Lompoc Weapons Charges Attorney

Being charged with weapons offenses in Lompoc can feel like your Second Amendment rights and freedom are being stripped away—but you’re not alone, and you have options. Whether you’re dealing with concealed carry weapons charges without permits, possession of firearms by prohibited persons, carrying loaded firearms in public, possession of illegal weapons including assault weapons or large-capacity magazines, felon in possession of firearms charges, carrying firearms on school grounds at Lompoc High School or Cabrillo High School, gun violence restraining order violations, possession of firearms by individuals with domestic violence convictions or restraining orders, brandishing weapons charges, possession of unregistered firearms, straw purchase allegations, gun charges at Vandenberg Space Force Base, or serious felony charges for using firearms during crimes triggering 10-20-life enhancements under PC 12022.53, understanding California’s complex weapons laws is the first step toward protecting your freedom, your firearm rights, and your future in Lompoc where weapons convictions result in immediate firearm confiscation, years in state prison for serious offenses, permanent prohibition from gun ownership, termination from Vandenberg Space Force Base employment, and destruction of Second Amendment rights that California law makes nearly impossible to restore once lost through criminal convictions.

At Central Coast Criminal Defense, we’ve defended Lompoc residents against weapons charges since 2010. We know the Santa Barbara County courts, the judges at Lompoc Superior Court on North H Street who handle weapons cases, the prosecutors who aggressively pursue gun crimes in California’s strict regulatory environment, and—most importantly—we know how to fight for results that protect what matters most: your freedom through dismissals when arrests were illegal or charges lack merit, reduced charges avoiding felony convictions and firearm prohibitions, demonstrated lawful possession when you had legal right to possess firearms, challenged illegal searches and seizures when police violated Fourth Amendment rights, protected Second Amendment rights through aggressive advocacy, preserved your employment at Vandenberg Space Force Base when weapons convictions would destroy security clearances, and minimized sentences when convictions cannot be avoided preventing decades in prison from firearm enhancements that transform underlying offenses into life-destroying sentences under California’s 10-20-life enhancement scheme punishing gun use with consecutive mandatory minimum prison terms.

What Are Weapons Offenses in California?

Weapons offenses in California involve unlawful possession, carrying, use, or sale of firearms, ammunition, and other dangerous weapons under one of the nation’s most restrictive gun control regimes. California Penal Code contains numerous weapons statutes with varying penalties: carrying concealed firearm (PC 25400) without California CCW permit is misdemeanor or felony carrying up to 3 years prison, carrying loaded firearm in public (PC 25850) is misdemeanor or felony, felon in possession of firearm (PC 29800) is straight felony carrying 16 months to 3 years prison with no probation eligibility, possession of assault weapons (PC 30605) carries 16 months to 3 years prison, possession of large-capacity magazines over 10 rounds (PC 32310) is misdemeanor or felony since 2016, carrying firearms on school grounds (PC 626.9) within 1,000 feet of Lompoc schools carries mandatory minimum sentences, brandishing weapons (PC 417) is misdemeanor or felony depending on circumstances, possession of unregistered firearms violates registration requirements, straw purchases (buying firearms for prohibited persons) violate federal and state law, and most critically, PC 12022.5 and PC 12022.53 firearm enhancements add 3-10 years for personal firearm use or 10-20 years to life for discharge or causing great bodily injury during felonies transforming underlying offenses into decades-long sentences. California also prohibits firearm possession by numerous categories of people including convicted felons, individuals with domestic violence convictions or restraining orders, those adjudicated mentally ill, and others creating complex web of regulations where lawful gun owners can unknowingly violate laws carrying serious consequences.

