Weapon and Firearm Offenses

Despite the landmark Supreme Court decision in Heller v. District of Columbia in 2008 that redefined the Second Amendment, many states across the county have impose a myriad of complex regulations regarding firearms.

San Francisco metropolitan areas strictly enforce firearms laws. Some communities within the greater San Francisco bay area have passed local ordinances that make legally owning a firearm difficult. On the other hand, in more rural jurisdictions outside of San Francisco, law enforcement officer narrowly enforce the same firearms laws by prosecuting only those who demonstrate malicious intent or commit some other criminal offense.

Selective enforcement of gun and weapon charges can lead to unfair treatment and injustice. Many of California’s firearm and weapon laws are hypertechnical and regulatory in nature. Having an experienced criminal defense attorney who understands the law in this area is critical to obtaining the best result after a criminal accusation.

Attorney for Weapon and Firearm Crimes in San Francisco

During an initial consultation, you can talk with one of our attorneys about the facts of the case, the elements of the charge, potential penalties, and possible defenses. Learn more about what you might need to do right now to protect yourself against these serious felony or misdemeanor charges.

Our gun crime lawyers also represent individuals arrested at the San Francisco International Airport for accidentally bringing a weapon or firearm into a secure area, often because they forgot the item was hidden in their carry-on bag. We also represent clients accused of carrying a concealed weapon, and improperly brandishing or shooting a firearm.

No matter how you made contact with law enforcement regarding a weapon charge, call the attorneys at 1 (866) 842-5384 today to discuss your case. Let us put our experience to work for you.


Types of Weapon and Firearm Crimes in California

The attorneys at Ticket Crushers represent clients on a wide range of weapon and firearm charges, including:

Shooting a Firearm

  • Shooting at an Inhabited House or Occupied Motor Vehicle under Pen. Code, § 246
  • Shooting at an Uninhabited House or Unoccupied Motor Vehicle under Pen. Code, § 247(b)
  • Shooting at an Unoccupied Aircraft under Pen. Code, § 247(a)
  • Shooting from a Motor Vehicle under Pen. Code, §§ 26100(c) & (d)
  • Permitting Someone to Shoot From a Vehicle under Pen. Code, § 26100(b), and
  • Shooting a Firearm or BB Device in a Grossly Negligent Manner under Pen. Code, § 246.3

Brandishing a Firearm

  • Brandishing a Firearm in the Presence of an Occupant of a Motor Vehicle under Pen. Code, § 417.3
  • Brandishing a Firearm in the Presence of a Peace Officer under Pen. Code, §§ 417(c) & (e)
  • Brandishing a Firearm or Deadly Weapon to Resist Arrest under Pen. Code, § 417.8
  • Brandishing a Firearm or Deadly Weapon: Misdemeanor under Pen. Code, §§ 417(a)(1) & (2)
  • Brandishing a Firearm: Misdemeanor — Public Place under Pen. Code, § 417(a)(2)(A), and
  • Brandishing an Imitation Firearm under Pen. Code, § 417.4

Related Weapons Offenses in California 

  • Armed Criminal Action under Pen. Code, § 25800
  • Possession of Ammunition by a Person Prohibited From Possessing a Firearm Due to Conviction or Mental Illness under Pen. Code, § 30305(a), and
  • Possession of Ammunition by a Person Prohibited From Possessing a Firearm Due to a Court Order under Pen. Code, § 30305(a)

Explosives and Destructive Devices

  • Possession of a Destructive Device under Pen. Code, § 18710
  • Carrying or Placing an Explosive or Destructive Device on a Common Carrier under Pen. Code, § 18725
  • Possession of an Explosive or Destructive Device in Specified Place under Pen. Code, § 18715
  • Possession, Explosion, etc., of an Explosive or Destructive Device with Intent to Injure or Damage under Pen. Code, § 18740
  • Sale or Transportation of a Destructive Device under Pen. Code, § 18730
  • Offer to Sell a Destructive Device under Pen. Code, § 18730
  • Explosion of an Explosive or Destructive Device with Intent to Murder under Pen. Code, § 18745
  • Explosion of an Explosive or Destructive Device Causing Bodily Injury under Pen. Code, § 18750
  • Explosion of an Explosive or Destructive Device Causing Death, Mayhem, or Great Bodily Injury under Pen. Code, § 18755, and
  • Possession of Materials to Make a Destructive Device or Explosive under Pen. Code, § 18720

Assault Weapons

  • Possession of an Assault Weapon or .50 BMG Rifle under Pen. Code, §§ 30605 and 30600
  • Possession of an Assault Weapon or .50 BMG Rifle While Committing Other Offense — Charged as Separate Count and as Enhancement under Pen. Code, § 30615, and
  • Possession of an Assault Weapon or .50 BMG Rifle While Committing Other Offense — Charged Only as Enhancement under Pen. Code, § 30615

