Los Angeles Weapon Crimes Lawyer — Gun Charges & Firearm Defense

California prosecutes weapon offenses more aggressively than almost any other state, and a single gun charge in Los Angeles County can carry mandatory prison time under Cal. Penal Code § 12022.53 — the state's "10-20-life" firearm enhancement law. At Chudnovsky Law, our defense team brings over 113 years of combined experience and more than 9,000 handled cases to every weapons matter we take on. Kareem Aref, who now leads our weapon crimes defense practice, understands the prosecution's playbook from his experience as a former prosecutor. That insider perspective shapes every defense strategy we build for clients facing firearm and weapon allegations across Los Angeles, Orange County, Long Beach, and Santa Monica.

Chudnovsky Law defends clients against every category of weapon charge in California — from misdemeanor brandishing to federal firearms trafficking. Our eight-attorney team, recognized as Top 100 Trial Lawyers by the National Trial Lawyers Association and rated 10.0 Superb on AVVO, has the courtroom depth to challenge evidence, suppress illegal searches, and fight enhancements that add decades to a sentence. Call (213) 212-5002 for a free, confidential case review — we'll explain your options and fee structure on the first call.

On This Page:

• Real consequences of weapon charges
• How we defend gun cases differently
• Types of weapon offenses in California
• Firearm enhancements and the 10-20-life rule
• Felon in possession charges
• Concealed and loaded firearm offenses
• Federal firearm charges in Los Angeles
• What to expect in LA County courts
• Our commitments to every client
• Frequently asked questions

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What Are the Real Consequences of a Weapon Charge in Los Angeles?

A weapon conviction in Los Angeles doesn't just mean jail time. It can permanently destroy your career, your housing prospects, and your right to own a firearm for life. Most people arrested on gun charges don't fully grasp how fast the penalties escalate until they're sitting in a courtroom at the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center downtown.

Here's what's actually at stake.

California's firearm enhancement statute, PC 12022.53, adds 10 years to your sentence simply for using a gun during certain felonies, 20 years if you fire it, and 25 years to life if you cause great bodily injury or death. These enhancements stack on top of the base sentence for the underlying crime. A robbery that might carry five years suddenly becomes 15, 25, or 30-plus years.

And the collateral damage extends far beyond prison walls:

• Employment: A felony weapon conviction disqualifies you from virtually every government job, most healthcare positions, any role requiring a security clearance, and many private-sector careers
• Immigration: Non-citizens face deportation, removal proceedings, or permanent inadmissibility — even for misdemeanor weapon offenses classified as "crimes involving moral turpitude" or aggravated felonies
• Professional licensing: Nurses, teachers, real estate agents, contractors, and dozens of other licensed professionals face automatic disciplinary proceedings and potential license revocation
• Housing: Felony convictions make qualifying for rental housing extremely difficult in Los Angeles's already brutal market
• Custody: Family courts consider criminal convictions in custody determinations — weapon charges carry particular weight
• Firearm rights: A felony conviction permanently bars you from possessing any firearm in California

Strike offense classification is another reality many defendants don't anticipate. California's Three Strikes Law counts many serious weapon offenses as "strikes." A strike is a prior conviction for a serious or violent felony that doubles the sentence for any future felony conviction and can trigger 25-years-to-life for a third strike. One weapon conviction today can shadow every legal encounter you have for the rest of your life.

The timeline matters, too. If you've been arrested, the prosecution has 48 hours to file charges for a felony (or 72 hours if a weekend intervenes). Your arraignment at the Airport Courthouse, the Metropolitan Courthouse, or whichever Los Angeles County facility handles your case will happen quickly. Decisions made in those first days — what you say to police, whether you consent to searches, how your bail hearing proceeds — often determine the trajectory of the entire case.

Evidence degrades fast. Surveillance footage from businesses near the arrest location gets overwritten within 30 to 90 days. Witnesses relocate or forget details. If you wait to hire a defense attorney, you're handing the prosecution an advantage they didn't earn.

