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What If I’m Arrested for Having a Gun at the LAX Airport?

Posted by Ronald D. Hedding | Sep 28, 2023

Let's review what you can expect if you are arrested for bringing a gun into the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).  When it comes to getting guns or weapons through TSA into the airport, you can expect that you will either be arrested and given a court date or they will provide you with a citation with a court date.

What If I’m Arrested for Having a Gun at the LAX Airport?
If you bring a gun through TSA at LAX, you should expect and arrest or getting a citation.

They don't mess around with this because it involves security on airplanes, and often, they don't know the people who are trying to do bad things about planes versus those who are not doing anything wrong and make a mistake.

One of the significant factors they will look at is whether or not you have any prior criminal record, especially gun-related offenses. 

Also, they're going to see if the gun was registered. Finally, they will look at the facts and circumstances to determine precisely what happened to see if we can establish that this was an accident.

It really doesn't make sense why anybody would bring a gun through the airport knowing that it will go through the metal detector and they will likely find it.  So, we have a strong argument that this was a mistake on your part and that you didn't do it on purpose, which is a potential defense in a case.

California Penal Code 171.5 PC makes it a crime for anyone to knowingly possess certain weapons within the sterile area of a California airport, which also includes a frame, barrel, and magazine of a firearm, among others.

Judicial Diversion

The last thing I would say on this topic is I have had a lot of success recently in getting judicial diversion. This is where we have you do a gun safety class. We have you do several other things, and then after a certain period, usually a year, if you do everything, you don't have any other criminal activity; not only can I get the case dismissed, but I can also get it sealed and destroyed.

So, if you or a loved one is charged with bringing a gun or any weapon through the LAX Airport and you have a court date in the airport court, pick up the phone now.  Ask for a meeting with Ron Hedding.  We'll discuss the case and get this thing done for you.  I've been doing this for over 30 years with much experience and success. The Hedding Law Firm offers a free case evaluation.

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About the Author

Ronald D. Hedding

What Makes Ronald Hedding Uniquely Qualified To Represent You? I've been practicing criminal defense for almost 30 years and have handled thousands of cases, including all types of state and federal sex crime cases. All consultations are discreet and confidential.

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