Possession of Firearm by Person Prohibited

  • Possession of a Firearm by a Person Prohibited Due to Conviction — No Stipulation to Conviction under Pen. Code, §§ 29800, 29805, 29820, 29900
  • Possession of a Firearm by a Person Prohibited Due to Conviction — Stipulation to Conviction under Pen. Code, §§ 29800, 29805, 29820, 29900
  • Possession of a Firearm by a Person Prohibited by Court Order under Pen. Code, §§ 29815, 29825
  • Possession of a Firearm by a Person Addicted to a Narcotic Drug under Pen. Code, § 29800, and
  • Possession of a Firearm by a Person Prohibited by Statute: Self-Defense

Possession of Illegal or Deadly Weapon

  • Illegal Possession of a Weapon
  • Carrying a Concealed Explosive or Dirk or Dagger under Pen. Code, §§ 21310, 16470
  • Possession, etc., of a Switchblade Knife under Pen. Code, § 21510, or
  • Possession of a Deadly Weapon with Intent to Assault under Pen. Code, § 17500

San Francisco’s Standard Bond Schedule for Firearm Charges

The bond amount for release from jail after an arrest for a weapon or firearm charge varies, depending on the alleged crime. Some of the common charges with the standard bond amount are:

  • § 25850(c) — Carrying a loaded firearm — $50,000
  • § 25850(c)(5) — Carrying a loaded firearm — $50,000
  • § 25850(c)(6) — Carrying a loaded firearm — $50,000
  • § 29800 — Possession of a firearm (ex-felon or addict) — $75,000
  • § 29805 — Possession of a firearm (prior specified misdemeanors) — $75,000
  • § 29815(a) — Possession of a firearm (probationer subject to prohibition) — $75,000
  • § 29820(c) — Possession of a firearm (prior specified juvenile adjudication) — $75,000
  • § 29825(a) — Purchase/receive a firearm (subject to TRO or protective order) — $75,000
  • § 30305(a) — Possession of ammunition by a prohibited person — $50,000
  • § 30315 — Possession of armor-piercing ammunition — $50,000
  • § 30320 — Sale, transport, or manufacture of armor-piercing ammunition — $50,000
  • § 30600  — Manufacture, transportation, sale, or possession of an assault weapon— $150,000
  • § 30605 — Possession of an assault weapon — $150,000

Additional Resources

California DOJ Bureau of Firearms — Visit the website for California’s Office of Attorney General to learn more about the California Department of Justice Bureau of Firearms. The BOF serves the people of California through the regulation and enforcement of firearm laws related to the possession, sale and transfer of firearms. Find out more about why a DROS application was delayed, undetermined, rejected or denied. Also find general information about pending firearm legislation, firearm information for new California residents, and law enforcement gun release information.

Carrying a Concealed Weapon (CCW) in San Francisco — Visit the website for the City and County of San Francisco to find information on carrying a concealed weapon (CCW). The CCW Licensing Policy provides a summary of the criteria that the San Francisco Police Department considers when reviewing applications for a license to carry a concealed weapon (CCW license). Find and download the Standard Application for License to Carry a Concealed Weapon (CCW). Sections 6, 7 and 8 must be completed IN PERSON at the SFPD Legal Division. Contact the SFPD Legal Division at:

Lieutenant, SFPD Legal Division
San Francisco Police Department
Legal Division, Room 575
Hall of Justice
850 Bryant Street
San Francisco, CA 94103
415-553-1511

California’s Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence — Formerly known as the Legal Community Against Violence, the Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence is a non-profit national law center founded by attorneys. The organization focuses on providing comprehensive legal expertise in support of gun violence prevention. The organization influences legislation on gun laws and regulations through detailed statistics, study findings, and polling. The Law Center operates as part of Americans for Responsible Solutions Foundation to influence firearm policy at the state and local level. The organization also tracks all Second Amendment legislation and litigation nationwide. The organization maintains a brief bank, pro bono research and support, and amicus briefing.


Finding an Attorney for Firearm / Weapon Crimes in San Francisco, CA

If you were arrested for any firearm or weapon charge in the City of San Francisco or the surrounding areas throughout the greater San Francisco Bay Area, then contact an experienced criminal defense attorney at Ticket Crushers.

We represent clients charged with a wide variety of crimes related to firearms and weapons including illegal possession, carrying a concealed weapon without a permit, selling, transporting, branding or shooting. Let our criminal defense attorneys put our experience to work for you.

Call Ticket Crushers at 1 (866) 842-5384 today to speak with an attorney.

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