Court deadlines don't pause while you decide what to do. Call Chudnovsky Law at (213) 212-5002 now — we'll review the facts of your arrest and explain exactly where your case stands. The consultation is free and confidential.

How Does Chudnovsky Law Defend Weapon Cases Differently?

Most criminal defense firms treat weapon charges the same way they treat any other case: review the police report, show up to court, negotiate a plea. Our approach is fundamentally different because our team includes attorneys who spent years on the other side of the courtroom — prosecuting these exact charges.

Kareem Aref brings direct knowledge of how the DA's office builds weapon cases, which evidence they prioritize, and where their arguments are weakest based on his years as a criminal prosecutor. That's not theoretical knowledge from a textbook. It's operational intelligence from someone who sat at the prosecution table.

The 4-Phase Firearm Defense Protocol

We developed this framework after handling thousands of criminal cases across Los Angeles County, and it drives every weapon charge defense we build:

Phase 1 — Search and Seizure Audit The Fourth Amendment is the first line of defense in nearly every weapon case. Police in Los Angeles frequently recover firearms during traffic stops on the 101 or the 110 Freeway, during "consent" searches that weren't truly consensual, or during probation and parole searches that exceeded their legal scope. We reconstruct the encounter from the ground up: body camera footage, dashcam recordings, dispatch logs, GPS data from patrol vehicles. If the search was illegal, the gun gets suppressed — and without the gun, there's usually no case.

Phase 2 — Element-by-Element Breakdown Every weapon charge has specific elements the prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt. For a carrying a concealed firearm charge under PC 25400, the DA must prove you knew the weapon was concealed, you knew it was a firearm, and you were carrying it on your person or in a vehicle. We attack each element individually. Did you actually know the gun was in the car? Was it truly "concealed" under the statute's definition? Was the weapon actually functional?

Phase 3 — Enhancement Challenge Firearm enhancements are where the real prison time lives. Under Senate Bill 620 (effective January 1, 2018), California judges now have discretion to strike PC 12022.53 enhancements — a power they didn't have before. We prepare detailed sentencing memoranda documenting mitigating factors, argue for the court to exercise this discretion, and present evidence that the enhancement would result in a disproportionate sentence. This single motion can mean the difference between a 7-year sentence and a 27-year sentence.

Phase 4 — Resolution Strategy Not every case goes to trial, and not every case should. But the prosecution needs to know you're prepared for trial. Robert K. Weinberg, who has tried over 100 jury trials across more than 30 years of practice, provides the kind of trial-ready posture that changes plea negotiations. When prosecutors know they're facing a team with real trial experience — not attorneys who settle everything — the offers improve.

This isn't a cookie-cutter process. It's a systematic method for identifying and attacking the weakest points in the government's case, informed by the perspective of attorneys who used to build those cases.

What Types of Weapon Charges Does California Prosecute?

California has some of the most complex firearm laws in the country. Understanding exactly what you've been charged with — and how those charges interact — is the first step toward mounting an effective defense.

Offense	Statute	Classification	Maximum Penalty	Key Element
Carrying a concealed firearm	PC 25400	Wobbler (misdemeanor or felony)	Up to 3 years (felony)	Knowledge of concealment
Carrying a loaded firearm in public	PC 25850	Wobbler	Up to 3 years (felony)	Firearm loaded and in public place
Brandishing a weapon	PC 417	Misdemeanor (felony if at officer)	Up to 1 year (misdemeanor); 3 years (felony)	Drawing or exhibiting in threatening manner
Assault with a firearm	PC 245(a)(2)	Felony	Up to 4 years state prison	Assault committed using a firearm
Assault with a deadly weapon	PC 245(a)(1)	Wobbler	Up to 4 years (felony)	Use of deadly weapon other than firearm
Felon in possession of a firearm	PC 29800	Felony	Up to 3 years state prison	Prior felony conviction + possession
Possession of an assault weapon	PC 30605	Wobbler	Up to 3 years (felony)	Possession of weapon on CA assault weapons list
Firearm enhancement (10-20-life)	PC 12022.53	Enhancement (added to base crime)	10, 20, or 25 years to life	Use or discharge of firearm during qualifying felony

Wobbler is a California legal term for an offense the prosecutor can file as either a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the facts of the case and your criminal history. How the DA "wobbles" your charge dramatically affects your exposure — and it's one of the first things we negotiate.

