CA Penal Code 30315 PC - Possession of Armor-Piercing Ammunition
Under California's strict gun laws, it is illegal to knowingly possess armor-piercing bullets for a handgun, regardless of intent or if you have a matching handgun.
This offense is covered under California Penal Code 30315. A conviction can lead to up to 3 years in jail, depending on whether the charge is a misdemeanor or a felony.
In simple terms, this law criminalizes individuals or companies possessing armor-piercing bullets and ammunition.
Armor-piercing ammunition, also known as steel-core or steel-jacketed rounds, is primarily designed to breach bulletproof vests or body shields.
This classification only applies to ammunition used in handguns. Importantly, you must be aware that you possess such bullets to be convicted under this law.
This law aims to protect police officers from highly lethal bullets engineered to hit and kill them on duty, highlighting the importance of firearm safety and responsibility. Our California criminal defense lawyers will examine this law in more detail below.
What Does PC 30315 Say?
PC 30315 says, "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."
Key Takeaways
- Under PC 30315, it is illegal to knowingly possess "any handgun ammunition primarily designed to penetrate metal or armor."
- Armor-piercing ammunition, also called "steel core" or "steel jacketed," is specifically designed to penetrate protective gear like body armor, which makes it highly regulated in California.
- Having bullets, even without the intent to use them, is sufficient for a conviction.
- PC 30315 specifically governs armor-piercing ammunition for handguns, including revolvers and semi-automatic pistols. At present, armor-piercing rounds for long guns like rifles remain legal in California.
- Companies can be prosecuted for owning armor-piercing ammunition, not only individuals. PC 30315 criminalizes the possession of armor-piercing bullets by "any person, firm, or corporation."
- "Possession" of ammo means having the ammunition on you or within your immediate control, such as being able to access it directly. For instance, if the ammunition is locked away in your home but you have the key, that also counts as possession.
Related California Crimes
Several California laws pertain to Penal Code 30315 PC, which concerns possession of armor-piercing bullets, including the following:
- Penal Code 30600 PC - possession of assault weapons
- Penal Code 29800 PC - felon with a firearm;
- Penal Code 30305(a)(1) - felon with ammunition
- Penal Code 245 PC - assault with a deadly weapon
- Penal Code 417 PC - brandishing a weapon
- Penal Code 25400 PC - carry a concealed firearm
- Penal Code 25850 PC - carry a loaded firearm
- Penal Code 30210 PC - bullets with explosive agent
- Penal Code 4502 PC - weapons in penal facility
Under California Penal Code 18710 PC, possessing destructive devices or explosives without legal authorization is illegal.
California Penal Code 18720 PC prohibits possessing materials to make destructive devices or explosives.
Penal Code 29900 PC classifies it as a serious felony for individuals with prior convictions of certain violent offenses to own, possess, control, receive, or buy firearms in California.
Penalties for PC 30315
In California, possessing armor-piercing bullets is a "wobbler," meaning it can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the case. If convicted, the penalties vary accordingly.
- If convicted of a misdemeanor: fines can reach up to $5000, and jail time may be up to one year in county jail.
- If convicted of a felony, the penalty can include fines up to $5,000 and a jail sentence of up to three years in county jail, not a state prison.
Although a felony conviction under PC 30315 does not result in state prison time, it removes your right to purchase, own, or possess a firearm in California.
What Are the Best Defenses?
If someone is charged with possessing armor-piercing bullets under Penal Code Section 30315, our attorneys can employ several common defenses to contest the charges. Some of these are outlined below.
One defense is arguing a lack of knowledge: Under the law, you must intentionally possess armor-piercing ammunition to be convicted under PC 30315. We might claim you were unaware that the bullets you had were armor-piercing, which could serve as a strong defense against the charges.
We might argue that the bullets weren't armor-piercing. If your defense attorney proves this, you can't be convicted under PC 30315. We might argue that the armor-piercing bullets were not meant for a handgun, since PC 30315 specifically applies to handgun ammunition.
Additionally, there could be an argument regarding illegal search and seizure: we might claim that the police conducted an unlawful search, so any evidence gathered should be suppressed from the trial.
Our attorneys can negotiate with prosecutors to potentially lower charges. If a conviction seems likely, they might work to reduce the offense from a felony to a misdemeanor, which can lessen jail time and help preserve your firearm rights, providing a strategic legal option for defendants.
You can reach out to our law firm for an initial case review via phone or using the contact form. Cron, Israels & Stark is located in Los Angeles, CA.