A gun crime in California is any charge that involves unlawfully carrying, possessing, or using a firearm. The state holds some of the strictest gun laws in the nation, and many firearm charges are wobblers, meaning prosecutors may file them as a misdemeanor or a felony. The specific law and your record drive how serious the charge becomes.

Olen Firm, P.C. defends people accused of gun crimes in Pasadena and throughout Los Angeles County. From the first court date forward, we challenge the evidence and defend your rights at every stage.

Our practice focuses on criminal defense, and firearm charges are among the serious cases we take on.

Gun charges often arrive alongside other counts, such as drug or assault allegations. We handle the full picture, not just one piece. We appear regularly at the Pasadena Courthouse and represent clients across the San Gabriel Valley and greater Los Angeles County.

Whether this is a first arrest or a case following a prior record, we are ready to step in early when it matters most.

Call (213) 999-8380 for a free consultation.

    Why Choose Olen Firm, P.C. for Your Gun Crime Defense?

    Gun and bullet shells

    Choosing a criminal defense attorney for a gun charge comes down to focus, local knowledge, and attention to your case. Olen Firm, P.C. brings all three to clients in Pasadena and Los Angeles County. Here is what sets our defense apart.

    Focused Criminal Defense

    Our practice centers on criminal defense, not a little of everything. That focus means we know how California firearm laws work and how prosecutors build these cases.

    Local Pasadena and LA County Knowledge

    We appear in the courts where your case is heard, including the Pasadena Courthouse and others across Los Angeles County. Knowing the local courtrooms, procedures, and players helps us prepare a sharper defense.

    Direct, Personal Attention

    You work with attorneys who know the details of your case, not a rotating cast of names. We keep you informed and answer your questions at every step.

    A Free, Confidential Consultation

    Your first conversation with Olen Firm, P.C. costs nothing and stays private. Call (213) 999-8380 to talk through the charge and your options before you decide anything.

    How Does Olen Firm Defend Gun Charges?

    2026 avvo badge clients choice profile jared olen

    Our defense starts with the evidence, not assumptions. Many gun cases begin with a traffic stop or a search, and not every stop or search follows the law. We look closely at how the firearm was found and whether the police respected your rights.

    Gun cases often turn on details that a close review brings to light. Depending on the facts, a defense may focus on:

    • An unlawful search or stop which tainted how the gun was found
    • A lack of knowing possession or control of the firearm
    • Lawful ownership or a valid right to carry
    • Questions about whether the item was an operable firearm under the law
    • Weak or missing proof tying the gun to you

    No two cases match, so we build the approach around your specific situation. A careful look at the record often reveals more options than a first glance suggests.

    Why Acting Early Makes a Difference

    The first days after a gun arrest carry real weight. Evidence gets logged, witness memories shift, and the details of a search start to blur. This is especially true in cases where someone was arrested for having a gun in the car, since vehicle searches often raise their own legal questions. A defense that starts early may preserve proof and protect the arguments that matter most. In some cases, reaching the prosecutor before charges are filed may change what gets charged at all. Acting quickly does not promise a result, but it keeps more doors open.

    Talk to a Pasadena Gun Crime Lawyer Today

    A gun charge moves fast, and so does the window to respond.

    Call Olen Firm, P.C. at (213) 999-8380 for a free, confidential consultation.

    What Types of Gun Charges Does Olen Firm Handle?

    Olen Firm, P.C. defends the full range of firearm allegations in Pasadena and Los Angeles County. Gun charges cover much more than a single act, and the exact charge shapes everything that follows. The facts behind the stop, the search, and the firearm itself all matter.

    We defend clients facing charges such as:

    • Carrying a concealed firearm without a permit
    • Carrying a loaded firearm in a public place
    • Possession of a firearm by a felon or other prohibited person
    • Possession of an assault weapon or a high-capacity magazine
    • Brandishing a firearm during an argument or dispute

    Each charge carries its own penalties and its own defenses. We match the strategy to the specific allegation and the evidence behind it.

    What Are the Penalties for a Gun Crime in California?

    Penalties for a California gun crime range from a misdemeanor with jail time to a felony with state prison. The level depends on the specific charge, your record, and the facts of the case. Many firearm offenses are wobblers, so the same conduct may lead to very different outcomes.

    Carrying a Firearm Without a Permit

    California Penal Code 25400 makes it a crime to carry a concealed firearm on your person or in a vehicle, loaded or not. As a misdemeanor, it carries up to one year in county jail and a fine of up to $1,000.

    It becomes a felony, with sixteen months, two years, or three years in custody, when factors like a prior felony, a stolen gun, or gang involvement apply. Carrying a loaded firearm in public is a separate charge that may also be filed as a misdemeanor or a felony.