A critical distinction: many of these offenses carry additional penalties if they occur in specific locations. Possessing a firearm within 1,000 feet of a school zone, on the grounds of a government building, or in a "gun-free zone" triggers enhanced sentencing. In a city as dense as Los Angeles, where schools and government buildings are everywhere, this geographic enhancement traps defendants who had no idea they were in a restricted zone.

How Does California's 10-20-Life Firearm Enhancement Work?

PC 12022.53 is the statute that transforms weapon cases from serious to catastrophic. Known as the "use a gun and you're done" law, it imposes mandatory consecutive prison terms on top of whatever sentence the underlying felony carries.

The three tiers work like this: 10 additional years for personally using a firearm during a qualifying felony, 20 additional years for personally and intentionally discharging a firearm, and 25 years to life for causing great bodily injury or death by discharging a firearm. These are consecutive sentences — they don't run at the same time as your base term.

Qualifying felonies include murder, attempted murder, carjacking, robbery, kidnapping, certain sex offenses, and assault with a firearm. The list covers most serious violent crimes. If you're convicted of robbery (base term of 2–5 years) and the jury finds true a PC 12022.53(b) allegation, your minimum sentence jumps to 12 years. If the allegation is under subdivision (d) for great bodily injury, you're looking at 27 years to life.

But here's what most people don't know. Since SB 620 took effect in 2018, judges can strike or dismiss these enhancements "in the interest of justice." Before that law, the enhancement was truly mandatory — judges had zero discretion. This change created a meaningful window for defense attorneys to argue that applying the full enhancement would be unjust given the specific circumstances of the case.

Our team prepares detailed briefing for SB 620 motions that includes the defendant's background, the specific facts of the offense, mitigating circumstances, and comparable case law where courts granted similar relief. Not every judge grants these motions. But you can't win the argument you don't make.

Key insight: In Los Angeles County, the willingness to strike enhancements varies significantly by courtroom. Judges at the Van Nuys Courthouse, the Compton Courthouse, and the downtown Central Arraignment Court each have different tendencies For exercising SB 620 discretion. Knowing these tendencies before you walk in matters.

What Happens If You're Charged as a Felon in Possession of a Firearm?

Cal. Penal Code § 29800 makes it a felony for anyone convicted of a prior felony — or certain misdemeanors — to own, purchase, receive, or possess any firearm. The maximum penalty is three years in state prison.

This charge is more common than most people realize. It doesn't require that you fired a weapon, threatened anyone, or even handled the gun recently. If police find a firearm in your home, your vehicle, or anywhere within your "constructive possession," and you have a qualifying prior conviction, you're facing PC 29800 charges.

Constructive possession means the firearm was in a place you had access to and control over, even if it wasn't physically on your person. A gun locked in a safe in a bedroom you share with a roommate? The DA may argue constructive possession. A firearm found in the trunk of a car you were driving but don't own? Same argument.

Several defenses apply to these cases:

• Lack of knowledge: You didn't know the firearm was present. This is particularly strong when the weapon was found in a shared residence or a borrowed vehicle.
• Momentary possession: You came into contact with the firearm only briefly and for a lawful purpose — for example, finding a gun and immediately attempting to turn it over to police.
• Fourth Amendment violation: The firearm was discovered during an illegal search. Without a valid warrant, consent, or recognized exception, the evidence should be suppressed.
• Misidentification of prior conviction: Not all prior convictions trigger PC 29800 eligibility. Some misdemeanors and certain expunged convictions may not qualify. We review your criminal history record to determine whether the prior actually satisfies the statute's requirements.

