Gun Crimes Attorney in Sacramento, CA
As former police officers, we know exactly how cases are built — and how they fall apart.
"Unquestionably the best defense trial attorney in the Sacramento area. His record speaks for itself!"
EXPERIENCE MATTERS
Undefeated Record in Jury Trial 4 Years in a Row
Over 70 Jury Trials and Thousands of Cases Handled for Our Clients
Case Dismissed
Client was charged with five serious felonies, including attempted murder, and was facing life in prison.
Charges Dropped
Client was arrested for embezzling from her employer. All charges dropped.
Charges Dismissed
Client arrested for their 2nd offense DUI. All charges were dismissed, no DMV or criminal consequences.
Not Guilty
At jury trial, jury returned verdicts of NOT GUILTY on all felony counts.
Can I Use A Firearm in Self-Defense in California?
In California, there are a number of laws that prohibit firing a gun for any reason, whether the intended target is a person, animal, or object, and whether or not the intent was to harm or kill someone.
Despite this, California doesn’t forbid the use of a firearm in self-defense when you have a reasonable fear of impending danger.
Provided there is such an impending danger, California Penal Code Section 198.5 permits using a firearm when:
- You know or have a reason to believe an intruder illegally entered your home.
- You have a reasonable fear that the intruder will harm or kill you or someone else in your household.
- No one in your home provokes the intruder to elevate the danger.
Is California A Castle Doctrine State?
California is a castle doctrine state, which means that those inside a home have no duty to retreat from the situation when an intruder is in the home. If you used a firearm in self-defense inside your home, our gun violence attorney in Sacramento may be able to help you mitigate or eliminate the charges against you.
Violent Gun Crime Penalties & Consequences in California
California punishes those convicted of violent firearms offenses very seriously. If you are convicted of a violent gun crime in California, you can expect to spend several or many years of your life incarcerated in prison.
Any jail or prison sentence one receives can be accompanied by fines of up to $10,000. In certain cases, people convicted of these offenses may be ordered to pay restitution to a victim or victim’s family in addition to a fine.
While these are the immediate consequences one can face as a result of a violent gun crime conviction, they will likely other consequences as well, such as the following:
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Losing the right to own firearms
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U.S. visa denial, revocation of a Green Card, deportation, and other immigration consequences
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Losing of any professional licenses, including those that permit the practice of law, medicine, etc.
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Difficulty finding an apartment or home to rent
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Facing disqualification for university financial aid
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Losing the ability to enlist in the military
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Losing the ability to vote while incarcerated or on parole
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Losing the right to serve on a jury
Serving Sacramento and Surrounding Areas
Our criminal defense practice serves clients throughout:
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Sacramento
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Stockton
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Sacramento County
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Placer County
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Northern California
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Roseville
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Antioch
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Concord
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El Dorado County
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Yolo County
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Solano County
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San Joaquin County
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Sutter County
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Yuba County
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Vacaville
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Fairfield
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Elk Grove
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Folsom
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Citrus Heights
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Rancho Cordova
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Fair Oaks
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Carmichael
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Arden-Arcade
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Modesto
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Davis
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Woodland
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West Sacramento
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Auburn
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Rocklin
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Lincoln
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Granite Bay
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El Dorado Hills
Contact Our Sacramento Criminal Defense Team
Don't face criminal charges alone. Our experienced attorneys are ready to protect your rights and fight for your future.
We Don’t Just Defend. We Deconstruct the Prosecution’s Case
Reasons to Choose Gonzales Law Office
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT GUN CRIMES
In California, a gun crime includes any offense involving the illegal possession, use, sale, or discharge of a firearm. Examples include carrying a concealed weapon without a permit (Penal Code § 25400), being a felon in possession of a firearm (Penal Code § 29800), brandishing a firearm (Penal Code § 417), or using a gun during the commission of a felony, which can lead to enhanced penalties under the state’s “10-20-life” law (Penal Code § 12022.53).
California imposes harsh sentencing enhancements for using a firearm during the commission of certain felonies. Under Penal Code § 12022.53 (“10-20-life”), using a gun can add 10 years to your sentence, firing it can add 20 years, and causing great bodily injury or death with a firearm can add 25 years to life. These enhancements are mandatory for qualifying crimes like robbery, carjacking, and certain assaults.
No. Under California Penal Code § 29800, anyone convicted of a felony or certain misdemeanors involving violence or firearms is prohibited for life from owning or possessing a firearm in California. Violation of this prohibition can result in a new felony charge and prison time. Additionally, federal law also imposes lifetime firearm bans for felons.
Former Police Officer Lends Insight to Your Case
As a former Police Officer, Attorney Gonzales has valuable insight into how cases are handled and how charges are pursued, giving you an advantage at trial. He also understands how law enforcement can make mistakes, which could benefit your defense.
Sacramento criminal defense lawyer Gonzales, will investigate your case, collect evidence, and create a strong defense strategy to either get your entire case dismissed or your charges/penalties significantly reduced.
In fact, he has maintained an undefeated track record as a criminal defense lawyer at trial for the last three years by providing his clients with aggressive and personalized legal solutions. If you are facing criminal charges, our defense attorney in Sacramento can effectively advocate for your future.
