Norwalk Gun Crimes Attorney
Gun crime charges in California can be frightening. Depending on the circumstances, a conviction could result in jail time, costly fines, and a permanent criminal record. If you or a loved one has been arrested in Norwalk on a gun charge, a Norwalk gun crimes lawyer from Shield Law, APC, can help.
Gun offenses such as illegal possession, carrying without a CCW, or using a firearm during another alleged crime are prosecuted aggressively by the district attorney. An experienced attorney can review the facts of your arrest and work to ensure your constitutional rights are protected.
Hire a Gun Crimes Lawyer
Shield Law, APC, has earned notable honors for its criminal defense work, including recognition as one of the National Top 100 Trial Lawyers, designation as Best Criminal Defense Lawyers by Expertise, the AV Preeminent® peer-review rating from Martindale-Hubbell, and a five-star client rating on Avvo. These accolades reflect the firm’s legal skill, peer respect, and dedication to client success in complex cases.
Common Gun Crime Charges in Norwalk
Defendants in Norwalk can be charged with a variety of offenses, ranging from illegal possession and carrying without a permit to brandishing or firing a gun during the commission of another crime. The penalties for each of these offenses vary under California law, and certain prior convictions or other aggravating factors may lead to sentence enhancements.
In Norwalk, the chances of becoming a victim of violent crime are about 1 in 244, and local prosecutors tend to take these crimes seriously. A Norwalk gun crimes attorney can parse the specific charges, determine whether the firearm was obtained or carried legally, and advise on how local prosecution and sentencing practices may impact the outcome in the Los Angeles County Superior Court.
Potential Penalties and Consequences of a Conviction
Gun convictions in California can have serious, life-altering consequences. Penalties for gun crimes range from time in county jail or state prison to fines of thousands of dollars, probation, and the loss of the right to own a firearm. The consequences of a conviction don’t end when the criminal sentence is complete, either. In many cases, they can make it much more difficult to obtain employment, housing, and professional licenses.
For these reasons, it’s essential to take an aggressive stance against the charges from the very beginning. A Norwalk gun crimes attorney can go to work on limiting the penalties as much as possible, attacking weak evidence and failed searches, and fighting for diversion and/or reduced charges to help you protect your freedom and your future.
Building a Strong Defense Strategy
If you are arrested for a gun crime in Norwalk, time is of the essence in building your defense. An attorney typically responds as quickly as possible to gather the facts and understand exactly what happened. They investigate the validity of the search, including whether it was constitutional, how the gun was discovered, whether it was lawfully seized, and whether the police conducted themselves appropriately.
This quick action enables the Norwalk gun crimes attorney to take early steps to preserve evidence, identify and locate witnesses, and negotiate with local prosecutors, who take firearm offenses very seriously in Norwalk. In some instances, the defense attorney may even be able to affect the charging decisions or seek lesser penalties before the charges are even filed.
The defense attorney can also navigate Norwalk’s unique court culture and use every defense available to his or her client, from filing a motion to suppress evidence to carefully negotiating a plea bargain.
FAQs
If you are arrested for a gun crime in Norwalk, the most crucial step you can take is to stay calm and exercise your right to remain silent. Do not argue with officers or try to explain yourself. Instead, immediately ask for legal representation. By saying as little as possible and getting a lawyer early, you decrease the chances of incriminating yourself and ensure your constitutional rights are upheld during questioning and investigation.
Yes, you can lose your right to own a gun if convicted of a gun crime in California. In fact, you could lose your right to own or possess a firearm for life, depending on the crime. The right to purchase ammunition can also be taken away, and the ability to possess ammunition could be prohibited as well. State and federal laws impose these consequences because losing your gun ownership rights becomes permanent, and enforcement is strict.
Not all California gun crimes are felonies. Misdemeanor offenses, like many lower-level gun possession crimes, also exist. Many of the most common firearm charges can be classified as felonies if there are aggravating factors present, such as a previous record, the person being a prohibited possessor, or a firearm being used in the commission of a crime.
The difference often depends on the facts of the case, but felony charges always involve much higher penalties in California courts than misdemeanors.
Gun crime charges can sometimes be reduced or dismissed if there are issues with the state’s evidence. For example, an unlawful search, unreliable witness testimony, or a lack of proof connecting the firearm to the defendant could lead to a weaker case. When key elements of the prosecution’s case fall short, the charges may be lowered to a lesser offense or dismissed entirely, depending on the circumstances.
Contact a Norwalk Gun Crimes Lawyer
Gun crime charges in Norwalk are severe and should be treated as such. When you are facing such charges, your freedom, your finances, and your future could all be on the line. Shield Law, APC, recognizes the significant consequences involved and commits to defending your rights from your first phone call. Book a consultation to hire a gun crimes lawyer today. We can help preserve your rights and protect your future.