In Lompoc and throughout Santa Barbara County, weapons charges commonly arise from traffic stops where Lompoc Police or California Highway Patrol on Highway 1 discover firearms in vehicles during searches, domestic violence incidents where police confiscate firearms and charge defendants with prohibited person possession, probation or parole searches where firearms are discovered at Lompoc residences, gang investigations where firearms are found on suspected gang members, arrests at Vandenberg Space Force Base when military personnel or contractors possess firearms in violation of base regulations, school-related charges when firearms are found near Lompoc High School or Cabrillo High School, and enhancement allegations added to underlying felonies when defendants allegedly used firearms during robberies, assaults, or other crimes. Weapons prosecutions at Lompoc Superior Court on North H Street are taken seriously by Santa Barbara County prosecutors who aggressively pursue gun crimes in California’s strict regulatory environment, seek maximum sentences including firearm enhancements that add decades to prison terms, and oppose probation or reduced charges viewing weapons offenses as serious public safety threats particularly when gang allegations, prior convictions, or violent crimes are involved. The prosecution of weapons cases involves physical evidence including seized firearms, ammunition, and magazines, ATF tracing records showing firearm history, registration databases determining whether firearms are legally owned, expert testimony from firearms examiners and gang experts when applicable, and defendant statements to police about firearm possession that are frequently used to prove knowledge and possession elements despite constitutional concerns about questioning without Miranda warnings.

What many people charged with weapons offenses in Lompoc don’t understand is that California’s gun laws are extraordinarily complex with numerous technical violations that lawful gun owners commit unknowingly, illegal searches and seizures are common in weapons cases when police lack probable cause but search vehicles or homes finding firearms, many weapons charges involve overcharging where prosecutors file felonies that should be misdemeanors or add enhancements not supported by evidence, and significant defenses exist including lack of knowledge when defendants didn’t know firearms were in vehicles or locations, lack of possession when firearms belonged to others, illegal searches requiring suppression of evidence, lawful possession when defendants had legal right to possess firearms, and necessity or self-defense when firearms were possessed for protection. Additionally, California’s firearm prohibition categories are overbroad: domestic violence misdemeanors carry lifetime federal firearm prohibitions under 18 USC 922(g)(9) even when convictions didn’t involve violence, restraining orders automatically prohibit firearms even when allegations are false, and felony convictions permanently prohibit firearms in California with restoration nearly impossible unlike many states where rights can be restored. Without aggressive representation that challenges illegal searches through suppression motions, demonstrates lack of knowledge or possession elements, proves lawful possession rights when applicable, negotiates charge reductions avoiding felony convictions and firearm prohibitions, and fights firearm enhancements that transform underlying offenses into decades-long sentences, you risk years in state prison for conduct that shouldn’t be criminal, permanent loss of Second Amendment rights when firearms were lawfully possessed, termination from Vandenberg Space Force Base employment requiring clean records and no weapons violations, and destruction of firearm rights that California law makes virtually impossible to restore once lost through criminal convictions in state where gun ownership is constitutional right that government systematically undermines through criminal prosecutions and complex regulatory schemes making compliance nearly impossible for law-abiding citizens who then face felony charges.

• Legal Definition: Weapons offenses involve unlawful possession, carrying, use, or sale of firearms and dangerous weapons under California’s strict gun control laws including carrying concealed firearm (PC 25400) without CCW permit carrying up to 3 years prison, felon in possession (PC 29800) carrying 16 months to 3 years with no probation, assault weapons possession (PC 30605) carrying 16 months to 3 years, carrying loaded firearms in public (PC 25850), firearms on school grounds (PC 626.9) near Lompoc schools, and firearm enhancements (PC 12022.53) adding 10-20 years to life for discharge or great bodily injury during felonies transforming underlying offenses into decades-long sentences.
• Why It’s Devastating: Weapons convictions result in years in state prison for serious offenses, immediate firearm confiscation and permanent loss of Second Amendment rights, federal firearm prohibitions lasting decades or life under 18 USC 922(g), termination from Vandenberg Space Force Base employment when weapons violations appear on security clearance reviews, no probation eligibility for felon in possession requiring state prison, firearm enhancements adding 10-20 years consecutive to underlying sentences, and permanent prohibition from purchasing, possessing, or owning firearms making restoration virtually impossible under California law even decades after convictions.
• Common Situations: Traffic stops where Lompoc Police or California Highway Patrol on Highway 1 discover firearms during vehicle searches, domestic violence incidents where police confiscate firearms charging defendants with prohibited person possession, probation or parole searches discovering firearms at Lompoc residences, gang investigations finding firearms on suspected members, arrests at Vandenberg Space Force Base for base regulation violations, school-related charges near Lompoc High School or Cabrillo High School, and firearm enhancements added to robberies, assaults, or violent crimes when defendants allegedly used guns during offenses.

