If you get arrested on gun-related charges in Van Nuys, invoke your constitutional right to remain silent and opt for an attorney. Since the firearm laws of California are complex in nature, the conviction might lead to significant prison time or loss of gun ownership rights.
Key Takeaways
- Remaining silent about the matter, unless you hire an attorney, is important, as agents may misinterpret your statements and use them against you in court.
- It is crucial to check the authenticity of the attorney, based on reputation and success rate in gun-related crimes, before you hire.
- Security footage or witnesses are important to let your attorney argue in your favor.
A gun arrest in Van Nuys, California, falls under the Los Angeles Superior Court System’s jurisdiction. It is threatening to a person’s future, freedom, and finances. Since the Los Angeles courts consider gun arrests with high severity, if you get arrested under gun-related charges, treat it as a serious threat.
So, what would be your initial steps? What should you be aware of? Let’s find out here.
Invoke Your Right to Remain Silent
Stay silent, as Article 1 of the Constitution, or your 5th Amendment Right ensures your right to remain silent, and agents cannot compel you to make any statement.
But how could it be advantageous?
Since law enforcement officers/detectives in the Van Nuys PD might misinterpret your statements, you will unknowingly end up standing as your own witness in court. So, here you need to remember two important things before things go against you.
- Ask for a Van Nuys gun crimes lawyer – your representative in the court.
- Do not sign any legal document until you hire an attorney.
Request a Criminal Defense Attorney Immediately
As we mentioned before, ask for a lawyer. But how can you find the best lawyer? What should you be aware of before you hire one? Here are our suggestions.
- Review the attorney’s experience and success rate, which these factors reflect their capabilities to protect you.
- Make sure they are timely available. Opt for or prioritize a criminal attorney in Van Nuys with 24-hour availability, so that you can get legal advice and help anytime you need.
- Know attorney fees, and check the affordability before you sign the retainer agreement.
Secure Your Release via Bail or Own Recognizance (OR)
Your release after a gun arrest in Van Nuys involves navigating the strict bail schedules of Los Angeles County. Since it considers firearm offenses as one of the top-tier crimes, especially if they involve felonies or loaded weapons. You can obtain the release through cash bail, own recognizance, or a bail bond.
So, what should you know about your release on citation or bail after booking?
- Excluding weekends and holidays, you must be presented before a judge for an arraignment under California Penal Code 825, within 48 hours.
- Opt for an experienced attorney and share your knowledge about the case, so that they can argue for your release at the hearing and help you avoid excessive bail.
Preserve Crucial Evidence
Make sure you gather all the important evidence that can be used for your defense. Provide the evidence to your attorney, and whether it’s a phone call recording or message – do not ignore any type of evidence that can work in your favor.
Here are your key responsibilities while preserving crucial evidence regarding the charges:
- Surveillance Footage: Secure any nearby business or residential video footage before it is overwritten. It can be key evidence to stand in your favor in court, since it proves your presence or activities.
- Witness Information: This is crucial. Collect the address and contact details of witnesses who were present during the incident. Their statement can be advantageous.
- Officer Conduct: If you were seized by police or any other law enforcement, you can sue the agents under 42 USC §1983. This federal statute allows individuals to take legal actions for the violation of civil rights. So, not down the name and badge number of arresting officers, since it is crucial to challenge illegal searches.
- e-Documents: Make a folder for your e-documents, if available, since these can be useful for your attorney.
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Prepare for the Arraignment and Case Analysis
Hire a Van Nuys gun crime lawyer who will receive the formal charges at your court appearance. Following this, your attorney will analyze the case.
Check the list below to know how you can prepare for your arraignment.
- Discuss all the case details with your lawyer, and provide every detail carefully, so that they can argue for you in court. Share whether the weapon was falsely placed at your workplace or home, or whether the weapon was for self-defense purposes.
- Sign the statement that you’re aware of the allegations and your rights.
- Know the complaint against you carefully, and ensure the financing for your attorney.
Important Note: California’s SB 2 (Sensitive Places) and laws regarding unserialized firearms (Ghost Guns) are the most common reasons for arrest. Even if you have a CCW (Concealed Carry Weapon) permit, you can be arrested in “Sensitive Places” like parks or public gatherings in Los Angeles.
Facing Gun Arrest in Van Nuys? Hire a Criminal Defense Attorney Now.
With Van Nuys’s strict gun laws, gun arrests can be distressing with potentially devastating effects on your life. Get in touch with expert criminal defense attorney’s and give yourself the best chance to a fair trial.
