What Does California Law Prohibit When It Comes to Wallet Guns?

California makes it a criminal offense to manufacture, import, sell, lend, give away, or possess a “wallet gun” under Penal Code 24710. This statute is part of the broader category of laws governing generally prohibited weapons in California. It imposes a complete ban on these devices for civilians—meaning there are no lawful exceptions for collectors, concealed carry permit holders, or private owners.

The law applies regardless of whether the firearm is loaded, operable, or even used. Mere possession—such as keeping one in your home, vehicle, or personal belongings—can result in arrest and felony charges.

Wallet guns fall under the scope of Penal Code 16590 PC, which lists several weapons classified as “generally prohibited.” This includes not only wallet guns but also other concealed or disguised weapons like:

• Belt buckle knives

• Metal knuckles

• Cane swords

• Concealed daggers

Legislators enacted Penal Code 24710 and its related statutes to prevent the use of deceptive weapons that could evade detection and be used to ambush victims or law enforcement officers. Because wallet guns are disguised to resemble everyday objects and can be fired without being removed from their casing, they are considered an acute public safety risk.

How California Defines a Wallet Gun

California law, under Penal Code 17330, defines a wallet gun as a firearm that someone has mounted or enclosed in a case or covering that looks like a wallet—and allows the user to fire it while it remains inside. What makes these weapons unique is their design: the case and the firearm function as a single, integrated unit, allowing someone to discharge the weapon without exposing that it’s a gun.

What sets wallet guns apart from standard concealed firearms is their deceptive appearance. Traditional concealed carry weapons are still visibly guns, even when hidden. Wallet guns, by contrast, are intentionally disguised to look like harmless objects and can often fit in a pocket or purse—making them harder to identify during searches or security checks.

Some real-world examples of wallet guns include:

• A small-caliber pistol embedded into a leather wallet-style casing

• A .22 or .25 caliber handgun hidden inside a rectangular shell with a built-in trigger

• Firearms modified or built into casings that prevent them from being visibly identified as guns

Even novelty or homemade devices can fall under the wallet gun definition if they meet the statutory requirements—particularly if they can be fired while inside the casing. For this reason, it’s not uncommon for someone to face charges without realizing that what they possessed qualifies as a banned weapon under California law.

What the Prosecution Must Prove to Convict You of Wallet Gun Possession

To convict you of unlawfully possessing a wallet gun, the prosecution must prove several key elements beyond a reasonable doubt:

• The object qualifies as a wallet gun under California law—meaning it is a firearm enclosed in a case that resembles a wallet and can be fired without removing it from the casing.

• You knowingly possessed, manufactured, imported, sold, gave away, or offered the item. Prosecutors must show that you had actual or constructive control over the weapon.

• You did not fall under any lawful exception. Although rare, certain individuals—such as federally licensed firearms dealers—may qualify for exemptions. The prosecution must prove that you weren’t lawfully authorized to have the item.

Prosecutors don’t have to show that the gun was loaded, fired, or intended for immediate use. Simply possessing or transferring a weapon that meets the definition of a wallet gun is enough to support criminal charges.

Penalties for Possessing a Wallet Gun in California

Possession of a wallet gun is classified as a wobbler offense in California. This means the prosecutor has discretion to charge it either as a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the facts of the case and the defendant’s criminal history.

If Charged as a Misdemeanor:

• Up to 1 year in county jail

• A fine of up to $1,000

• Misdemeanor probation (informal probation)

• A 10-year prohibition on owning or possessing firearms under California law

If Charged as a Felony:

• 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years in county jail (under California’s realignment program)

• A fine of up to $10,000

• Felony probation (formal probation)

• Lifetime ban on firearm ownership under both California and federal law

• Potential immigration consequences for non-citizens

In both misdemeanor and felony cases, a conviction adds a permanent entry to your criminal record and can show up on background checks for employment, professional licensing, or housing applications. Prosecutors may also seek enhanced penalties if the wallet gun was discovered in connection with another offense—such as a violent act, a drug crime, or suspected gang activity.

California courts treat wallet guns as inherently dangerous due to their disguised nature. As a result, judges and prosecutors are less likely to offer leniency unless there are compelling mitigating factors or a strong legal defense in place.

Legal Defenses to Penal Code 24710 PC Charges

The Item Was Not Legally a Wallet Gun

Just because a firearm is compact or disguised doesn’t automatically make it a wallet gun under California law. To qualify, the device must have specific features—like the ability to fire while still enclosed in its casing. If the weapon doesn’t meet those criteria, it may not fall under the scope of PC 24710. We often work with independent firearms experts who can examine the item and testify that it doesn’t meet the legal definition.

Evidence Was Obtained Through an Illegal Search

Law enforcement must follow constitutional procedures when conducting searches. If officers conducted a stop or search without a valid warrant, probable cause, or your clear consent, any weapon they recovered may be inadmissible in court. When your Fourth Amendment rights are violated, we can file a motion to suppress the evidence—which can often lead to reduced charges or dismissal.

You Had No Knowledge of the Weapon

Prosecutors must prove that you knowingly possessed the wallet gun. If someone else left the item in your vehicle, bag, or shared living space without your knowledge, that can seriously weaken the case against you. We can present evidence showing you had no awareness or control over the item.

False Allegations or Misidentification

Sometimes, law enforcement or witnesses accuse the wrong person. If another individual brought the weapon into the space or if officers mistakenly identified you as the owner, we will carefully investigate the facts. Our team will challenge unreliable testimony and expose any contradictions in the prosecution’s case.

The Arrest Involved Constitutional or Procedural Errors

You may have a valid defense if police or prosecutors violated your due process rights or failed to properly classify the weapon. For example, if the state failed to notify you that the device was a prohibited weapon, or if officials mishandled critical steps in the arrest or charging process, we can raise those issues in court to fight for a dismissal.

Related Firearm Charges Often Filed with Wallet Gun Possession

• Penal Code 29800 PC – Felon in Possession of a Firearm

• Penal Code 25400 PC – Carrying a Concealed Firearm

• Penal Code 25850 PC – Carrying a Loaded Firearm in Public

• Penal Code 417 PC – Brandishing a Weapon

• Penal Code 23900 PC – Altering or Removing Firearm Identification Marks

Arrested for Possessing a Wallet Gun in California? Speak with a Los Angeles Criminal Attorney Today

Prosecutors treat these cases as public safety threats due to the concealed and disguised nature of the weapon. But that doesn’t mean a conviction is automatic. A skilled defense attorney can make a significant difference by challenging the government’s assumptions, the legality of the search, and even whether the item in question meets the legal definition of a wallet gun.

At The Law Offices of Arash Hashemi, every client receives direct attention from Attorney Hashemi himself—not an associate or paralegal. With over two decades of experience in Los Angeles courts, Attorney Hashemi knows how local prosecutors pursue these cases and what defenses work in front of judges and juries. He will personally investigate the facts, examine how the firearm was found, and identify opportunities to challenge the evidence—whether through pretrial motions, negotiations, or litigation.

If you’re facing charges under California’s wallet gun statute, don’t wait until you’re in court to build your defense. We will walk you through your legal options, answer your questions, and create a customized strategy focused on minimizing penalties or avoiding a conviction altogether. Schedule a free consultation today to learn how we can help protect your record, your rights, and your future.

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