CRITICAL: Do not consent to searches or make statements about firearms to police without attorney present. Illegal searches are common in weapons cases. Firearm enhancements add decades to sentences. Call +1 (805) 621-7181 IMMEDIATELY if charged with weapons offense—your Second Amendment rights and freedom are at stake.

Weapons Charges We Defend in Lompoc

We defend clients against all weapons charges in Lompoc, Santa Barbara County, and surrounding areas. Here are the offenses we handle:

Firearm Possession and Carrying Offenses

• Carrying Concealed Firearm (PC 25400)
  Carrying concealed handguns in vehicles or on person without California CCW permit | Penalties: Misdemeanor or felony up to 3 years prison, challenge illegal searches, demonstrate lack of knowledge
• Carrying Loaded Firearm in Public (PC 25850)
  Carrying loaded firearms in public places, vehicles, or streets in Lompoc | Wobbler: Misdemeanor or felony, challenge whether firearm was loaded, suppress illegally obtained evidence
• Open Carry Violations
  Carrying unconcealed firearms in public prohibited in California | Prosecution: Limited exceptions, challenge circumstances and necessity defenses
• Carrying Firearm in Vehicle
  Transporting firearms improperly in vehicles on Highway 1 or Lompoc streets | Defense: Demonstrate lawful transportation in locked containers, challenge knowledge of presence

Prohibited Person Possession

• Felon in Possession of Firearm (PC 29800)
  Convicted felons possessing firearms, ammunition, or ammunition feeding devices | Straight felony: 16 months to 3 years state prison, no probation eligibility, challenge possession element
• Possession by Person with Domestic Violence Conviction (PC 29805)
  Individuals with domestic violence convictions possessing firearms | Federal prohibition: Lifetime ban under 18 USC 922(g)(9), challenge underlying DV conviction validity
• Possession in Violation of Restraining Order (PC 29825)
  Possessing firearms while subject to domestic violence or gun violence restraining orders | Felony: Immediate confiscation, challenge restraining order validity or firearm possession timing
• Possession by Prohibited Person – Mental Health
  Individuals adjudicated mentally ill or dangerous possessing firearms | Prohibition: 5-year ban renewable, challenge mental health determinations and firearm knowledge

Illegal Weapons and Devices

• Assault Weapons Possession (PC 30605)
  Possessing firearms classified as assault weapons under California’s broad definition | Felony: 16 months to 3 years prison, challenge assault weapon classification, registration defenses
• Large-Capacity Magazine Possession (PC 32310)
  Possessing magazines holding more than 10 rounds | Wobbler: Constitutional challenges ongoing, demonstrate lawful possession before ban, out-of-state acquisition
• .50 BMG Rifle Possession (PC 30610)
  Possessing .50 caliber BMG rifles prohibited in California | Felony: Registration and possession restrictions, challenge whether firearm qualifies as .50 BMG
• Silencer/Suppressor Possession (PC 33410)
  Possessing firearm suppressors prohibited under California law | Felony: Federal and state prosecution possible, challenge knowledge and possession elements
• Short-Barreled Rifle/Shotgun (PC 33215)
  Possessing rifles or shotguns with barrels below legal length | Felony: 16 months to 3 years, challenge measurements and federal NFA registration defenses

School and Public Place Violations

• Firearms on School Grounds (PC 626.9)
  Possessing firearms within 1,000 feet of Lompoc High School or Cabrillo High School | Felony: Mandatory minimum sentences, limited exceptions for CCW holders, challenge knowledge of proximity
• Brandishing Weapon (PC 417)
  Drawing or exhibiting firearms in threatening manner in Lompoc public places | Misdemeanor or felony: Up to 3 years prison if firearm, demonstrate self-defense or lack of threatening manner
• Discharge of Firearm in Negligent Manner (PC 246.3)
  Willfully discharging firearms in grossly negligent manner | Wobbler: Challenge whether discharge was grossly negligent, demonstrate lawful purpose
• Shooting at Inhabited Dwelling (PC 246)
  Maliciously shooting at occupied Lompoc residences or vehicles | Serious felony: 3-7 years prison, violent strike, challenge intent and occupied status

