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Los Angeles Juvenile Weapon Offense Lawyers 
Juvenile Weapon Offenses in Los Angeles
It is a constitutional right to own guns. There are many laws, however, that restrict when you are allowed to carry a gun and when you are allowed to use a gun. With regard to minors, weapon offenses are serious crimes. All weapons offenses must be fought in court with the assistance of a reputed Los Angeles juvenile crime defense attorney.
California Gun Laws
Each state has adopted specific gun laws. For example, in California, it is illegal to carry a concealed weapon. Californians must obtain a handgun safety certificate to have a gun and it is illegal to possess an automatic weapon. With regard to minors, it is illegal for anyone in California under the age of 18 to possess handguns or ammunition. Californians must also be at least 21 years old in order to buy a handgun and 18 years old to buy other legal firearms. Parents are required to store their weapons in a location where minors will not have access to it. In fact, adult gun owners may be held criminally liable if a child obtains an improperly stored handgun.
Juvenile Gun Possession and Gang Charges
When a minor is found with a weapon, he or she may also face gang-related charges if there is some indication of gang affiliation. Police and judges are often quick to assume that a criminal street gang is involved whenever there are illegal firearms. This is a serious allegation as gang charges often carry harsher penalties than non-gang related charges. This is why it is crucial for all juveniles charged with a weapons offense to get an experienced Los Angeles juvenile gang crime defense lawyer on their side right away.
Common Gun Law Violations
Since juveniles are not legally allowed to possess handguns or ammunition, there are many gun laws that may come into play when a juvenile is found with a gun. A couple examples of common juvenile gun crimes include:
- Possession without a Permit (Penal Code Section 12031): "A person is guilty of carrying a loaded firearm when he or she carries a loaded firearm on his or her person or in a vehicle while in any public place or on any public street in an incorporated city or in any public place or on any public street in a prohibited area of unincorporated territory." Possession without a permit is the most common California firearm offense. This is typically a misdemeanor criminal charge that could result in jail time.
- Brandishing a Firearm (Penal Code 417): "Every person who, except in self-defense, in the presence of any other person, draws or exhibits any firearm, whether loaded or unloaded, in a rude, angry, or threatening manner, or who in any manner, unlawfully uses a firearm in any fight or quarrel is punishable." Penal Code 417 also covers brandishing a deadly weapon that is not a firearm.
Penalties and Defense
The harshness of the penalties depends upon what type of weapon was involved, how it was used, the criminal history of the defendant and whether or not the weapon was concealed. Many weapons offenses are felonies and many juveniles facing gun laws are treated as adults. Minors and their families involved in weapon offenses have it in their best interests to contact an experienced Los Angeles juvenile crime defense attorney before speaking with the authorities. The Los Angeles juvenile criminal defense attorneys at Takakjian & Sitkoff, LLP have experience dealing with all types of weapon offenses. Call us today for a free consultation and evaluation of your case.
Visit www.attorney-criminal-dui.com to find out more about the charges that Takakjian & Sitkoff, LLP can help defend you against. Also on the website you will find additional resources and information that are helpful to anyone who is charged with a crime. Offices in Los Angeles and throughout Southern California. For more information or to schedule a free consultation please call (888) 579-4844.
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