Having a gun on you during the commission of a crime can significantly aggravate your criminal charges. California law treats firearms offenses seriously, and the legal consequences of a conviction can be severe even if you did not fire the gun.
Here is what you need to know about the impact of gun possession during a crime in California.
Mandatory sentence enhancements
California law mandates additional penalties for those caught with a firearm while committing a felony. For instance, you could face an additional sentence of three, four or 10 years, depending on the specific circumstances of your case. The sentence will be in addition to the sentence for the felony itself.
For violent crimes like murder, robbery and carjacking, the penalties are even more severe. The use of a firearm during these types of crimes can lead to enhancements ranging from 10 years to life in prison. This is a significant shift compared to what might have been a much lesser sentence without the gun.
It’s worth noting that the law doesn’t just punish possessing a gun during criminal activity. It also punishes the actual use of the firearm. If you discharge the weapon, the penalties become even harsher.
What can you do?
If you’re facing charges for possessing a gun during a crime, seeking legal assistance as soon as possible is essential. The proper guidance can help you understand the full scope of the charges, the potential consequences and your options for building a strong defense.
There may be strategies to reduce the severity of your charges or minimize legal penalties based on the details of your case. Given the high stakes, this can have a significant impact on the outcome, potentially improving your chances of a favorable result.
