How California Penalizes Illegal Possession of Fireworks

It is not uncommon to see dazzling displays of fireworks around California on major holidays like the Fourth of July or New Year’s Eve. However, unless a person or event has a permit to possess and fire off those fireworks, what they are doing is illegal. While fireworks are beautiful and can make for a great show when in experienced hands, they can become dangerous. It has been reported that the injuries and deaths related to fireworks have increased by fifty percent in the last year. If you are found in possession of fireworks in the state of California, you will likely face prosecution and serious fines or even jail time.

Aron Law Firm is a team of criminal defense lawyers with experience helping clients who are facing charges for the possession of fireworks in California. If you have been accused of illegally being in possession of fireworks, it is important to know how California penalizes this crime.

Is the Illegal Possession of Fireworks a Misdemeanor or a Felony?

In most cases, a person who has been caught in possession of fireworks without a permit in California will be charged as a misdemeanor. A person can have 25 to 100 pounds of illegal fireworks and still only be charged with a misdemeanor. For a misdemeanor, a person may be facing up to one year in county jail and could be fined $1,000 to $5,000.

If you are caught with a large number of fireworks that you have been distributing and profiting off of, you may be facing a felony charge. If you are charged with a felony relating to the illegal possession of fireworks, you may be facing up to three years in prison and a fine as high as $50,000. Whether or not you have a permit to have fireworks, distributing them to a minor is always against the law.

What to Do If You Are Accused of the Illegal Possession of Fireworks?

If you are accused of illegally possessing fireworks in California, it is crucial that you contact an experienced criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. To fight a misdemeanor or felony charge for this crime, a criminal defense attorney can help you take the following positions:

  • You were not the person who had position or control of the fireworks
  • The police were in violation of California’s search and seizure laws when the fireworks were discovered and seized
  • You have a permit or license to own or distribute the fireworks
  • You had reason to believe you were involved in a legal transaction, meaning both you and the buyer were licensed adults and legally authorized to be in possession of fireworks, but the buyer was actually a minor

California criminal defense lawyers can help you build a strong claim and ensure you have a fair trial.

Contact a California Criminal Defense Lawyer

Being charged with the illegal possession of fireworks can negatively impact a person’s life for years to come. A person who has been charged with a misdemeanor or a felony may have issues finding a job, renting an apartment, and their reputation with friends and family may be tarnished. If you have been accused of having illegal fireworks, contact a California criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible to get help with your case.

Aron Law Firm is a California criminal defense law firm with extensive experience helping clients who are facing prosecution relating to the illegal possession of fireworks. We are dedicated to providing our clients with the top-of-the-line representation they deserve. To schedule an appointment with one of our criminal defense lawyers, contact us here or call (805) 500-7745.