Being accused of manufacturing, transporting, importing, selling, or giving away an assault weapon or .50 BMG rifle under California Penal Code 30600 PC is a serious felony offense with life‑changing consequences. This law targets the movement and distribution of firearms the state has classified as especially dangerous. A conviction can bring years in state prison, steep fines, a lifetime ban on firearm ownership, and a permanent criminal record that can impact employment, licensing, and other areas of life.
For many people, these charges come unexpectedly. You might not have realized your firearm met California’s legal definition of an “assault weapon,” or you may have purchased, transferred, or transported it without knowing it was prohibited. In other cases, the weapon is discovered during a search unrelated to firearms, and prosecutors still pursue felony charges. The definition under California law is highly technical, covering dozens of named makes and models as well as semi‑automatic rifles, pistols, and shotguns with specific features such as fixed high‑capacity magazines, pistol grips, folding or telescoping stocks, or an overall length under 30 inches.
At The Law Offices of Arash Hashemi, our Los Angeles criminal defense attorney has over 20 years of experience defending clients in complex firearm cases. We move quickly to analyze the evidence, challenge the classification of the weapon, and fight unlawful searches or seizures. If you or someone you love is facing charges under Penal Code 30600 PC, contact our office today to speak with an experienced Los Angeles criminal defense attorney and begin protecting your rights.
What Is California Penal Code 30600 PC?
Under California Penal Code 30600 PC, it is a felony to manufacture, transport, import into the state, sell, give away, or otherwise transfer an assault weapon or .50 BMG rifle. This law is designed to prevent the spread of firearms that the legislature has classified as particularly dangerous, and it applies regardless of whether the transfer is for money or free of charge.
California law defines “assault weapon” in two main ways:
-
By specific make and model – Penal Code 30510 lists dozens of rifles, pistols, and shotguns that are outright prohibited.
-
By features – Penal Code 30515 prohibits semi-automatic firearms with certain configurations, such as a pistol grip combined with a detachable magazine, folding or telescoping stocks, flash suppressors, forward grips, or a fixed magazine that can hold more than 10 rounds.
A .50 BMG rifle is a firearm designed to fire the .50 Browning Machine Gun cartridge, known for its extreme range and power. These rifles are also heavily restricted under California law. While there are narrow exceptions — such as for law enforcement, certain permit holders, or firearms that were lawfully registered before the law changed — anyone outside these exemptions who engages in activity prohibited by PC 30600 risks felony prosecution.
What Qualifies as an Assault Weapon or .50 BMG Rifle?
California’s definition of an “assault weapon” isn’t based solely on what the gun is called — it’s determined by the firearm’s make, model, and physical features. The law stems from the Roberti-Roos Assault Weapons Control Act, which first banned specific firearms by name and later expanded to include weapons with certain military-style characteristics.
There are three main ways a firearm can be classified as an assault weapon in California:
-
By make and model – Penal Code 30510 lists dozens of rifles, pistols, and shotguns that are banned by name, such as certain AR-15 and AK-series firearms.
-
By features – Penal Code 30515 prohibits semi-automatic centerfire rifles, pistols, and shotguns with particular combinations of features, such as:
-
A detachable magazine plus a pistol grip, folding/telescoping stock, or flash suppressor.
-
A fixed magazine holding more than 10 rounds.
-
An overall length of less than 30 inches (for rifles).
-
-
By caliber – .50 BMG rifles are prohibited under separate provisions, regardless of configuration, due to their extreme range and destructive capability.
These laws apply to more than just rifles. Certain semi-automatic pistols and shotguns can also meet the definition of an assault weapon if they have prohibited features. The California Department of Justice maintains an official list of banned models, and the criteria are strict enough that many firearm owners may not realize their gun qualifies under state law until it’s too late.
Because the definitions are technical and the penalties severe, anyone accused of possessing or transferring one of these firearms should get legal advice right away from an experienced Los Angeles criminal defense attorney.
What is Illegal Under PC 30600?
California Penal Code 30600 makes it a felony to engage in nearly any activity involving assault weapons or .50 BMG rifles, unless you fall within a very narrow exemption. Prosecutors in Los Angeles County take these cases seriously, and law enforcement agencies often coordinate with the California Department of Justice on investigations.
Under PC 30600, it is generally illegal to:
-
Manufacture an assault weapon or .50 BMG rifle, including assembling one from parts.
-
Distribute these firearms to another person or entity.
-
Transport them within the state, even if the gun is unloaded.
-
Import them into California from another state or country.
-
Sell or offer for sale an assault weapon or .50 BMG rifle.
-
Possess one, unless covered by a specific exemption (such as a DOJ-issued permit or lawful pre-ban ownership registered with the state).
Exceptions & Lawful Possession
While PC 30600 casts a wide net over activities involving assault weapons and .50 BMG rifles, there are a few narrow circumstances where possession or transport may be lawful. These exceptions are very limited and closely regulated.
