PC 30315: Possession of Armor-Piercing Bullets

Legal Definition: “Any person, firm, or corporation who, within this state knowingly possesses any handgun ammunition designed primarily to penetrate metal or armor is guilty of a public offense and upon conviction thereof shall be punished by imprisonment pursuant to subdivision (h) of Section 1170, or in the county jail for a term not to exceed one year, or by a fine not to exceed five thousand dollars ($5,000), or by both that fine and imprisonment.”

To be found guilty under PC 30315 the prosecution must prove that you:

1. You possessed a bullet capable of piercing armor.

AND

2. You had knowledge of this fact.

What does this mean?

This charge only applies to bullets/ammunition used in handguns. This charge does not apply to rifles. Armor-piercing bullets and specifically made to penetrate a person, such as a police officer’s, chest, or body shield. These are also known as steel core ammo and steel jacked ammunition. You must also have knowledge that you possess these types of bullets in order to be convicted under this section. The purpose of this section is to protect police from extremely strong and dangerous bullets designed to be able to hit and kill them in the line of duty.

Penalties

A violation under PC 30315 is a wobbler offense in California. This means you can be charged with this section as a misdemeanor or as a felony offense. Whether you are charged with a felony or a misdemeanor is based on your criminal history and the specific facts of your case. If you are convicted of this charge as a felony, you could be sentenced to County Prison for up to 16 months, 2 or 3 years. If you are convicted of this section as a misdemeanor you could be sentenced up to one year in County Jail. You would have to serve at least 50% of that time in custody. You would also lose the firearm you had, and you can be fined up to $5,000 upon a conviction.

This is not a strike offense under the California Three Strikes law, and it is not a Sex Offense under PC 290. You could also face a loss of your Professional License if convicted, and if you are not a legal resident, you could face Deportation in Immigration Court since this crime can be considered an aggravated felony with the use of a firearm.

Common Defenses

1. Statute of Limitations
2. Violation of Rights
3. Insufficient Evidence
4. Coerced Confessions

It is only a crime to possess the ammunition, so failing to show that the ammunition is in fact armor-piercing and that you had knowledge of that fact, would act as a defense in your case. Failing to show that you knew it was an armor-piercing bullet as well as your knowledge of that fact, would be showing there is insufficient evidence to prove you guilty of the charged crime.

Also, if police act in violation of your rights, your attorney can argue that the police did an illegal search and seizure, and evidence of the armoring piercing ammunition found would be suppressed, meaning it could not come into court and be used against you. You may have had the illegal ammunition, but if police were to enter your home without a warrant or probable cause, then your Ontario Criminal Defense Attorney can successfully argue that it was an illegal search and seizure, and evidence of the illegal bullets in your home would be thrown out of Court.

Call Today

The consequences of a conviction under PC 30315 extend far beyond the courtroom, potentially impacting your freedom, financial stability, and basic rights. This statute, focusing on ammunition cases, carries with it the weight of significant legal repercussions. Prosecutors, in collaboration with law enforcement, are determined to enforce these laws rigorously, often pursuing maximum penalties including substantial custody time and fines. Moreover, the stakes are raised with the risk of a felony conviction, which could lead to deportation, the loss of firearm ownership rights, and the ability to vote.

At Inland Empire Criminal Defense, located in Ontario, our attorney specializing in PC 30315 has a proven record of successfully defending clients against such charges. With expertise in ammunition laws and a deep understanding of the defense strategies that work, we are committed to safeguarding your livelihood and rights.

Why Opt for Inland Empire Criminal Defense in PC 30315 Cases?

• Expertise in Ammunition Law: Our Ontario-based attorney brings specialized knowledge in PC 30315 cases, ensuring your defense is both informed and effective.
• Successful Defense Record: Our history of successfully navigating ammunition cases highlights our capability to challenge these serious charges and achieve favorable outcomes for our clients.
• Dedicated to Defending Your Rights: Understanding the severe implications of a conviction, we dedicate our resources and expertise to protect your future, fighting against the potential for custody, fines, and the loss of fundamental rights.

Secure Your Defense with a Proven Legal Team

Confronting charges under PC 30315 requires strategic legal action and a defense team that understands the gravity of your situation. Inland Empire Criminal Defense is equipped to provide the experienced representation needed to tackle these charges head-on.

Contact Inland Empire Criminal Defense Today

Facing ammunition charges under PC 30315? Don’t navigate this challenge alone. Reach out to Inland Empire Criminal Defense at 909-939-7126 for a free consultation. Our team, based in Ontario and serving the Rancho Cucamonga area, is prepared to defend your rights and work towards securing the best possible outcome for your case.