CALIFORNIA CRIMINAL LAWYERS

Los Angeles Grand Theft of a Firearm

The Consequences of Stealing a Firearm in Los Angeles

Stealing in Los Angeles, whether it’s something from a store or a meal from a restaurant, may lead to an arrest and a possible trial. However, if what you stole is high-value and potentially dangerous, you may have a more significant problem to handle. Stealing a firearm could upgrade your case to the status of grand theft, which could result in severe legal consequences. This article provides information on when stealing a firearm can be considered grand theft, legal penalties, and strong legal defenses that can help you when you’re charged with such a crime.

What is Grand Theft of a Firearm?

Stealing a firearm was previously categorized as grand theft in California. Prop 47 passed in 2014 disrupted this law slightly. Currently, under Section 487 of the California Penal Code, stealing a firearm may be considered grand theft under the following circumstances:

– The cost of the firearm is $950 or more
– The individual who committed the theft has been registered as a sex offender
– The person who stole the firearm has a previous record of felony conviction for the murder, rape, or child sexual abuse under the age of 14

Hence, stealing a gun may have serious consequences, as it can mean a higher level of legal punishment.

An example of Grand Theft of a Firearm

Suppose Michelle, who owns an AR-15 rifle worth over $1000, invites her friend Michael. Michelle shows Michael the gun, who then returns and steals it. In this case, Michael may be convicted of grand theft of a firearm. In a more severe case, if Carl, who has previously been convicted of sexual assault ten years earlier, steals a .38 caliber revolver worth $350 from a pawnshop, he may be convicted of grand theft of a firearm, even though the gun value is less than $950. According to Prop 47, any prior felony convictions that fall under the listed categories could result in a grand theft conviction.

What are the Legal Penalties?

Grand theft of a firearm is labeled a felony, and a conviction of this offense in Los Angeles could cause significant legal problems. These are some of the potential legal penalties associated with grand theft of a firearm:

– A prison sentence that could last 16 months, two years, or up to three years.
– A fine of up to $10,000.
– Addition of a “strike” to your criminal record.

A conviction for stealing a valuable firearm could add a strike on your criminal record. Accumulating three strikes could automatically get you a life sentence of 25 years in jail. Additionally, 85% of the sentence on a “strike” crime must be served before you can be eligible for parole.

What are the Strong Legal Defenses?

If you are currently being charged with grand theft of a firearm in Los Angeles, our law firm can help you stay out of prison. We may be able to argue some strong legal defenses, such as:

– You borrowed the gun from a friend and had no intention of stealing it.
– You were wrongfully identified as the person who committed the crime.
– There is not enough evidence to link you to the crime.

Successfully mounting a strong legal defense may prevent you from earning a strike on your criminal record and reduce your chances of getting prison time.

Table of Legal Penalties

Here’s an overview of the possible legal penalties for grand theft of a firearm:

| Legal Penalties | Description |
| — | — |
| Prison Sentence | Prison sentence depending on the severity of the crime; 16 months, two years, or up to three years |
| Fines | Fines up to $10,000 |
| Strikes | Addition of a “strike” under the “Three Strikes Law”. A strike on your criminal record could lead to harsher legal consequences in the future. |

Conclusion

Stealing a firearm in Los Angeles could amount to significant legal penalties. Grand theft of a firearm may be triggered depending on how valuable the gun is or whether the individual has a criminal history that falls under the specified categories. A conviction for grand theft of a firearm could result in jail time, a hefty fine, and a strike on your criminal record. Fortunately, our law firm can assist you in making sure your legal rights are protected. Contact us today for a free consultation.