Weapons Attorney In San Diego

Guns, Firearms, Concealed Weapons

Under California Law, weapons charges are considered to be very serious and often carry a potential penalty of jail or state prison commitment.  Weapons charges are not typically charged as the stand alone charge, but rather as an enhancement to another criminal charge. 

These weapons enhancements can often carry harsher penalties than the charge itself.  If you are facing a weapons charge or weapons enhancement in San Diego County, you need an experienced San Diego criminal defense attorney to defend you in court. 

The Law Office of Gregory Garrison has successfully defended many clients facing weapons charges by either having the enhancement reduced or even dismissed altogether. 

Contact the Law Office of Gregory Garrison today to discuss your potential defenses to a weapons charge.  Contact us at:

(619) 615 -4216

What are the most common weapons charges filed in San Diego County?

• Possession of a firearm
• Convicted felon in possession of a firearm
• Convicted felon in possession of ammunition
• Possession of an assault weapon
• Possession a specified weapon (illegal weapons include knives, dirks, daggers, blackjack, brass knuckles, cane sword, nunchucks)
• Brandishing a firearm (displaying a firearm in a menacing manner)
• Discharging a firearm
• Unlawfully selling a firearm (can be charged under federal law also)
• Use of a weapon during the commission of a crime such as murder, robbery, assault, sexual assault, and drug crimes

What is criminal storage of a firearm?

One of the more recently used California laws is criminal storage of a firearm.  This occurs when a person keeps a loaded firearm on a premises under their custody and control, a child gains access to the loaded firearm, and death or great bodily injury results. 

Under California Law, criminal storage of a firearm is punishable by up to three years in state prison.  A person can also be charged with “unlawful storage of a firearm” if a child gains access to the firearm and then takes the firearm to a school or a school sponsored event. 

There are many California Laws now on the books making it a crime to allow a child to gain access to a firearm.  These laws are being filed and prosecuted with increasing numbers as more news stories come out about deaths or injuries from children who gain access to a firearm in the home. 

San Diego Firearms and Weapons Lawyer

Firearms enhancements and weapon charges are aggressively prosecuted by the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office.  Many of these charges carry severe penalties including state prison, court costs and fines, and felony convictions on the permanent record of the offender. 

A felony conviction on one’s record carries lifelong consequences relating to obtaining both housing and employment.

Most weapons charges are filed as felonies, however, some weapons charges are misdemeanors or they are wobblers, meaning the District Attorney can file them as a felony or a misdemeanor. 

The Law Office of Gregory Garrison has successfully negotiated many weapons charges down to misdemeanors allowing the client to avoid the consequences of a felony conviction on their permanent record. 

What are the factors that determine the type of charge and whether it is filed as a felony?

• Type of weapon used
• The number of weapons involved
• Whether or not the weapon was loaded
• What acts were committed with the weapon
• Whether or not the weapon was stolen
• Whether or not a minor was involved
• Whether or not the offender was under the influence of drugs
• The criminal record of the offender

For example, the crime of brandishing a firearm, can be filed as a felony or a misdemeanor depending on the circumstances of the acts. 

The maximum punishment if filed as a misdemeanor would be up to one year in county jail.  However, if the charge was filed as a felony, the maximum punishment would be three years in state prison.

Some weapons charges carry very harsh penalties if they are charged as an enhancement on certain charged crimes like murder, attempted murder, sexual assault, gang related crimes, and robbery. 

When weapons charges are filed in this manner the maximum punishment can range from ten years in state prison to potential life sentences. 

If you or a family are facing weapons charges in San Diego County, do not hesitate to obtain an experienced, skilled criminal defense attorney to fight for you.  The Law Office of Gregory Garrison has a proven track record of successfully defending persons charged with weapons crimes. 

The Law Office of Gregory Garrison will work tirelessly to obtain the best possible outcome for your case.  Whether it is negotiating a favorable plea deal, working out an alternative sentencing program, or taking your case to trial, our team of legal professionals stands ready to defend your rights and achieve the best possible outcome for your case.

Contact a San Diego weapons attorney at the Law Office of Gregory Garrison today. 

If you or a family member is facing a weapons charge, there is no time to waste.  The sooner you contact our office, the sooner we can start work on defending your case.   Call today to schedule a free consultation to discuss your legal options –  

(619) 615 -4216