Approximately 15% of all felony weapon charges filed in Los Angeles County involve PC 29800 allegations (Bureau of Justice Statistics). Many of these cases turn on whether the defendant had actual or constructive possession — and that's a factual question a jury decides.

Not sure if your situation qualifies? A free case review can clarify where you stand. Call (213) 212-5002 to talk through the details — no commitment required.

Can You Be Charged for Carrying a Concealed or Loaded Firearm in Los Angeles?

Yes — and these charges are filed constantly in Los Angeles. PC 25400 (concealed firearm) and PC 25850 (loaded firearm in public) are among the most frequently prosecuted weapon offenses in the county.

Both offenses are "wobblers" — they can be charged as misdemeanors or felonies. A misdemeanor conviction carries up to one year in county jail. A felony conviction carries up to three years in state prison plus a permanent felony record.

The distinction between legal and illegal carry often comes down to licensing. California now issues concealed carry weapon (CCW) permits following the U.S. Supreme Court's 2022 decision in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen, which struck down "may issue" licensing schemes. But the permitting process in Los Angeles County remains restrictive, and many gun owners find themselves charged because they carried a weapon believing they were in compliance when they weren't.

Common scenarios that lead to these charges:

• A lawful gun owner drives through Los Angeles with a firearm stored in the vehicle but not in a locked container (violating California transport rules)
• Someone with an out-of-state CCW permit carries concealed in California, not realizing California doesn't honor their permit
• A person legally purchases a firearm but carries it loaded outside their home or business without a California CCW

The prosecution must prove you knew the firearm was on your person and that it was concealed (for PC 25400) or loaded (for PC 25850). If you were borrowing someone's jacket and didn't know there was a gun in the pocket, or if you were driving someone else's car and were unaware of a loaded weapon under the seat, you have a viable defense.

Our team also examines whether law enforcement had legal justification for the stop or search that led to the firearm's discovery. LAPD and LA County Sheriff's deputies conduct a high volume of vehicle stops along the I-10, I-405, and throughout South Los Angeles, and constitutional violations during these stops are more common than you'd expect.

When Do Weapon Charges Become Federal Cases in Los Angeles?

Federal weapon charges are prosecuted in the United States District Court for the Central District of California, located at the First Street Federal Courthouse in downtown Los Angeles. These cases carry dramatically harsher penalties than state-level charges, including federal mandatory minimum sentences that judges cannot reduce.

A weapon case becomes federal when it involves:

• Interstate commerce: Transporting firearms across state lines, purchasing weapons in one state and possessing them in another, or online gun sales that cross jurisdictional boundaries
• Prohibited persons under federal law: 18 U.S.C. § 922(g) makes it a federal crime for convicted felons, domestic violence misdemeanants, illegal drug users, persons subject to certain restraining orders, and several other categories of "prohibited persons" to possess any firearm or ammunition
• Federal property: Possessing a weapon in a federal building, on a military installation, or within a national park
• Firearms trafficking: Straw purchases, dealing without a federal firearms license, or large-scale trafficking operations investigated by the ATF

Federal felon-in-possession charges under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g) carry up to 10 years in federal prison — and if you have three prior convictions for violent felonies or serious drug offenses, the Armed Career Criminal Act (ACCA) imposes a 15-year mandatory minimum.

Federal cases are investigated by agencies with substantial resources: the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the FBI, and Homeland Security Investigations. These investigations frequently involve undercover operations, confidential informants, wiretaps, and months of surveillance before an arrest occurs. By the time federal agents make contact, they've often built a detailed case file.

Defending against federal weapon charges requires experience with the federal system specifically — its sentencing guidelines, its pretrial procedures, its discovery rules, and the culture of the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Central District. Our team includes attorneys who have handled cases in federal court and understand how federal prosecutors evaluate firearms matters differently than their state counterparts.

What Should You Expect in Los Angeles County Weapon Cases?

