judge may suppress the evidence, making it harder for the prosecution to prove its case. This defense relies on pointing out any mistakes or misconduct that occurred during the investigation. It can lead to a weaker case against you or even result in charges being dropped.
- Possession Was Legal: Sometimes, the weapon in question may actually be legally in your possession. For instance, you might have a valid concealed carry permit, or the situation could fall under California’s self-defense laws. This defense shows that you were following the law and had the right to carry the weapon.
- Lack of Knowledge: In some cases, you might not even know that the weapon was in your possession. For example, if you discovered a firearm in a borrowed vehicle without any warning, you may have a valid defense. This approach relies on the idea that you did not have control or intent regarding the weapon.
- Mistaken Identity: There are times when you could be mistaken for someone else who has a weapon. Mistaken identity or false allegations can occur with weapons charges, and a skilled lawyer will work to uncover any errors in the evidence. By demonstrating that you were not the person involved, you can build a strong case for your innocence.
- Self-Defense: If you used the weapon to protect yourself or others from an immediate threat, self-defense may be a viable defense. This justification shows that your actions were a direct response to a real and present danger. By explaining that you acted to prevent harm, you provide a legal reason for your behavior.
Each of these defenses can play a critical role in how your case is viewed, and discussing them with an attorney can help you understand which one might best fit your situation.
We understand that dealing with weapons charges in San Mateo County, CA, can be overwhelming and stressful. Our team is here to help guide you through every step of the process. By scheduling a free case evaluation, you can get personalized advice and support without any cost upfront. Let us help you navigate the challenges of your case so you can focus on moving forward. Contact Ahmed & Sukaram, Criminal Defense Attorneys, to schedule a free consultation with a San Mateo County weapons charges lawyer.