Orange County Weapon Charge Defense for Gun Law Violations

Orange County Weapon Charge Defense for Gun Law Violations

Law Office of Katie Walsh

May 16, 2025

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California has some of the strictest gun laws in the country, and even responsible gun owners can face serious charges for unintentional violations. A conviction for a weapon offense in Orange County can mean hefty fines, jail time, and even the loss of your gun rights. However, with the right defense, you may be able to reduce or dismiss the charges.

If you’ve been charged with a firearm offense, don’t wait. Call (714) 547-4636 today for a free consultation with an Orange County criminal defense lawyer and start building your defense.

Common Weapon Charges in Orange County

Gun laws in California are complex, and even a minor mistake can result in criminal charges. Some of the most common gun-related offenses include:

Illegal possession of a firearm
Carrying a concealed weapon
Negligent discharge of a firearm
Brandishing a weapon
Possession of an assault weapon
Possession of a firearm by a prohibited person

These offenses can be charged as misdemeanors or felonies, depending on the circumstances.

Penalties for Gun Crimes in Orange County

Gun crimes in Orange County come with severe penalties, including up to one year in jail and $1,000 in fines for misdemeanors, several years in state prison for felonies, increased penalties if a firearm was used in another crime, and potentially permanent loss of gun ownership rights.

Negligent Discharge of a Firearm in Orange County

Under California Penal Code § 246.3, negligent discharge occurs when:

A person willfully fires a gun.
They do so in a grossly negligent manner.
The discharge could have resulted in injury or death.

Example Scenario: Negligent Discharge in Orange County

Mike is at a backyard gathering and fires his gun into the air as a joke. He doesn’t aim at anyone, but the bullet could injure someone nearby. Even though no one was hurt, he could still be charged with negligent discharge of a firearm for reckless endangerment.

Legal Defenses Against Gun Charges in Orange County

A gun charge does not automatically mean a conviction. Depending on the case, possible legal defenses include:

Lack of Knowledge – You were unaware the firearm was in your possession.
Illegal Search and Seizure – Law enforcement violated your constitutional rights while collecting evidence.
Self-Defense – You used the firearm to protect yourself or others.
Valid Permit – You legally owned or carried the gun.
False Accusation – You were wrongfully accused or misidentified.

A skilled Orange County criminal defense lawyer can assess your case and build a strong defense.

Arrested for a Gun Crime in Orange County? Attorney William Bruzzo Can Help!

A firearm conviction can have serious, long-term consequences. It can affect your ability to acquire a job, housing, or admission to higher education, so the stakes are high. With 30 years of experience and a deep understanding of Orange County courts, the Law Offices of William Bruzzo know how to fight gun charges and challenge weak evidence.

Whether you’re facing misdemeanor or felony charges, having the right legal defense can make all the difference. Call (714) 547-4636 or contact us online for a free consultation today.

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...

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...

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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