If you carry a pistol, revolver or other firearm in your car, boat, plane or other vehicle capable of being concealed, or if you carry a concealed firearm on your person, or if you cause such a firearm to be concealed in any vehicle, you may be charged with a felony crime under California law. Carrying a weapon that is concealed in your vehicle can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony; but carrying a loaded, concealed weapon is a felony. If a firearm is locked in the trunk or in a locked container, but not in the glove compartment, and you have a valid permit to own or hold the firearm, if you are carrying the concealed weapon at an established target range, or if you have a proper permit to carry a concealed weapon, you may have a valid defense. However, if you carry a loaded firearm in a vehicle, even if it is locked in the trunk or in a locked container, and even if you have a permit, you still may be charged with a felony. If you are caught with an unloaded firearm while you are engaging in a felony, but the ammunition is in your immediate possession, you still may be charged with an additional offence of carrying a loaded gun, in addition to felony charges for the underlying offence. Again, the illegal carrying of a concealed weapon near a school, or by a person who is a former convict, is on probation or parole, is in a gang, or is subject to an injunction, protective order or restraining order, among other aggravating circumstances, may result is substantially enhanced fines and prison time.

If you or someone you know has been arrested or is being prosecuted for carrying a concealed weapon, call Anchor Criminal Defense for a free consultation.