Every Forth of July and New Year’s Eve in Vista, you’re bound to hear someone shoot off a gun in celebration, but this activity isn’t just noisy, it’s also dangerous. And because it is dangerous, it’s also illegal under California Penal Code 246.3 (PC), formally known as the “negligent discharge of a firearm.” This criminal […]
What Kinds of Things are Illegal to Bring Into California?
Whether moving to California from another state or just visiting, it’s important to know that there are some things you simply can’t take with you into the Golden State. These things include certain types of pets, foods and weapons. While these items may be legal in the U.S. in general, the fact that they are […]
Caught With An Unserialized, Stolen or Unregistered Firearm in Vista?
California has many laws limiting the types of weapons a person may own in the state, prohibiting guns such as assault-weapons and machine guns. But even a firearm that is otherwise legal can be illegal if it was unregistered, stolen, or if the serial number was altered or removed. Fortunately, there are defenses against all […]
246 (PC) and 247b (PC): Shooting at a Dwelling, House or Vehicle
Shooting into a structure such as a home, car, motorhome or aircraft is unquestionably dangerous. In many cases, it’s impossible to tell if anyone is inside or not, which is precisely why you can face felony charges whether or not a dwelling was occupied. What specific charges you’ll face, as well as the penalties will […]
What Happens If You’re Caught With a Weapon in a California Prison?
Those sentenced to jail and prison are subject to many additional rules not applicable to those outside, particularly when it comes to what they are permitted to have in their possession. These rules can apply to things like cellphones or alcohol, but the most serious form of contraband in prison are weapons. If you or […]
Is Mace, Pepper Spray, or Bear Spray Legal in California? 22810 (PC)
California state law defines pepper spray and mace as forms of tear gas, meaning they are covered by the same penal code, 22810 (PC). Under this law, these aerosols are considered valid forms of self-defense, and, as such, they can be carried in public for personal safety. But that doesn’t mean anyone can use these […]
Can Someone Charged With Domestic Violence Become a Cop?
We’ve previously discussed how a domestic violence charge can prevent someone from joining the armed forces and likely end any military career. When many people find this out, they assume the same would be true for police officers, but in practice, the effects of a domestic violence conviction are somewhat different for those in law […]
Can You be Convicted of Domestic Violence and Still be in the Military?
We have already discussed how a domestic violence conviction can prevent you from being able to possess a firearm and how felonies can prohibit you from entering the military without a wavier, but what what happens if you get a domestic violence charge while in the military? Unfortunately, the outlook for military careers isn’t good […]
22610 (PC): California Laws Regarding Stun Guns and Batons
California has strict and complex weapons laws that go beyond mere gun possession and detail everything from switchblades to pepper spray use. The rules are more straightforward regarding electroshock weapons such as taser batons and stun guns. Most people can legally own these weapons under state law, but some people are banned from possessing them […]
Are Switchblades Legal in California? Not Generally
California has some of the strictest weapons laws in the nation. While people often ask “are switchblades legal in California?” The answer is no, but California knife laws are notably complex, especially the parts that cover switchblade knives, to the point where sometimes those charged with the crime weren’t actually in possession of a switchblade. […]