Los Angeles County operates the largest court system in the nation, with over 40 courthouses handling criminal matters. Where your weapon case is heard depends on where you were arrested, and the experience varies significantly from one courthouse to the next.

Key Courthouses for Weapon Cases

• Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center (Downtown): Handles the highest volume of felony weapon cases in the county. Preliminary hearings and trials for cases originating in Central Los Angeles are heard here. Expect long calendar calls and crowded hallways.
• Airport Courthouse (Del Aire): Handles cases from the LAX area, Santa Monica, Malibu, Beverly Hills, Culver City, West Hollywood, Mar Vista, Venice, Playa del Rey, Pacific Palisades, and western Los Angeles. Weapon cases arising from airport-adjacent vehicle stops are frequently routed here.
• Van Nuys Courthouse (West Valley): Serves Van Nuys, Encino, Sherman Oaks, Tarzana, Reseda, Woodland Hills, and Northridge. High volume of concealed carry and loaded firearm cases stemming from vehicle stops along the 101 and 405 corridors.
• Compton Courthouse: Handles matters from Compton, Lynwood, Paramount, and surrounding communities. Significant volume of firearm-related felonies.
• Long Beach Courthouse: Serves Long Beach, San Perdro, Wilmington, Lakewood, Signal Hill, and surrounding areas. Our Long Beach office is familiar with the local procedures and judicial tendencies here.

The Typical Timeline

Stage	Typical Timeline	What Happens	Critical Action
Arrest and booking	Day 0	Taken into custody, booked at local station or county jail	Do not make statements to police without an attorney present
Arraignment	Within 48 hours (or 72 if weekend)	Charges read, plea entered, bail set or reviewed	Attorney argues for reduced bail or OR release
Preliminary hearing (felony)	Within 10 court days of arraignment	Judge determines if probable cause exists to hold for trial	Cross-examination of officers, motion to dismiss weak charges
Pre-trial motions	30–120 days after preliminary hearing	Motions to suppress evidence, dismiss charges, or exclude testimony	Fourth Amendment challenges, SB 620 enhancement arguments
Plea negotiations or trial	3–12 months from arraignment	Negotiated resolution or jury trial	Trial preparation forces better plea offers
Sentencing (if convicted)	30–45 days after verdict or plea	Judge imposes sentence based on guidelines and discretion	Sentencing memorandum with mitigating evidence

One procedural reality that surprises many clients: Los Angeles County prosecutors sometimes reject cases initially filed by police and then refile them weeks or even months later. Just because the DA's office didn't file charges at your arraignment doesn't mean the case is over. We monitor case status through the court's online system and maintain contact with the filing unit to ensure you aren't blindsided by a late-filed complaint.

What Defenses Work Against Weapon Charges in California?

The right defense depends entirely on the facts of your case, but several categories of defense apply across weapon charges:

Constitutional Defenses

Illegal search and seizure remains the most powerful defense in weapon cases. Under the Fourth Amendment, police must have probable cause for a warrant, valid consent, or a recognized exception (such as plain view, search incident to arrest, or exigent circumstances) to search your person, vehicle, or home. If the search was unlawful, the firearm is inadmissible — regardless of whether you actually possessed it.

Body-worn camera footage has transformed how these challenges play out. LAPD officers are required to activate body cameras during all law enforcement encounters. We subpoena this footage in every case because it frequently contradicts the officer's written report. An officer may claim in the report that the defendant "consented to a search," while the video shows no consent was ever requested.

Factual Defenses

• Lack of knowledge: You didn't know the weapon was present — it belonged to someone else, it was in a location you didn't control, or it was planted
• Lack of possession: The firearm wasn't on your person and wasn't within your dominion and control
• Momentary or transitory possession: You handled the weapon only briefly for a lawful purpose
• Self-defense or necessity: In rare cases, possessing a weapon was necessary to protect yourself or others from imminent harm

Legal Defenses

• Valid permit or license: You had a lawful CCW permit or were otherwise authorized to carry
• Employment exemption: Security guards, armored car personnel, and certain other professionals have statutory exemptions
• Statute of limitations: For misdemeanor weapon offenses, the prosecution has one year from the date of the offense to file charges. If they miss the deadline, the case must be dismissed.

