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Juvenile Firearm Possession In Orange County: Mandatory Penalties And Defense Options

Law Office of Katie Walsh

A juvenile firearm possession allegation can move quickly and trigger immediate consequences at school and in court. Even when a teen insists the firearm was not theirs or did not know it was present, the system may still treat the situation as possession and move forward aggressively. If you are searching for an Orange County juvenile defense lawyer, the Law Office of Katie Walsh helps families understand what the allegation means and what steps can protect a child’s future. Bottom line: weapons cases often turn on details that get overlooked early, so careful fact development matters from the start.

What Does “Possession” Mean In A Juvenile Firearm Case?

Possession is not limited to a firearm being in a teen’s hands. Allegations may involve claims that a teen had control over the item or knew it was present in a space connected to them, which is why the facts and the timeline matter.

Common fact patterns include:

  • A firearm found in a backpack
  • A gun located in a car glovebox or trunk
  • A weapon in a shared room or shared vehicle
  • A firearm connected to borrowed clothing or a bag
  • Social media photos or messages used as evidence

Because possession can be argued in different ways, the earliest fact development often shapes how the case unfolds.

What Consequences Can Follow A Juvenile Gun Allegation?

Consequences depend on the facts and the specific allegations, but firearm cases can involve detention risk, strict probation conditions, and serious school discipline. Many families also face an expulsion process tied to the same incident, even if the juvenile case is still pending. Beyond court and school, the broader public health context for why firearm-related conduct is treated seriously is reflected in CDC’s reporting on firearm injury and death facts and statistics.

What Defense Options Can Matter Early In These Cases?

Early defense work often focuses on knowledge and control. Did the teen know the firearm was there, and could they realistically control it in the place where it was found? Who owned it, who had access to the space, and what evidence supports those answers? Was the search lawful, and were statements recorded or summarized in a way that matches what actually happened?

Some families also want context on rules that are frequently cited in youth handgun discussions, including the baseline federal framework reflected in ATF’s regulation text at 27 CFR § 478.103 and the related ATF Youth Handgun Safety Act notice. For a practical sense of how youth weapons cases are approached in court, many parents start with the discussion of juvenile weapons charges and the path to case dismissal.

Talk To The Law Office Of Katie Walsh About Juvenile Firearm Possession

If you are facing juvenile firearm possession in Orange County, it helps to respond quickly and carefully. These cases can affect court outcomes, school placement, and future opportunities. Call the Law Office of Katie Walsh at (714) 351-0178 or contact us online to request a free consultation, especially if you are worried about longer-term consequences discussed in California’s juvenile three strikes law and long-term consequences.

Client Reviews

I hired attorney Katie Walsh to help my son when he was found with a large amount of drugs on school campus. She got us through the Expulsion Hearing, and miraculously he can go back to school at the winter semester after he catches up with his classes. The...

AR- parent of minor client

I hired Katie Walsh to have my felony convictions expunged. She was able to expunge my record within 6 weeks of me giving her all the information. Even though technically I had a probation violation, and therefore the expungement was not automatic, she was...

AR, criminal client

My 16 year old son was charged with possession of Marijuana, HS 11357(b). I was very concerned about what would happen to him and how this would affect his future. I contacted Ms. Walsh and she assured me that everything would be Ok- and it was. The judge...

CT, parent of juvenile client

My child was charged with Felony Penal Code 597(a)- Animal Cruelty. After hiring Katie Walsh, she got the charges reduced to a misdemeanor, counseling, and 40 hours of chores at home. We come back in 6 months and the case will get completely dismissed and...

DH - Parent of Juvenile client

I hired Katie Walsh to represent my son on sexual abuse allegations- P.C. 288(a) and P.C. 288(b)- they were Strike Charges. After negotiating with the D.A., she got all the strike charges dismissed, and got my son released from custody with credit for time...

DR- mother of juvenile client

Katie Walsh was fantastic throughout this entire process! My 13 year old son was charged with two counts of lewd act on a minor, PC 288(a) and was in juvenile hall. After hiring Ms. Walsh, she GOT MY SON OUT OF JAIL and back home with us at the detention...