Firearm Enhancements

• Personal Use of Firearm (PC 12022.5)
  Personally using firearm during felony commission | Enhancement: Adds 3, 4, or 10 years consecutive to underlying sentence, fight personal use element
• 10-20-Life Enhancement (PC 12022.53)
  Discharge of firearm or causing great bodily injury during serious felonies | Devastating: Adds 10 years for discharge, 20 years for GBI, 25-to-life for death, challenge all enhancement elements
• Armed Enhancement (PC 12022(a))
  Being armed with firearm during felony commission | Enhancement: Adds 1 year consecutive, challenge whether defendant was armed or had firearm available
• Gang Firearm Enhancement (PC 12022.53)
  Using firearms during gang-related crimes | Mandatory: 10-20-life enhancements cannot be struck, challenge gang benefit allegations aggressively

Registration and Transfer Violations

• Failure to Register Firearm
  Possessing unregistered firearms or failing to report acquisitions | Misdemeanor: Fines and potential confiscation, demonstrate lawful out-of-state acquisition or exceptions
• Straw Purchase (18 USC 922(a)(6))
  Purchasing firearms for prohibited persons or lying on ATF Form 4473 | Federal felony: Up to 10 years federal prison, challenge whether purchase was for another person
• Illegal Firearm Sale or Transfer
  Transferring firearms without going through licensed dealers | Misdemeanor or felony: California requires all transfers through FFLs with limited exceptions
• Possession of Firearm with Altered Serial Number (PC 23920)
  Possessing firearms with removed or altered identifying marks | Felony: 16 months to 3 years, challenge knowledge that serial number was altered

Ammunition Offenses

• Possession of Ammunition by Prohibited Person (PC 30305)
  Felons or prohibited persons possessing ammunition | Misdemeanor: Up to 1 year jail, challenge prohibited person status and possession element
• Armor-Piercing Ammunition Possession (PC 30315)
  Possessing ammunition designed to penetrate metal or armor | Felony: 16 months to 3 years, challenge whether ammunition qualifies as armor-piercing

Dangerous Weapons

• Possession of Dirk or Dagger (PC 21310)
  Concealed carry of knives, dirks, or daggers | Misdemeanor: Challenge whether item qualifies as dirk/dagger and whether concealed
• Switchblade Knife Possession (PC 21510)
  Possessing automatic knives prohibited in California | Misdemeanor: Exception for assisted-opening knives, challenge classification
• Brass Knuckles (PC 21810)
  Manufacturing, importing, selling, or possessing metal knuckles | Misdemeanor: Rarely prosecuted alone, often added to other charges
• Nunchaku/Martial Arts Weapons
  Possession of prohibited martial arts weapons | Misdemeanor: Challenge whether items qualify as prohibited weapons

Vandenberg-Specific Violations

• Firearms on Military Installation
  Possessing firearms on Vandenberg Space Force Base in violation of base regulations | Federal and state: Security clearance loss, employment termination, potential federal prosecution
• Improper Storage by Military Personnel
  Failing to properly register or store firearms per Vandenberg requirements | Administrative and criminal: Base commander authority, coordinate with military attorneys

Charged with weapons offense in Lompoc? These charges carry years in prison and permanent firearm prohibition. Illegal searches are common. Do not consent to searches or make statements. Call +1 (805) 621-7181 IMMEDIATELY for weapons defense protecting your Second Amendment rights and freedom.

What’s at Stake: Consequences of Weapons Convictions

Weapons convictions don’t just mean prison—they permanently destroy your Second Amendment rights and employment. Here’s what you face:

⚠️ Firearm enhancements add decades to sentences transforming cases into life-destroying prosecutions. Weapons convictions permanently eliminate Second Amendment rights. Call immediately for emergency weapons defense before speaking to police or consenting to searches.

