In the context of U.S. firearm laws, a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) is a critical document primarily used in California to verify an individual’s legal eligibility to purchase, possess, or handle firearms or ammunition under both state and federal regulations. Issued by the California Department of Justice (DOJ) Bureau of Firearms, the COE serves as a formal clearance that confirms…read more →
In California, the term “consultant-evaluator” in the context of firearm laws refers to a consultant or evaluator who, in the course of their profession, is loaned firearms from a federally licensed firearms dealer for research or evaluation purposes and holds a current Certificate of Eligibility (COE) issued pursuant to California Penal Code section 26710. These individuals are granted specific exemptions…read more →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
Introduction Transferring a firearm between immediate family members in California, known as an intrafamilial firearm transaction, is governed by strict state laws to ensure safety and legality. This article provides a step-by-step guide to completing an intrafamilial transfer, defines the process using statutory language, distinguishes it from operation of law transfers, and explains how The Davis Law Firm can assist…read more →
Introduction Inheriting a firearm in California is a process governed by strict state laws, requiring careful compliance to ensure legality and safety. This article provides a step-by-step guide to transferring a firearm through inheritance, an operation of law transfer, and clarifies the distinction between operation of law transfers and intrafamilial transfers. It also highlights how The Davis Law Firm, led…read more →
The Davis Law Firm attorney Jason Davis has been a key figure in defending the rights of firearm businesses. Recently, Davis, along with the fantastic attorneys at Wiley Law played a crucial role in a landmark case involving Franklin Armory, challenging the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) over regulatory overreach. The Case The lawsuit, Firearms Regulatory Accountability…read more →
Restoring Firearm Rights in California: A New Chapter Begins in 2025 For Californians stripped of their firearm rights—whether due to a felony, domestic violence conviction, or mental health prohibition—hope has been hard to come by. Federal law under 18 U.S.C. 925(c) promises a path to restore those rights, but for over 30 years, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and…read more →