Concealed Weapons Laws

Generally, California law prohibits an individual from carrying loaded firearms on his or her person or in a vehicle while in a public place. California Penal Code §12025 explains the California laws for firearms.

A person is guilty of carrying a concealed firearm when he or she:
a) Carries a concealed firearm within any vehicle under his or her control or direction;
b) Carries a concealed firearm upon his or her person; or
c) Carries a concealed weapon within any vehicle he or she occupies.

Carrying a concealed firearm is punishable:
a) As a felony if the defendant has previously been convicted of any felony; or
b) By imprisonment in prison or in county jail, by a fine or both if the person carries a concealed weapon and was convicted of a crime against a person or property, or of a drug charge.

California prohibits any individual from carrying a concealable firearm upon his or her person or within any vehicle under his or her control or in which he or she is an occupant. California law carves out exceptions for people with concealed weapons licenses. In addition, carrying a concealed weapon may be justified where a person reasonably believes that he or she is in grave danger because of circumstances underlying a current court-issued restraining order against a person who has posed a threat to the possessor's life or safety.

California prohibits any person - including a concealed weapons permit holder - from carrying a loaded firearm during a picketing activity. In addition, any person carrying a loaded firearm with the intent to commit a felony is criminally liable for "armed criminal action."

A legal resident over age 18 may carry, without a permit, any firearm capable of concealment anywhere within his or her residence, place of business or on private property owned or lawfully possessed by the person. However, any felon or person convicted of a domestic violence charge is prohibited from carrying in these locations.

It's legal for a U.S. citizen over age 18 who resides or is temporarily in California to carry a concealed firearm if:
a) The firearm is within a motor vehicle and it is locked in the vehicle's trunk or in a locked container; and
b) The firearm is carried by the person to or from a motor vehicle for a lawful purpose and, while carrying the firearm, the firearm is in a locked container.

If you or a loved one was arrested and charged with a concealed weapons offense, contact a lawyer skilled in criminal defense.