Item: Killedjian Law Corporation
Rating: 5
Author: Louie G.

Gun Crimes

Aggressive Criminal Defense Attorney Protecting the Rights of Clients in Los Angeles County

California strictly limits a person’s ability to purchase, own, possess, transport and carry a gun. Those facing gun crimes in California often face not only substantive criminal charges for possession of the weapon but also face severe enhancements, which may result in additional years being added to their sentence. For many defendants convicted of California gun crimes, the prison time they receive as a result of the various gun enhancements far exceeds their sentence for the underlying offenses. At Killedjian Law Corporation, our tenacious LA criminal defense attorney aggressively defends the rights of clients arrested and charged with California gun crimes. Attorney Melanie Killedjian has more than 20 years of hands-on experience litigating motions to suppress, negotiating with prosecutors, and litigating all types of gun crimes and weapons offenses.

California Gun Laws

As a general rule, anyone over the age of 21 can legally purchase and own a firearm. However, state law also makes it illegal for many individuals to possess a gun. For example, you cannot lawfully own a firearm in California if any of the above apply:

You have a felony conviction;
You have a disqualifying misdemeanor conviction;
You have a warrant for a pending felony case;
Someone took out a Gun Violence Restraining Order against you;
You were ever found to be incompetent to stand trial;
You were dishonorably discharged from the military; or
You are “addicted to the use of narcotics .”

California gun crimes can either be misdemeanors or felonies, depending on which statute applies. Often, a conviction for a weapons offense prevents a person from legally purchasing, owning or possessing a firearm for the rest of their lives.

California Gun Enhancements

In addition to substantive criminal charges, prosecutors in California can also bring “enhancements ” related to the use of a firearm during another criminal offense. These firearm enhancements are brought in addition to the underlying gun charges.

Armed with a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony (Penal Code § 12022)

California Gun Laws If you have a firearm in your possession while you commit a crime—even if you didn’t use it—you are subject to an additional one-year term of imprisonment. However, if the firearm was an assault weapon or machine gun, the enhancement carries an additional three-year term of incarceration.

Personal Use of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony (Penal Code § 12022.5)

If you used a firearm while committing a felony, prosecutors will likely file enhancement charges under PC § 12022.5, which can result in an additional 3, 4 or 10 years being added to your sentence.

Personal use of a Firearm During the Commission of a Serious or Violent Felony (Penal Code § 12022.53)

Penal Code § 12022.53 operates much like § 12022.5; however, this section applies when the underlying offense is a “serious” or violent felony. Serious or violent felonies include murder, mayhem, kidnapping, robbery, carjacking, and rape. If proven, this enhancement may result in an additional ten years being added to your base sentence.

Notably, recent criminal justice reform measures in California give judges the discretion to strike most gun enhancements; however, they are under no obligation to do so. At the Killedjian Law Corporation, we not only provide aggressive defense regarding the underlying charges but have also successfully advocated to strike harsh gun enhancements, significantly reducing our clients’ exposure.

Have You Been Charged with a Los Angeles Gun Crime?

Serious or Violent Felony If you were recently arrested and charged with a gun crime in California or face firearm enhancements related to another offense, the Killedjian Law Corporation is here to help. With more than 23 years of experience aggressively litigating gun and weapons offenses in state and federal court, Attorney Melanie Killedjian has what it takes to defend against even the toughest accusations. Whether she is arguing to suppress evidence following an illegal search, negotiating with prosecutors to drop the most serious offenses, or litigating your case in front of the jury, she ensures that you receive the defense you need, deserve, and are entitled to. To learn more, and to schedule a free consultation with Attorney Melanie Killedjian at the Killedjuan Law Corporation, call (818) 986-0888 today. You can also connect with us through our online contact form.

★★★★★

I was referred to Melanie by a good friend of mine with whom she assisted in the past. This friend gave me nothing but glowing reviews of her and somehow, still managed to undersell how great Melanie is. From the day I made my first call to her, to the first time meeting her face to face (which was the very next day, so I'll add she's very accessible and prompt), until the very end she made it seemingly effortless on my part. She handled everything from beginning to end. Her professionalism was very assuring, and put my worries to rest. I went in her office feeling defeated and overwhelmed, fast forward to my final hearing and I left feeling victorious and overjoyed. Melanie, thank you for all your help! The services rendered and the peace of mind she gave me cannot be matched! Louie G.

I cannot say how grateful my family and I are to ms. Killedjian. The case she took on was very complex and multilayered. I fired two top lawyers before trusting Ms. Killedjian with my future. She remained confident and worked diligently for almost two years. She never changed or added to her fee. She worked with my immigration attorney to make sure I would not face immigration consequences. Ms. Killedjian law expertise and belief in her client got my case dismissed. We are so thankful to Ms. Killedjian and will forever remember how hard she fought for justice!! V.Y.

I just want to say that Melanie came HIGHLY recommended to me and she was the BEST decision I made for my criminal case. Melanie was so helpful, informative, straight forward, kind and always did everything she said she was going to do. She always responded to me contacting her and she always used the word "we" when communicating, as if "we" were in this thing together! I am so grateful for her professionalism and her approach. She was able to get my original severe charges dropped and i was given a minor charge because of how she presented the facts and evidence at hand. Shes amazing! So, if you're reading this and need not just a good attorney but a GREAT one, contact her! You will not regret it! Thank you Melanie for everything you did and continue to do! You're a life saver! Stacey S.

Melanie is amazing! She was able to help me with two felony charges in two different court systems simultaneously with results that far exceeded my expectations of what I thought was even possible. She refused to settle for anything less than the best possible outcome and has given me my complete freedom back. It honestly seems like she was able to work magic! There is no doubt that she knows what she is doing and knows how to get results. I was very selective in choosing a lawyer and she was definitely the right choice. She is kind, caring, compassionate, understanding, positive and supportive in every way. It has truly been a pleasure working with her and her delightful assistant, Elen. I would highly recommend her to anyone in need of an exceptional defense attorney. Bradley S.

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