Why Hiring an Attorney for Weapons Charges Is Essential

Suppressing Evidence from Illegal Searches and Seizures

The most common and successful defense in weapons cases is suppression of evidence obtained through illegal searches and seizures when police violated Fourth Amendment by searching vehicles, homes, or persons without probable cause, valid consent, or search warrants—yet defendants routinely consent to searches or make statements allowing police to discover firearms that should be suppressed. We challenge illegal searches by filing motions to suppress firearms discovered during pretextual traffic stops where Lompoc Police or California Highway Patrol lacked reasonable suspicion for initial stops on Highway 1 or Ocean Avenue, searches exceeding scope of traffic stops when officers conducted full vehicle searches without probable cause after completing traffic purposes, warrantless searches of Lompoc residences when police entered without consent, exigency, or warrants, probation or parole searches exceeding authorized scope, pat-down searches exceeding Terry frisk limitations when officers felt firearms without reasonable belief defendant was armed and dangerous, and searches based on invalid consent when defendants didn’t voluntarily agree or police coerced agreement. When firearms are discovered through illegal searches, all evidence including firearms themselves, statements made after discovery, and subsequent admissions must be suppressed as fruit of poisonous tree—and without firearms evidence, prosecutors cannot prove possession charges and must dismiss cases. Many weapons prosecutions at Lompoc Superior Court rely entirely on illegally discovered firearms that should be suppressed but aren’t because defendants lack representation filing suppression motions and challenging police conduct through cross-examination and legal arguments demonstrating Fourth Amendment violations requiring exclusion of evidence.

Challenging Firearm Enhancements That Add Decades

Firearm enhancements under PC 12022.5 and PC 12022.53 are often more devastating than underlying offenses themselves, adding 3-10 years under PC 12022.5 for personal use or 10-20 years to life under PC 12022.53 for discharge or great bodily injury during serious felonies transforming 2-4 year robbery or assault cases into 12-24 year or life sentences—making aggressive challenge of enhancement allegations essential to avoiding decades in prison. We challenge firearm enhancements by demonstrating through evidence and testimony that defendants didn’t personally use firearms during offenses but were merely present when others used weapons, proving firearms weren’t loaded or operable contradicting “use” requirements, showing defendants didn’t intentionally discharge firearms when enhancements allege firing, establishing that great bodily injury wasn’t caused by firearm discharge when PC 12022.53(d) enhancements add 25-to-life, challenging whether underlying offenses qualify for enhancement application under statute’s limitations, and presenting evidence that crimes weren’t committed for gang benefit when mandatory 10-20-life gang enhancements under PC 12022.53 are alleged. Additionally, California’s Senate Bill 620 now allows judges to strike firearm enhancements in interests of justice—and we present comprehensive mitigation arguments demonstrating defendants deserve discretionary striking of enhancements that would otherwise add decades to sentences disproportionate to underlying conduct. Without aggressive challenge of firearm enhancements through cross-examination of witnesses claiming defendants used weapons, expert testimony about firearm functionality and ballistics, and mitigation evidence supporting enhancement striking, defendants receive 10-20 additional years or life sentences for conduct where firearm use is disputed or enhancement application unjustified by circumstances.

Demonstrating Lack of Knowledge or Constructive Possession

Many weapons cases involve firearms found in vehicles or locations where multiple people had access—and prosecution must prove beyond reasonable doubt that defendants knowingly possessed firearms and had control over them, not merely that firearms were present in areas defendants occupied. We challenge knowledge and possession elements by demonstrating through evidence that defendants didn’t know firearms were in vehicles when passengers or prior occupants left weapons, proving firearms belonged to other residents at Lompoc residences where multiple people lived, showing defendants lacked access to areas where firearms were found when weapons were in locked safes or rooms controlled by others, presenting testimony from actual owners of firearms claiming possession, and establishing that defendants had no reason to know firearms were present when hidden or concealed by others. California law requires that defendants had knowledge of firearm presence and exercised control or right to control firearms—mere proximity isn’t sufficient for conviction, and when multiple people had equal access to areas where firearms were found, reasonable doubt exists about who actually possessed weapons. Without aggressive presentation of evidence showing lack of knowledge or that others possessed firearms, prosecutors successfully obtain convictions based on constructive possession theories where defendants were present when firearms were discovered but didn’t actually know about or control weapons that should result in acquittals based on reasonable doubt about possession element.

