SAPD Gang Detectives stopped a vehicle for minor traffic violations yesterday, according to their Twitter account.
In plain view, on the front passenger seat of the vehicle was a black box containing a concealed 9mm semi-automatic pistol with a magazine containing 8 bullets.
The driver was a previously convicted felon.
California gun laws prohibit individuals from owning, possessing, or purchasing a gun if they have been convicted of certain offenses. Though California Penal Code 29800 is commonly known as the “felon with a firearm law”, the law also applies to those who have been convicted of certain misdemeanor offenses, according to the law firm Wallin & Klarich.
Under PC 29800, it is a felony offense to have a gun or ammunition if you:
- Have any prior felony offense;
- Have two or more misdemeanor brandishing a weapon convictions under California Penal Code 417; or
- Are addicted to the use of any narcotic drug.
Penalties for violating California’s felon with a firearm law are severe. If you are convicted of illegal possession of a firearm under PC 29800, you face:
- A maximum sentence of three years in county jail;
- A fine of up to $10,000; or
- Both a jail sentence and fine.
The SAPD did not identify the suspect.
