Like driving a car, owning a gun is a responsibility to be taken seriously. The state of California is not very understanding with people that commit a crime using a weapon of any kind. Using a gun gets you to the head of the class. What California even considers a gun crime may surprise you.
Did you know that it is a misdemeanor to simply carry a concealed weapon without a permit? This carries a sentence of up to 12 months in jail and may include fines. If you bring a gun onto school property, whether public or private, it is punishable by up to 7 years in prison. In fact, if you bring a gun within 1,000 feet of school grounds, it is considered an offense.
Any crime committed with a firearm carries a stiffer penalty than one committed without the firearm. Period. Firearm crimes are, in the vast majority of cases, almost always charged as a felony.
California has penalties to “enhance” the sentencing of persons that use a gun while committing a crime. These enhancements can carry up to a life term under certain conditions. Even having a handgun in your possession while you are committing a felony crime will trigger the sentencing enhancement statute with the minimum of an additional and consecutive term of one year imprisonment.
If you, a friend or family member have been accused of a crime that includes a weapon, get help immediately. Having an experienced lawyer on your side may literally save you from a lifetime in prison.