    Possession by a Prohibited Person

    Penal Code 29800, often called the felon with a firearm law, makes it a felony for a person with a prior felony, or certain misdemeanor convictions, to own or possess a firearm. A conviction carries up to three years in custody, fines up to $10,000, and a lifetime ban on firearm ownership. Even brief or shared possession may bring this charge.

    How Sentencing Enhancements Raise the Stakes

    A gun charge sometimes arrives with enhancements that add time on top of the base sentence. Using or firing a firearm during another felony may push the exposure far higher, sometimes by many years. These add-ons are not automatic. The defense examines whether each enhancement rests on real proof, because removing one may change the whole picture.

    What a Gun Crime Conviction Means Beyond Jail

    The damage from a gun crime conviction reaches well past any jail term. A felony firearm conviction follows a person for years and closes doors that are hard to reopen. Anyone arrested for a gun charge and weighing how hard to defend it should know those lasting costs are a real part of the decision.

    A gun crime conviction may affect:

    • Gun rights, which a felony conviction takes away for life
    • Immigration status, which a firearm conviction may put at serious risk for non-citizens
    • Job prospects, as many employers screen for felony records
    • Housing, since landlords often run background checks
    • Future sentencing, since a record raises the stakes on any later case
    Consequence CategoryDescription
    Gun RightsFelony conviction results in a lifetime ban on owning or possessing a firearm.
    Immigration StatusFirearm conviction may put non-citizens at serious risk of deportation or inadmissibility.
    Job ProspectsMany employers screen for felony records, potentially limiting employment opportunities.
    HousingLandlords often run background checks, which may impact housing options.
    Future SentencingA record raises the stakes on any later criminal case.

    These consequences are exactly why an early, focused defense matters so much. Protecting your record protects the parts of your life that come after the case.

    Ask Olen Firm, P.C.

    These are questions people often ask before they call us about a gun charge in Pasadena.

    Q: Do I need a lawyer for a gun charge in California? 

    A: California firearm laws are strict, and many charges carry jail time, felony exposure, and a lasting record. A defense attorney may challenge the search, the evidence, and the charge level before decisions lock into place. Olen Firm, P.C. handles gun cases across Pasadena and Los Angeles County and offers a free first consultation.

    Q: Is carrying a concealed firearm a felony in California? 

    A: Not always. Carrying a concealed firearm without a permit is often a misdemeanor, but it becomes a felony under certain factors, such as a prior felony, a stolen gun, or gang involvement. The facts and your record decide the level, which is why the exact charge matters so much.

    Q: Does a felon lose gun rights for life in California? 

    A: Yes. A felony conviction in California results in a lifetime ban on owning or possessing a firearm. Certain misdemeanors bring a temporary ban instead. Because the loss is so serious, defending a felony firearm charge from the start carries real weight for your future.

    Q: How long does a gun case take in Los Angeles County? 

    A: Timelines vary widely. Some cases resolve in a few months, while others take a year or more if they move toward trial. The strength of the evidence and the charge level both affect the pace. An attorney may offer a clearer estimate after reviewing the specific facts.

    FAQ for Pasadena Gun Crime Lawyers

    How much does a gun crime lawyer cost in Pasadena?

    Fees vary based on the charges, the complexity, and whether the case heads to trial. Olen Firm, P.C. discusses fees openly during a free consultation, so you know what to expect before moving forward. Call (213) 999-8380 to talk through your situation.

    Does a gun charge always mean jail time?

    Not always. Many firearm charges are wobblers, and some resolve with probation, classes, or reduced charges, depending on the facts and your record. Sentencing depends on the specific law and the judge. An early defense may improve the options on the table.

    What happens to my gun rights after a conviction?

    A felony firearm conviction takes away gun rights for life in California. Some misdemeanor convictions limit those rights for a set period instead. Because the outcome shapes your rights for years, the charge level is worth defending hard from the start.

    Does a gun charge ever get dismissed?

    Yes, in the right circumstances. When a search broke the rules or the evidence is thin, a charge may be reduced or dismissed. A motion to suppress evidence sometimes removes the heart of the prosecution’s case. Each outcome depends on the specific facts.

    How does a gun charge affect non-citizens?

    A firearm conviction may carry immigration consequences, including the risk of deportation or being found inadmissible. The stakes are high for non-citizens, even on minor charges. An attorney may weigh those consequences when shaping the defense and any plea.

    Your Next Move Starts With a Phone Call

    Pasadena Gun Crime Lawyers, Jared Olen

    A gun charge does not wait, and neither do we. The earlier Olen Firm, P.C. reviews your case, the more we may do to protect your rights and your freedom.

    Call (213) 999-8380 now for a free, confidential consultation with a Pasadena gun crime lawyer.

    Olen Firm Criminal Defense Lawyers - Pasadena Office

    Let Us Help You.

    Contact The Olen Firm, P.C. Today

    213-523-3788. Our experienced Criminal Defense Law Firm is available for a Free Confidential Consultation.