The fastest way to contact Artz & Sturm: ‪(310) 400-6356‬

Contact

Weapons Charges

If you’ve been accused of a crime involving a firearm, you need a Los Angeles weapons crimes defense attorney to represent you. Call Artz & Sturm Law Group today!

Los Angeles Weapons Charges Attorney

Aggressive Defense Against Serious Charges

Weapons offenses are among the most serious crimes a person can be charged with. The violent nature of these crimes is enough to portray you as a dangerous criminal, even if you don’t get convicted. Thus, you need to equip yourself with aggressive representation to defend your accusations.

A criminal defense lawyer at Artz & Sturm Law Group is the right choice for you. Not only do attorneys Craig Sturm and Jon Artz have decades of experience, but they are award-winning trial attorneys who have what it takes to overcome your weapons charges. Trial experience is key because it’s not easy to articulate a defense in front of a judge and jury, especially one that is compelling and convincing. Luckily, however, criminal attorneys Artz & Sturm can do this fearlessly, therefore you should waste no time and get started on defending your freedom.

Schedule a free initial case review when you call  310-400-6356!

Assault with a Deadly Weapon (ADW)

Assault-related charges can include assault, battery, aggravated battery and assault with a deadly weapon (ADW). Assault with a deadly weapon and aggravated assault are typically perceived as the same offense in California and can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony. There are three ways to define the charge:

  1. The type of weapon that was used.
    1. Were injuries involved?
  2. If so, what was their severity?
  3. Was the victim of the assault a firefighter or a police officer?

ADW Penalties

The possible penalties for your assault charges can increase depending on the details of your alleged offense, so that is why consulting with a skilled weapons crime defense lawyer can help you find ways to lower your charges or plead for a lesser charge.

The penalties for a misdemeanor ADW include one year in county jail, a $10,000 fine, restitution to the victim, weapons confiscation and anger management classes.

For a felony ADW, the penalties in California are two to four years in prison, a $10,000 fine, victim restitution,  a “strike” on your criminal record and weapons confiscation.

Penalty Enhancements for Weapons Crimes

A sentencing enhancement literally “enhances” your prison sentence by making it longer. If convicted of your weapons charges, you may not only have to serve the sentence imposed by the judge but also the penalty enhancements, if applicable.

Many enhancements can be added to a firearm charge. To combat this devastating outcome, you should hire an attorney who has extensive knowledge of these enhancements and what is needed to prevent them.

10-20-Life

California is one of the strictest in the nation when it comes to weapons crimes. CA Penal Code § 12022.53 subjects convicts to 10 years in prison for using a gun, 20 years for firing a gun, and 25 years to life for killing or seriously injuring another person with a gun.

These penalties could be imposed in addition to the sentence you receive for a felony conviction. This sentencing enhancement typically only applies to violent felony offenses or felony offenses that would typically be punishable by death or life imprisonment.

Criminal Street Gang Enhancement 

Gun charges can be quite severe if they relate to criminal street gang activity. The California gang enhancement, Penal Code Section 186.22(a), makes it a crime to actively participate in a gang under the following circumstances:

  • With the knowledge that its members engage/engaged in a pattern of criminal activity
  • Willfully promote, further, or assist felonious conduct by the gang members.

CA Three Strikes Law

Under California’s Three Strikes Law, any felony involving a firearm could potentially count as a strike against your record. If you have prior strikes on your record, gun charges could add a second or third strike to your record which carries up to a mandatory minimum sentence of 25 years to life in a California state prison.

Time Is of the Essence. Fight Your Charges Now!

A skilled and well-trained California criminal defense attorney makes all the difference in fighting weapons charges, especially those involving firearms. Since California does not treat weapons crimes lightly, you need a felony defense lawyer who can aggressively defend your rights and uphold your best interests from start to finish.

The California criminal defense attorneys at Artz & Sturm Law Group are skilled in investigating the details of weapons charges and examining the possibilities for a hard-hitting defense. Fill out a consultation form or call  310-400-6356 for immediate advice on your situation.