California

The Great California DOJ Guide Debacle: A 24-Year Revision Comedy

The Great California DOJ Guide Debacle: A 24-Year Revision Comedy

Oh, California Department of Justice (DOJ), you absolute legends of procrastination, you’ve done it again! It’s 2025, and your Assault Weapons Identification Guide—that dusty relic from November 2001—is still the belle of the ball, strutting its stuff on your website like a time traveler who forgot the future exists. With a cheeky note proclaiming it’s “currently under revision” since, oh,…read more →

California Dealer Guide: California DOJ Bureau of Firearms Audit and Inspection

Overview The California Department of Justice (DOJ), Bureau of Firearms (BOF) is authorized under the California Penal Code to conduct audits and inspections of licensed California Firearms Dealers (CFDs) to ensure compliance with state firearms laws (Penal Code § 26700 et seq.). This guide outlines the BOF’s limited authority, the specific records they may inspect, best practices for facilitating a…read more →

White Paper: Why The Good Cause Requirement for Assault Weapon Possession is Illegal

Executive Summary The California Department of Justice (DOJ), Bureau of Firearms, requires a “good cause” finding for permits to possess assault weapons under 11 CCR § 4128(a), as implemented by 11 CCR §§ 4130–4137. This brief article is not a comprehensive study of the myriad of reasons that the “good cause” provision for possession of “assault weapons” is illegal. Rather,…read more →

White Paper: Why the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act Preempts California Firearm Laws for Warranty Coverage

Executive Summary The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act (MMWA), a federal law enacted in 1975, ensures consumer protections for warranty enforcement on consumer products, including firearms and related accessories. California’s stringent firearm laws, which restrict the importation and possession of items such as assault weapons, large-capacity magazines, and magazine conversion kits, can impede warranty repairs for legally possessed products. This white paper…read more →

Becoming a Licensed Firearms Dealer in California

Prepared by The Davis Law Firm, your trusted partner in navigating California’s complex firearms regulations. Visit us at www.calgunlawyers.com for expert legal assistance. Becoming a licensed firearms dealer in California is a highly regulated process that requires meticulous attention to federal, state, and local laws. The California Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives…read more →

A Guide to Obtaining a List of Firearms That Are Registered In Your Name and Why It’s Important.

Overview of the Law Under Penal Code section 11106, the California Department of Justice (DOJ) maintains the Automated Firearms System (AFS), a centralized database recording firearms purchased or transferred through licensed dealers, registered assault weapons, self-reported firearms, Carry Concealed Weapons Permit records, and law enforcement-entered records. The ability for individuals to request their AFS records is facilitated through regulations in…read more →

California Firearm Registration for New Residents

Moving to California as a firearm owner comes with a mandatory legal obligation to register firearms with the state. California’s stringent gun laws require new residents to register their firearms within a specific timeframe, a mandate that is often overlooked, leading to potential legal consequences. This article outlines the mandatory firearm registration requirement for new residents, the statute of limitations…read more →

Guide to Obtaining Your California Criminal History Report Under AB 165

Overview of California Bill AB 165 California Assembly Bill 165, effective January 1, 2022, allows individuals to request a copy of their criminal history record from the California Department of Justice (DOJ) through the Personal Firearms Eligibility Check (PFEC) program, as outlined in California Penal Code section 30105. This law enables you to verify your eligibility to purchase or possess…read more →

Managing Liabilities in Shooting Ranges: Waivers, Protocols, Signage, and Legal Expertise

Shooting ranges, whether indoor or outdoor, provide a unique environment for firearms enthusiasts, law enforcement personnel, and recreational shooters to practice and hone their skills. However, operating a shooting range comes with significant legal and financial risks due to the inherent dangers of firearms. From accidental injuries to property damage, the potential liabilities are substantial. To mitigate these risks, shooting…read more →

Guide to Law Enforcement Firearm Return Process in California

Introduction When a firearm is seized by law enforcement in California, retrieving it can be a complex process governed by specific state laws. California has established clear procedures for the return of firearms, but challenges often arise due to local agency policies or misunderstandings of the law. This article provides a step-by-step guide to the law enforcement gun return process,…read more →