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Where are You Prohibited from Carrying a Concealed Weapon in California?

gun and gavel on desk

Most people know that you need a concealed carry license to carry a concealed firearm in California. Even if you have a concealed carry license, however, you may still be prohibited from carrying the weapon in certain areas or locations. Failure to abide by laws related to firearms can lead to sever penalties. In the video below, attorney Stephani Prieto breaks down some of the legal issues related to carrying a concealed weapon in California.

The Basics of Carrying A Concealed Weapon in California

As many of you know, you need a license to carry a concealed firearm in California. For this example, let’s say you have a proper license, you went through the proper agencies/testing, and you are allowed to have your concealed weapon. That does not give you a definite use to have that concealed weapon anywhere and in any circumstances. Based on this, you must refer to the language in your licensing papers and documents because the specific agency can give specific restrictions in terms of time, location, the type of weapon, and where you can use that concealed weapon. Knowing those restrictions, you must abide by them.

Your license only applies to specific weapons such as pistols, revolvers, and those that can be concealed. That means, that you are not allowed to carry rifle or weapon with a long barrel concealed because that is not a weapon that can be concealed on your person.

Brandishing Your Concealed Firearm

Another prohibition that relates to your concealed carry is weapon brandishing. In California, you cannot brandish you’re a weapon (concealed or not), meaning even if you are allowed to carry a concealed weapon that does not mean that you can use it to threaten others. Doing so could lead to serious criminal charges.

Where You’re Not Allowed to Have A Concealed Weapon in California

In California you are not allowed to have a concealed weapon in a number of different places. Some examples include:

  • Gun-free zone dictated by California Administrative Code
  • School zones
  • Government buildings
  • The very specific circumstance of picketing or while you’re refusing to work in an organized manner
  • It’s generally prohibited to bring a concealed weapon to a polling location.
  • Airports or Transportation Facilities (Always check their specific TSA rules or SFMTA rules in terms of making sure whether you’re allowed to bring your concealed weapon)

These are a few examples of places where you may be prohibited from carrying a concealed weapon. If you are dealing with firearm-related criminal charges, we may be able to help.

Contact Firearm Attorneys in the Bay Area

Firearm charges are often punished severely. If you have any further questions when it comes to your rights or if you are facing any criminal charges related to a weapons violation in the Bay Area or Sacramento, please give us a call. We have ample experience with gun cases and have been able to secure favorable results on behalf of our clients facing firearm charges. Call today to schedule a free consultation with a member of our team.

Author Bio

Jo-Anna Nieves is the Founder and Managing Attorney of the Nieves Law Firm, an Oakland criminal defense law firm she created in 2013. With more than 11 years of experience in criminal defense, she has zealously represented clients in a wide range of legal matters, including DUIs, domestic violence, expungement, federal crimes, juvenile law, sex crimes, violent crimes, and other criminal charges.

Jo-Anna received her Juris Doctor from the Florida State University College of Law and is a member of the State Bar of California. She has received numerous accolades for her work, including being named a Super Lawyer Rising Star in 2019, and the #12 Fastest Growing Law Firm in the U.S. by Law Firm 500 in 2019.

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