Orange County Criminal Defense Lawyer Blog
Are you a defender of the 2nd amendment? One of the most valued personal liberties in the United States is the right to bear arms. Just recently, the United States Supreme Court reiterated that the 2nd amendment guarantees the right to personally possess firearms (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/District_of_Columbia_v._Heller). But it’s important to realize that this doesn’t mean you get to carry a firearm wherever you like, whenever you like. For instance, California does not allow a citizen to openly carry a loaded firearm in public (http://codes.lp.findlaw.com/cacode/PEN/3/4/2/1/2/s12031)! In fact, even carrying an unloaded firearm can get you into trouble these days.
But what is most troubling is that you can get in trouble for accidentally having a firearm or some form of ammunition on you. For instance, did you know that if you accidentally bring an empty magazine or even a single bullet into an airport, you can spend up to 6 months in jail? It doesn’t matter if you have a firearm, or the ability to use that ammunition. It doesn’t matter if it was just an accident; you can and will be charged with a violation of the Penal Code! Many people are unsure of where your 2nd amendment rights begin and end. That’s why it’s very important to have a good advocate on your side so you don’t spend 6 months in jail for an accident!