was one of the so-called open-carry states.

That meant you could carry an unloaded firearm in public,

as long as it was open and visible.

So basically, I could run around town

with the an unloaded handgun on a holster on my utility belt.

And that was perfectly legal.

The police couldn't do anything about it.

But in January 2012, the California legislature

enacted Penal Code 26350, which basically

rescinded the open-carry carry laws.

-Walter Stanley wears an unloaded handgun on his hip.

He says he was disappointed that the governor signed

AB 144 into law, making this very act illegal.

-Simple common sense says that criminals do not openly

carry firearms when they go to commit crimes.

-Governor Brown says he made his decision

because it's what California police chiefs wanted.

-Under Penal Code section 26350, it's a crime,

it's a misdemeanor, to openly carry

even an unloaded weapon in public in California.

Now keep in mind, it's also illegal to carry

a loaded weapon in California.

And it's also illegal to carry a concealed weapon in California.

These are our punished or addressed

in other sections of the Penal Code.

So basically, the rule of thumb is you cannot carry a weapon,

loaded or unloaded, in public, unless it's an unloaded weapon

that's in a locked container or in the trunk of your car.

And assuming that you're otherwise entitled to own

and possess a firearm.

If you get convicted of this offensive, of Penal Code

section 26350, it's a misdemeanor.

You could face probation, fines, and potentially up

to a year in county jail.

But perhaps worst of all is you'll have a criminal record.

And prospective employers really see

possession of a weapon convictions

as a red flag, because they see that and they think,

is this person dangerous?

Are they liable to bring to go into the workplace?

And it's very easy to deny that job application.

So you don't want to be charged with this offense.

And if you are charged with this offense,

presentl, you want to do everything

you can to keep it up you record and avoid being convicted.

The good news is that here at Shouse Law Group,

we have a great record of success

in defending clients who are accused of possession

of a firearm and ultimately helping

them to get those charges reduced or dismissed.

So if you're in this situation, we invite you to call us,

tells your story.

We'll see what we can do for you.