Protecting Vandenberg Security Clearances and Federal Employment

Weapons convictions have immediate devastating consequences for Lompoc residents working at Vandenberg Space Force Base or Federal Correctional Complex because firearms violations demonstrate serious judgment problems under Department of Defense adjudicative guidelines resulting in suspension or revocation of security clearances and termination from military or federal employment. We protect Vandenberg employment by pursuing dismissals through suppression of illegally obtained evidence avoiding any convictions appearing on security clearance reviews, negotiating charge reductions to non-firearm offenses when possible minimizing clearance adjudication concerns, demonstrating to employers and clearance adjudicators that charges are being aggressively contested and don’t reflect judgment problems when allegations are weak or involve technical violations, coordinating with security clearance attorneys when necessary to address Department of Defense concerns about firearms and trustworthiness, and fighting for outcomes preserving federal employment essential to supporting families in Lompoc’s government-dependent economy. Many Vandenberg Space Force Base contractors, civilian employees, and Federal Correctional Complex workers we represent face weapons allegations that would destroy careers and security clearances if convicted—and we structure defense strategies specifically to protect employment opportunities through dismissals, charge reductions, or demonstrating lawful possession preventing weapons convictions from appearing on clearance reviews or background checks that would trigger automatic revocations and terminations.

Local Experience at Lompoc Superior Court Makes Difference

Weapons prosecutions at Lompoc Superior Court on North H Street require understanding which judges are receptive to suppression motions versus those who routinely deny them, how Santa Barbara County prosecutors evaluate weapons cases and make plea offers, what evidence effectively challenges illegal searches and firearm enhancements to Lompoc juries, and how to present Second Amendment arguments and lawful possession defenses. We’ve defended weapons cases at Lompoc Superior Court, know judges who handle these matters and their approaches to suppression motions and enhancement striking, understand prosecutor policies on firearm cases in California’s strict regulatory environment, can connect clients with firearms experts and Fourth Amendment specialists who testify credibly at Lompoc trials, and know how to present constitutional defenses and reasonable doubt arguments resonating with Lompoc juries who may include lawful gun owners sympathetic to Second Amendment rights despite California’s restrictions. We also understand weapons prosecution dynamics in Lompoc including traffic stop cases where California Highway Patrol searches vehicles on Highway 1 finding firearms during pretextual stops, prohibited person prosecutions of individuals with old domestic violence convictions who didn’t know they lost firearm rights, gang allegations in prosecutions of Latino defendants found with firearms, and enhancement cases where prosecutors add decades through firearm allegations that evidence doesn’t support requiring aggressive challenges through cross-examination and expert testimony.

How Central Coast Criminal Defense Fights Weapons Charges

Since 2010, we’ve defended Lompoc residents against weapons charges with a proven approach:

