Early Advocacy Allowed Our Client to Avoid Criminal Conviction In A Misdemeanor Gun Possession Case
Being arrested for a gun possession offense in California can be overwhelming. Weapons violations may be charged as misdemeanors, felonies, or wobblers (offenses chargeable as either). Even misdemeanor firearm charges carry serious consequences, including the risk of criminal conviction, fines, probation, and long-term effects on employment and firearm rights. For these reasons, it is critical to secure an experienced criminal defense attorney as early as possible.
Recently, our senior associate attorney, Clint C. Christoffersen, secured a strong result for a client charged with gun possession in Contra Costa County.
Under California law, certain firearm possession offenses may be charged as misdemeanors depending on the circumstances of the case, the type of firearm involved, and the individual’s criminal history. While these cases may not carry state prison exposure, they still require a careful and strategic defense to avoid lasting consequences.
California Penal Code provisions governing firearm possession are complex. Prosecutors must prove that the defendant knowingly possessed the firearm and that no legal exception applies. Even when the facts appear straightforward, there may be significant mitigating factors that make diversion—rather than conviction—the appropriate outcome.
Our client was accused of unlawfully possessing a firearm, a charge filed as a misdemeanor in Contra Costa County. Through Attorney Christoffersen’s relentless advocacy, the client was offered misdemeanor diversion, allowing the case to be dismissed upon successful completion of court-ordered conditions.
Misdemeanor diversion allows qualifying defendants to complete requirements such as classes or counseling in exchange for dismissal of the charges. When diversion is successfully completed, the case is resolved without a criminal conviction, giving the client the opportunity to move forward without the burden of a permanent record.
At Bay Area Criminal Lawyers, PC, we conducted a thorough evaluation of the case, focusing on the client’s background, lack of violent conduct, and the surrounding circumstances of the alleged offense. Through targeted advocacy and early negotiation, our attorneys demonstrated that this was precisely the type of case where rehabilitation—not punishment—served the interests of justice.
As a result of our efforts, the court granted misdemeanor diversion, allowing our client to avoid a conviction and the serious collateral consequences that often accompany firearm offenses.
Whether the right course of action is pursuing diversion, negotiating a favorable resolution, or taking a case to trial, having skilled legal counsel can make a decisive difference. Gun possession cases—even misdemeanors—can carry lasting repercussions, and it is essential to have an attorney who understands how to protect your rights and your future.
We take each case personally, getting intensely involved in every aspect to pursue the most favorable outcome for our clients. Contact us today to schedule your one-hour free consultation if you or someone you know is facing criminal charges.