What most people miss: Even if you're guilty of the conduct, the charges or enhancements may not be legally appropriate. The DA often overcharges weapon cases — filing felonies when the facts support only a misdemeanor, stacking enhancements that don't legally apply, or charging possession when the evidence supports only proximity. We challenge every element the prosecution must prove, every enhancement allegation, and every sentencing factor.

Three Commitments We Make to Every Weapon Crimes Client

When you hire Chudnovsky Law, you get three specific commitments — not slogans, not brochures, but the way we actually operate:

1. Direct attorney communication within 24 hours. You will hear from your assigned attorney — not a paralegal, not an answering service — within one business day of retaining us. For urgent matters (upcoming court dates, active warrants), we respond the same day. Our multilingual team communicates in English, Spanish, French, Italian, Amharic, Hebrew, and Portuguese, serving the communities across Los Angeles County who need defense most.

2. Transparent fee structure before you commit. During your free initial consultation, we explain the cost of representation upfront. Many weapon crimes matters are handled on a flat fee, so you know the total before you retain us. We also offer payment plans when appropriate. You'll never receive a surprise bill.

3. Trial-ready preparation on every case. We prepare every weapon case as if it's going to trial — even while negotiating. This isn't about billing more hours. It's about use. Prosecutors offer better deals when they know the defense attorney across the table has tried over 100 jury trials and will actually go to verdict if the offer is inadequate. Our team of eight attorneys, backed by five-star ratings on Google across Los Angeles, Orange County, and Long Beach, and peer-reviewed five-star recognition on Martindale-Hubbell, brings that credibility to your case.

Chudnovsky Law has earned a 10.0 rating on both AVVO and Justia. But credentials only matter if they translate into action for your case. That's the standard we hold ourselves to.

Understanding California's Assault Weapon Restrictions

PC 30605 makes it illegal to possess any firearm classified as an "assault weapon" under California law. This is a wobbler offense — prosecutable as a misdemeanor or felony — and the definition of what qualifies as an "assault weapon" is broader than many gun owners expect.

California maintains a named list of banned assault weapons (the Roberti-Roos Assault Weapons Control Act list), but the statute also uses a "features-based" test. A semiautomatic rifle with a detachable magazine and any one of several "military-style" features (pistol grip, thumbhole stock, flash suppressor, grenade or flare launcher, forward pistol grip) qualifies as an assault weapon under state law. Many AR-15 style rifles that are legal in other states are classified as assault weapons here.

The compliance field shifted repeatedly between 2017 and 2024 as California passed new regulations, courts issued injunctions, and the legal status of certain configurations changed. Gun owners who modified their weapons to comply with one set of rules sometimes found themselves in violation after a regulation change.

Defenses to PC 30605 charges often involve:

• Registration during an open registration period (proving the weapon was lawfully registered)
• Lack of knowledge that the weapon met the assault weapon definition
• Constitutional challenges under the Second Amendment, particularly post-Bruen
• Illegal search that led to the weapon's discovery

Approximately 35,000 assault weapons are registered in California (California Courts' published data on firearms cases), but estimates suggest significantly more unregistered weapons exist. The gap between compliance expectations and actual enforcement creates a complex legal environment where even well-intentioned gun owners face prosecution.

Brandishing a Weapon: When Does Showing a Gun Become a Crime?

PC 417 makes it a crime to draw, exhibit, or use a deadly weapon — including a firearm — in a rude, angry, or threatening manner, or to use it in a fight. This charge is a misdemeanor in most circumstances, carrying up to one year in county jail and a minimum 30-day jail sentence.