1. Immediate Investigation and Evidence Review
   We immediately obtain police reports, search warrants, and arrest records to evaluate Fourth Amendment issues, review body camera and dashcam footage from Lompoc Police or California Highway Patrol showing search circumstances, analyze whether stops and searches were constitutional, identify suppression issues, assess knowledge and possession elements, and determine defenses including illegal searches, lack of possession, lawful ownership, or necessity.
2. Suppression Motions for Illegal Searches
   We file comprehensive motions to suppress firearms discovered through illegal searches including pretextual traffic stops on Highway 1 lacking reasonable suspicion, vehicle searches exceeding scope after traffic purposes completed, warrantless home searches of Lompoc residences without consent or exigency, probation searches exceeding authorized scope, pat-down searches exceeding Terry limitations, and consent searches that were coerced or invalid, litigating suppression hearings through cross-examination of officers and legal arguments demonstrating Fourth Amendment violations requiring exclusion of firearm evidence.
3. Challenging Firearm Enhancements
   We aggressively challenge PC 12022.5 and PC 12022.53 firearm enhancements by demonstrating through witnesses that defendants didn’t personally use firearms during offenses, proving firearms weren’t loaded or operable, showing defendants didn’t discharge weapons when enhancements allege firing, establishing great bodily injury wasn’t caused by firearm discharge, challenging whether underlying offenses qualify for enhancements, and presenting mitigation evidence supporting discretionary striking of enhancements under SB 620 when interests of justice warrant.
4. Demonstrating Lack of Knowledge or Possession
   We challenge knowledge and possession elements by presenting evidence that defendants didn’t know firearms were in vehicles when passengers left weapons, proving firearms belonged to other residents at Lompoc residences where multiple people lived, showing defendants lacked access to areas where firearms found, presenting actual firearm owners claiming possession, and establishing reasonable doubt about who possessed weapons when multiple people had equal access.
5. Lawful Possession Defenses
   When defendants had legal right to possess firearms we present evidence including valid CCW permits authorizing concealed carry, proof of lawful ownership through registration records, demonstration that defendants weren’t prohibited persons when convictions were expunged or reduced, and evidence of exceptions to California’s complex firearms laws allowing possession under specific circumstances contradicting prosecution’s prohibition theories.
6. Negotiating Charge Reductions
   We negotiate with prosecutors for charge reductions avoiding felony convictions and firearm prohibitions including reducing felony carrying concealed to misdemeanor when circumstances warrant, reducing prohibited person possession when prohibition status is questionable, eliminating firearm enhancements when evidence is weak, reducing felonies to misdemeanors under PC 17(b) for wobbler offenses, and securing outcomes avoiding permanent firearm prohibitions when possible.
7. Trial Defense
   When cases go to trial at Lompoc Superior Court we present comprehensive defenses through defendant testimony explaining lawful possession or lack of knowledge, witnesses contradicting prosecution’s possession and use allegations, firearms experts challenging prosecution’s enhancement claims and weapon classification, Fourth Amendment experts testifying about illegal searches, and closing arguments demonstrating reasonable doubt based on suppression issues, lack of knowledge, lawful possession, or insufficient evidence of enhancement elements.
8. Protecting Vandenberg and Federal Employment
   Throughout cases we coordinate with security clearance attorneys when necessary for Vandenberg Space Force Base employees, communicate with employers explaining charges are being contested when appropriate, structure case resolutions avoiding firearms convictions triggering clearance revocations, pursue dismissals through suppression or charge reductions to non-firearm offenses, and fight to preserve federal employment essential to supporting families in Lompoc’s economy.
9. Second Amendment Advocacy
   We advocate for clients’ constitutional rights by challenging California’s overbroad firearms restrictions when possible, arguing Second Amendment protections at suppression hearings and trials, petitioning for restoration of firearm rights after convictions when applicable, and ensuring clients understand complex California gun laws to avoid future technical violations that shouldn’t be crimes but are prosecuted under state’s strict regulatory regime.

Our Lompoc weapons defense practice is built on successfully challenging illegal searches and firearm enhancements. We’ve secured complete dismissals through suppression motions excluding firearms discovered during illegal traffic stops and searches, challenged firearm enhancements preventing 10-20 year sentence additions, demonstrated lack of knowledge and possession resulting in acquittals when firearms belonged to others, negotiated charge reductions from felony to misdemeanor avoiding permanent firearm prohibitions, proved lawful possession when defendants had CCW permits or weren’t prohibited persons, protected Vandenberg Space Force Base employment by avoiding firearms convictions destroying security clearances, and helped countless Lompoc residents avoid years in state prison and permanent loss of Second Amendment rights for conduct that was lawful possession, based on illegal searches, or didn’t involve personal firearm use warranting decades-long enhancements. We understand that many weapons charges involve lawful gun owners who unknowingly violated California’s complex regulations, illegal searches discovering firearms that should be suppressed, prohibited person prosecutions of individuals who didn’t know they lost rights through old convictions, enhancement allegations that evidence doesn’t support adding decades to sentences, and prosecutions in California’s strict regulatory environment where Second Amendment rights are systematically undermined through criminal charges—and we fight aggressively through suppression motions, enhancement challenges, and trials to protect constitutional rights, avoid unjust convictions, minimize sentences when convictions cannot be avoided, and preserve firearm rights that California law makes virtually impossible to restore once lost ensuring clients understand their rights and defenses in state where lawful gun ownership is treated as criminal activity requiring aggressive advocacy to protect Second Amendment freedoms.

When weapons charges threaten decades in prison through firearm enhancements and permanent loss of Second Amendment rights, you need more than just legal representation—you need an advocate who fights illegal searches and protects constitutional rights. That’s exactly what you get with Central Coast Criminal Defense.

Get Your Free Consultation Today

Don’t wait if charged with weapons offense. Do not consent to searches or make statements to police without attorney. Firearm enhancements add decades to sentences. Illegal searches are common. Call now for immediate weapons defense consultation protecting your Second Amendment rights, freedom, and Vandenberg employment.