Los Angeles Arms Trafficking Attorneys
Get the Representation You Need When Facing Serious Gun Crime Charges
Facing charges of illegally selling firearms in the state of California can be difficult, no matter who you are. Being charged with any criminal offense can throw an individual’s life into chaos. Not only can you end up serving jail time and paying steep fines, but you will also have a criminal record that can follow you for the rest of your life. Don’t let your life be torn down without a fight!
Gun laws are a complex, and many people violate firearms regulations without even knowing they are violating the law. Don’t have the reputation you have worked hard to curate be soiled because of a misunderstanding or false accusation. At Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP, we believe everyone accused of a crime deserves a top-notch defense to defend against criminal charges. If you or someone you know has been arrested and charged with illegally selling firearms, contact our experienced team to review your case as soon as possible. Call (213) 688-0460 to set up a free initial consultation.
What Is Arms Trafficking?
Under California Penal Code § 26500, no person shall sell, lease, or transfer firearms without a license to do so. Also known as illegal gun running, this is the act of unlawfully receiving, possessing, or transporting firearms or ammunition while not being a licensed firearms dealer, and distributing firearms or ammunition in state, interstate, or internationally for commerce purposes.
Under California law, a gun or firearm is any device that:
- Is designed to be used as a weapon.
- Has a projectile that is expelled through a barrel.
- The projectile is propelled by force of any explosion or other forms of combustion.
With the wave of mass shooting across the country, law enforcement agencies are becoming more aggressive in their crackdown of the illegal sale and distribution of firearms. The natural connection of this crime with violent crime has led law enforcement to aggressively investigate and prosecute individuals accused of any type of gun trafficking. If you’ve been charged with this crime, you need an experienced weapons violation attorney in your corner to help protect your rights.
What Are Potential Penalties of Arms Trafficking?
In the state of California, the charge of unlawfully selling or transferring ownership of a firearm is considered a misdemeanor crime. Being in violation of the law can result in:
- Up to six months in county jail, and/or
- A fine of up to $1,000.
These penalties are for each individual firearm sold without a valid permit.
People and Transactions Exempt from Arms-Trafficking Charges
Certain people, transactions, and firearms are exempt from prosecution under Penal Code § 26500. These people and transactions include, but are not limited to:
- Individuals acting under the operation of law or a court order.
- Law enforcement officers.
- Individuals discarding guns they've inherited.
- The infrequent transfer of personal firearms, including gun shows.
- Transfers to and from authorized firearms importers, sellers, and manufacturers.
- The temporary loan of firearms at target facilities and shooting ranges.
- Use of unloaded firearms used as props in movies, television shows, and other productions for entertainment purposes.
- Delivery of unloaded rare or antique firearms to licensed collectors.
- Loan of a firearm to a gunsmith for repair or maintenance purposes.
A quality California criminal defense attorney will be familiar with California gun laws and all their nuances.
Have You Been Accused of Arms Trafficking? Call Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP
If you are facing gun charges of any kind, you absolutely need a lawyer to represent you. We will aggressively investigate the details of your case, including how you were charged and arrested. We know what it takes to fight criminal charges in Southern California and win.
To learn more about what we can do for you, contact our Los Angeles gun crime attorneys to schedule a confidential consultation. Call Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP at (213) 688-0460 to discuss your case and to go over your options.
Additional Information
Contact Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP Today
Phone: (213) 688-0460 
Fax: (213) 624-1942
Recent Case Results
- Complete Dismissal of Molestation Charges
Attorney Mark Werksman’s 29 year old client was falsely accused of molesting two neighborhood children and was subsequently charged with felony child molestation, with a significant prison sentence hanging over his head should he be convicted. Instead, at the preliminary hearing Werksman was able to convince the court to grant his client a complete dismissal of any charges. - Decision Set Aside
Client, a college student in a faulty Title IX case, was awarded $130,000 in attorney fees. - Probation with No Jail Time for Drug Money Laundering Charge
Wilmington man accused in New York federal court of laundering drug money through the sale of laptop computers. Mark was able to get the case transferred to federal court in Los Angeles, where he convinced the United States Attorney to reduce the charges. His client was sentenced to probation with no jail time on a misdemeanor conviction.
