October 23, 2013

According to a report by The Ventura County Star, on the night of October 19, a known Santa Paula gang member, 20 years old, was stopped by a patrol officer close to the intersection of Palm Avenue and Harvard Boulevard. He allegedly ran from the officer and a short foot chase ensued.

Officials say that the gang member dropped a loaded handgun in a parking lot during the pursuit. He gave himself up near Santa Anna Street. Police say they found the gun a short time later.

The gang member was on active felony probation at the time of the incident. He was arrested and booked into Ventura County jail. He will likely face charges of firearms violations, attempting to conceal or destroy evidence, and active participation in a criminal street gang.

Section 12021 of California law states that “any person who has been previously convicted of [certain misdemeanors or a felony] and who owns or has in his or her possession or under his or her custody or control any firearm is guilty of a felony.” This means any individual who was convicted of a crime that falls under this statute may not purchase or possess a firearm unless he or she wants to face a felony weapons charge. The firearm does not even need to be loaded or in close proximity to ammunition in order for the weapons charge to be pursued by the prosecution.

An individual may face up to three years in state prison if convicted of being a felon in possession of a firearm. If the person has past convictions of certain misdemeanors such as drug offenses, he or she may face up to a year in county jail and a hefty fine.

If you are currently facing a felon in possession of a firearm charge in southern California, you should get in touch with the experienced criminal defense attorneys at The Law Offices of Daniel E. Kann. We understand that there are many circumstances in which a person may come into possession of a firearm, some of which he or she has no control over. We will analyze every aspect of your case and employ the full extent of our legal skills and knowledge to gain you the edge in court. For a free, comprehensive consultation, call us today at (888) 744-7730.