Some of the most common exemptions include:
-
Law enforcement and military personnel acting within the scope of their official duties.
-
Firearms registered during a designated amnesty or registration period before a law change took effect.
-
Antique firearms or certain curio/relic weapons that meet specific criteria under federal and state law.
-
Department of Justice permit holders, such as qualified gunsmiths or dealers, with express authorization to possess or work on these firearms.
-
Estate administrators or executors temporarily possessing a registered assault weapon for lawful transfer or disposal.
Penalties for Violating PC 30600
A conviction for violating PC 30600 is almost always treated as a felony, carrying some of the harshest firearm penalties in California. The exact sentence depends on the specific conduct — for example, manufacturing or selling an assault weapon can lead to more severe punishment than simple unlawful possession.
Potential criminal penalties include:
-
State prison sentence:
-
Up to 8 years for manufacturing, distributing, transporting, importing, or selling an assault weapon or .50 BMG rifle.
-
Up to 3 years for unlawful possession in violation of the statute.
-
-
Fines: Up to $10,000 in addition to imprisonment.
-
Forfeiture: Any assault weapon or .50 BMG rifle involved in the offense will be seized and permanently forfeited.
-
Felony record: A permanent mark that can impact background checks for employment, housing, and licensing.
Collateral consequences can be just as severe:
-
Lifetime ban on firearm and ammunition possession under both state and federal law.
-
Immigration consequences for non-citizens, including potential deportation or denial of reentry.
-
Loss of professional licenses or disqualification from certain careers requiring security clearance.
Related Firearms Charges
[PC 25850 – Carrying a Loaded Firearm in Public]
Filed when a person is found with a loaded gun in a public place. This can be charged in addition to PC 30600 if an assault weapon or .50 BMG rifle was loaded at the time of the arrest.
[PC 16590 – Possession of a Generally Prohibited Firearm]
Covers a wide range of banned weapons, such as short-barreled shotguns, undetectable firearms, and disguised guns. These charges may be added if authorities seize other illegal weapons along with an assault weapon.
[PC 29800 – Felon in Possession of a Firearm]
Applies when someone with a felony conviction is found with any firearm, including an assault weapon. Prosecutors frequently file this charge alongside PC 30600 to increase potential penalties.
Legal Defenses Against Assault Weapon Charges
Our Los Angeles criminal defense attorney can use a wide range of strategies to defend you against charges of violating the assault weapons laws under Penal Code 30600. The most effective defense will depend on the specific facts and circumstances of your case, including how the weapon was discovered, how it was classified, and whether your rights were respected during the investigation. Common legal defenses include:
Not an “assault weapon” as legally defined – Firearm classification laws in California are highly technical. In some cases, what police believe is an assault weapon does not actually meet the statutory definition under the Roberti-Roos Assault Weapons Control Act or related laws. For example, a rifle may lack the specific features (such as a pistol grip, folding stock, or fixed high-capacity magazine) required for the classification. Demonstrating this could result in the charge being reduced or dismissed.
Lawful registration or possession – Certain individuals are legally allowed to own or possess assault weapons. This includes law enforcement officers, permit holders, and those who lawfully registered their weapon during a state amnesty or grandfathering period. If you can provide proof that your possession was lawful, the prosecution’s case may not hold up in court.
Illegal search and seizure – If law enforcement found the weapon as the result of an unlawful search, we may be able to file a motion to suppress that evidence. For instance, police might have entered your home without a valid warrant or searched your vehicle without probable cause. If the court agrees the search was illegal, the weapon cannot be used as evidence, often leading to a dismissal.
Mistaken identity or lack of knowledge – In some situations, the firearm may have been found in a shared home, vehicle, or storage unit, and prosecutors assume it belonged to you. If you had no knowledge of its presence, or it was owned by someone else, this can be a strong defense against the charge.
Arrested for an Assault Weapon in Los Angeles? Contact a Criminal Defense Attorney
If you or someone you care about is facing charges under California Penal Code § 30600 for an alleged assault weapon or .50 BMG rifle violation, contact our office immediately to protect your rights and begin building your defense.
With over 20 years of criminal defense experience, The Law Offices of Arash Hashemi has represented clients in complex firearms cases throughout Los Angeles County, including Santa Monica, Westwood, Culver City, Beverly Hills, and nearby areas. Our Los Angeles criminal defense attorney takes a proactive, targeted approach — challenging the classification of the weapon, the legality of the search, and the prosecution’s evidence at every stage.
Contact our office today to schedule a free case review with Attorney Arash Hashemi and discuss your defense strategy.
The Law Offices of Arash Hashemi
11845 W Olympic Blvd #520
Los Angeles, CA 90064
📍 Get Directions
📞 Phone: (310) 448-1529
📧 Email: Contact@hashemilaw.com
🌐 Schedule a Free Consultation
🕒 Office Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Evening & weekend appointments available by request.