But brandishing can escalate to a felony when:

• The weapon is brandished at a peace officer engaged in their duties
• It occurs in a daycare facility
• A firearm is brandished at an occupant of a motor vehicle (PC 417.3)

The word "threatening" is where many brandishing cases are won or lost. Simply showing someone that you have a gun — say, lifting your shirt to reveal a holstered weapon during an argument — may constitute brandishing. You don't have to point it at anyone. You don't have to make a verbal threat. The act of display in an angry or threatening context is enough.

Self-defense can negate a brandishing charge. If you reasonably believed you or someone else was in imminent danger of physical harm, and you displayed the weapon to deter that threat without using excessive force, you may have a complete defense. The challenge is proving the reasonableness of your belief and the proportionality of your response.

A Checklist for Anyone Arrested on Weapon Charges in Los Angeles

Use this practical reference if you or someone you know has been arrested:

Immediately after arrest:

• Exercise your right to remain silent. Tell officers: "I'm invoking my right to remain silent and I want to speak with an attorney."
• Do not consent to any search of your person, vehicle, or home. Say clearly: "I do not consent to a search."
• Do not discuss the facts of the case with anyone in custody — other inmates, cellmates, or over recorded jail phone lines.

Within 24 hours:

• Contact a defense attorney. The arraignment is approaching quickly, and bail arguments require preparation.
• Have a family member or friend photograph and preserve any evidence at the scene (if accessible) — vehicle condition, location photos, surrounding area.
• Request a copy of any citation, booking paperwork, or property receipt you received.

Before your arraignment:

• Your attorney should have interviewed you to review the incident and evaluate if there is any way to convince the filing DA that the case should be DA rejected or charges reduced before even filed in court.
• Prepare for the bail hearing: evidence of community ties, employment, family obligations, and lack of flight risk.
• Understand the charges and potential penalties before entering a plea.

Ongoing:

• Do not post about the case on social media. Prosecutors monitor public accounts.
• Attend every court date without exception. Missing a hearing triggers a bench warrant and can result in bail forfeiture.
• Follow any conditions of release (no-contact orders, stay-away orders, weapon surrender orders) strictly.

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The information on this page is for general informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Every case is unique — past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Contact a qualified attorney to discuss your specific situation.

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You didn't plan to end up here — but here's what you do next. Los Angeles County prosecutors take weapon charges seriously, and the penalties are designed to be severe. Whether you're facing a misdemeanor brandishing allegation or a federal felon-in-possession charge, the defense strategy you choose right now determines what happens in the months ahead. Chudnovsky Law's team of former prosecutors and experienced defense attorneys has handled more than 9,000 cases across Los Angeles, Orange County, Long Beach, and Santa Monica. Call (213) 212-5002 today for a free, confidential consultation. We'll review your case, explain the fee structure, and tell you honestly where you stand.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to hire a weapon crimes lawyer in Los Angeles?

Many weapon offense cases are handled on a flat fee, so you know the total cost upfront before you retain the firm. Chudnovsky Law offers a free initial consultation where we review your charges, explain your options, and discuss the fee structure in detail. Payment plans are available for clients who need them. The cost depends on the complexity of the charges — a misdemeanor concealed carry case costs less than a felony with enhancements.

Will I go to jail for a gun charge in California?

It depends on the specific charge, your criminal history, and the circumstances of the case. A first-offense misdemeanor like PC 417 brandishing can result in probation with little or no jail time. A felony charge with a PC 12022.53 enhancement can mean decades in state prison. An experienced defense attorney evaluates the strength of the prosecution's evidence and works to pursue charge reductions, dismissals, or alternative sentencing where the evidence supports it.

Can police search my car for weapons without a warrant in Los Angeles?

Police can search your vehicle without a warrant under certain exceptions — if they have probable cause to believe the car contains evidence of a crime, if you consent to the search, if the search is incident to a lawful arrest, or if the weapon is in plain view. However, officers frequently overreach these exceptions. Body camera footage and dashcam recordings often reveal that consent was not freely given or that probable cause was manufactured. A Fourth Amendment challenge can result in suppression of the firearm evidence.