EG, parent of juvenile client

My 14 year old son was arrested at school for P.C. 311 (child pornography). My son had innocent and stupid nude pictures of himself and friends on his phone. Ms. Walsh was extremely easy to talk to, and made my son feel very comfortable during this process. As...

GK,TK, parents of juvenile client

Ms. Walsh was a life saver when I didn't know what was going on, or how to handle the situation. My young daughter was attacked at her middle school and was seriously injured. At a time when both the school and the police were giving us the run-around and not...

HA, mother of 13 year old Victim Rights client

I hired Katie Walsh to seal my juvenile record of PC 288(a) (lewd act on a minor), after my request had been denied by a Judge and by the Probation Department. After speaking with Probation, the DA and the Judge at a hearing, she was able to get my record...

JW, former juvenile client

I was charged with a Felony Conspiracy charge- PC 182. After hiring Ms. Walsh she got my charged reduced to a misdemeanor right away, and now I just have to do community service and in 6 months my entire case will be dismissed! I would recommend Ms. Walsh if...

KP, juvenile client

Ms. Walsh was like a breath of fresh air throughout this entire process. I was uncertain about the outcome, but she told me everything would be ok- and it was. She had my juvenile record sealed within 3 months of speaking with her. She was always available to...

LR, former juvenile client

Ms. Walsh got the judge to terminate my son's probation and seal his 2 juvenile cases (Penal Code 288(a) and Penal Code 242) even though he had violated my probation by picking up a new case. By getting his record sealed under penal code 786, it means his...

MB- mother of juvenile client

At a very difficult time in my life I contacted attorney Katie Walsh. I am a teacher and was being harassed/stalked by a parent at my school. I wanted a Restraining Order against this person. Ms. Walsh listened to me and made feel like I was her most...

MB, restraining order client

My son was charged with Lewd Conduct, P.C. 647 out of Downey, CA. After hiring Ms. Walsh, she spoke with the District Attorney, Probation, and the Judge. Even though the judge was not pleased with the offer, she was able to get my son Community Service and a...

MG, parent of minor

It is with sincere gratitude that I send this recommendation As a parent of a child that was arrested on a Felony Domestic Abuse charge and over 2000 miles away I had to rely on friend of a friends word that you would be able to help us. Those words couldn't...

MPF, mother of criminal client

I really liked having Ms. Walsh as my attorney. She visited me in Juvenile Hall. I was charged with four counts of Robbery (Penal Code 211). This was my 8th juvenile petition. Ms. Walsh got 2 of the robbery charges dismissed, and I only served 30 days in...

MU, juvenile client

I was arrested for a felony Domestic charge, PC 273.5(a). After I hired Katie Walsh, my entire case was dismissed. I never had to appear in court. I felt very comfortable with Ms. Walsh- she was easy to speak with, she was very accessible and easy to get a...

NF, criminal client

Katie was instrumental in helping me with a criminal matter as an advocate for me and my children when I was a named victim in a DV case. She patiently and expediently addressed all of my questions and was an invaluable source of information. She prepared me...

RG

My daughter was pulled over arrested for having a Fake ID. After hiring Ms. Walsh my daughter did not have to plead guilty- which would have affected her license status. She did community service, completed a legal awareness class, returned in 6 months and...

RS

My 14 year old daughter was involved in an assault and battery- PC 240/242, in Irvine. After hiring Katie Walsh the case was not referred to Court. My daughter was able to complete a class and the case will be dismissed entirely! Ms. Walsh was available to us...

SG, mother a juvenile client

My son was charged with possession of Child Pornography P.C. 311.11(a) - a charge I did not realize a child could be guilty of! As parents were beside ourselves when we found this out, and contacted Katie Walsh. She listened to us, guided us through the...

SH- mother of juvenile client

From San Diego I contacted Ms. Walsh about sealing my juvenile record in Orange County regarding a Petty Theft charge. She was always very responsive to any of my questions, and consistently kept me updated. Even though probation said this would take...

XL, juvenile client

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