Emeryville Gun Lawyer
Illegal possession of a firearm and the use of a firearm to commit a crime are serious offenses that carry substantial penalties in California. Some gun crimes are even considered felonies, meaning they could impact your ability to own a firearm moving forward, your ability to find housing, and your ability to secure gainful employment. Regardless of the gun crimes you are facing, you could benefit by talking to an Emeryville gun lawyer. An attorney could provide insight into the exact charges you’re facing and put together a defense strategy to contest the charges filed against you.
At The Nieves Law Firm, our experienced defense attorneys have ample experience defending clients accused of a number of different gun crimes. We have been able to secure favorable outcomes on behalf of a large number of clients we represent, and we may be able to help you with your firearm-related charges. Let us help you take the “criminal” out of criminal defense. Contact our award-winning team of attorneys today to schedule a free 30-minute consultation.
Common Gun Crimes in Emeryville
There are a number of different gun crimes you can violate in California. In fact, according to the State Firearm Laws Database, California’s 107 gun laws are the most in any state in the US. Some of the most common gun crimes in Emeryville and through the state include:
- Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person
- Carrying a Concealed Firearm without a License
- Brandishing a Firearm
- Carrying a Loaded Firearm in a Vehicle
- Discharging a Firearm from a Motor Vehicle
- Using a Firearm while Committing a Crime
While this list above includes some of the most common firearm-related offenses in California, it is not all inclusive. If you are facing one of the criminal charges listed above or any other gun-related crime, we may be able to help. Contact an Emeryville firearm lawyer on our team to schedule a free consultation and see how we can help you with your gun charges.
Use of a Firearm While Committing a Crime
The use of a firearm to commit a crime is considered a sentence enhancement, meaning it can impact the sentencing of the original crime you were charged with. For example, the use of a gun to commit a robbery could increase the penalties and lead to a longer prison sentence if you’re convicted. This is due to California’s “use a gun and you’re done” law, also referred to as California’s “10-20-Life” law.
California’s 10-20-Life Law
California’s “Use a Gun and You’re Done” law (Penal Code 12022.53) adds an additional 10, 20, or 25 years to life prison sentence to individuals who used a gun during the commission of certain felony offenses. This sentence is in addition to and must be served consecutively to the underlying felony conviction.
Until 2017, this law was mandatory. However, Senate Bill 620 gave judges the discretion to strike or dismiss a firearm enhancement pursuant to PC 12022.53 if doing so would be in the “interest of justice.”
If you were charged with a felony offense and are unsure whether you are facing a penalty enhancement, you should contact a gun lawyer in Emeryville as soon as possible. They could help determine the exact penalties you are facing and will work with you to contest your charges.
If you would like to learn more about how The Nieves Law Firm can help you fight your gun charges, contact our team today to schedule a free consultation.
Contact The Nieves Law Firm
California Legislature and law enforcement are serious about prosecuting gun crimes, evident by the fact that California has the most gun laws in the entire country. If you are facing criminal charges for a firearm-related offense, you could be in the most important legal battle of your life. Don’t let your future be derailed by one mistake. Contact an Emeryville gun lawyer at The Nieves Law Firm to schedule a free consultation and take the next steps towards protecting your future.