What is the difference between a misdemeanor and felony weapon charge?

A misdemeanor weapon charge carries a maximum of one year in county jail. A felony weapon charge can carry two to four or more years in state prison, depending on the offense. Many California weapon offenses are "wobblers," meaning the DA decides whether to file as a misdemeanor or felony based on the facts and your record. Felony convictions also carry permanent consequences: loss of firearm rights, potential strike on your record, and disqualification from many professional licenses and employment opportunities.

What happens if I'm a felon caught with a gun in California?

Felon in possession of a firearm under PC 29800 is always a felony, punishable by up to three years in state prison. If you're charged federally under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g), the penalty increases to up to 10 years — and up to 15 years mandatory minimum under the Armed Career Criminal Act if you have three qualifying prior convictions. Defenses include challenging the search that led to the discovery, arguing lack of knowledge or possession, or challenging whether the prior conviction actually qualifies under the statute.

Can a firearm enhancement be removed from my sentence in California?

Yes, since SB 620 took effect in January 2018, California judges have discretion to strike PC 12022.53 firearm enhancements "in the interest of justice." Before this law, the enhancement was mandatory. Your defense attorney can file a motion presenting mitigating factors — your background, the specific facts of the case, your role in the offense, and comparable cases — to persuade the judge to exercise this discretion. Success varies by courtroom and judge, which is why local experience matters.

How long does a weapon case take to resolve in Los Angeles County?

Misdemeanor weapon cases can resolve in 30 to 90 days if the evidence is straightforward. Felony cases typically take 3 to 12 months, depending on the complexity of the charges, whether enhancements are involved, whether pre-trial motions are litigated, and whether the case goes to trial. Federal firearm cases generally take longer due to grand jury proceedings and federal discovery procedures. Throughout the process, your attorney should keep you informed of developments at every stage.

I have a concealed carry permit from another state. Can I carry in California?

No. California does not honor concealed carry permits issued by other states. If you carry a concealed weapon in California based solely on an out-of-state permit, you can be charged under PC 25400. California requires its own CCW permit, issued by the sheriff of your county or the chief of police of your city. The permitting process involves a background check, firearms training, and demonstration of "good cause" (though this standard has evolved following the Bruen decision).

What is an assault weapon under California law?

California defines assault weapons both by name (specific makes and models listed in the Roberti-Roos Act) and by features. A semiautomatic rifle with a detachable magazine plus any one military-style feature — pistol grip, thumbhole stock, flash suppressor, grenade launcher, or forward pistol grip — qualifies. Semiautomatic pistols and shotguns have their own feature tests. Possession of an unregistered assault weapon is prosecutable under PC 30605 as a wobbler offense carrying up to three years in prison if charged as a felony.

Can weapon charges affect my immigration status?

Yes, significantly. Many weapon convictions — including some misdemeanors — can trigger deportation, removal proceedings, or bars to naturalization and green card applications. Firearm trafficking offenses and certain aggravated felony weapon convictions carry mandatory removal for non-citizens. If you're not a U.S. citizen, your defense strategy must account for immigration consequences from the outset. An experienced attorney coordinates the criminal defense with immigration considerations to pursue resolutions that minimize immigration exposure.

Do I need a lawyer if I was just carrying my own legally purchased gun?

Absolutely. Legally purchasing a firearm in California does not authorize you to carry it concealed, carry it loaded in public, or transport it outside specific legal requirements. California's transport rules require that firearms be unloaded and stored in a locked container (not the glove compartment) when transported in a vehicle. Many law-abiding gun owners face charges simply because they didn't understand California's carry and transport regulations. An attorney can evaluate whether your conduct actually violated the law and build a defense accordingly.

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Chudnovsky Law - Los Angeles Office

Address: 1933 S Broadway #1100, Los Angeles, CA 90007, USA

Contact No: (213) 212-5002