30 Years Experience Makes ALL the Difference
Facing criminal charges at the LAX Airport Court (Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles) can be a daunting experience, particularly when they involve firearms and concealed weapons. However, with an aggressive and technical legal defense by LAX gun charges defense attorney Matthew Ruff, it is possible to secure a full dismissal of all counts. Matthew’s goal is to get the charges dismissed and keep your record clean.
The Charges
Here is the scenario: You are in a hurry to get to the airport and forget you left a firearm in your carry on luggage. In most of these cases the LAPD Airport Police will issue you a citation listing the PC25400a2 violation and releasing you with a citation to appear in court at a future date, similar to the citation below.
However, once the case is sent over to the Los Angeles City Attorney for prosecution, they typically add the additional charge of PC171.5. The additional count is a misdemeanor offense of possession of a prohibited item in an airport.
Once filed with the Court, the defendant is facing two serious misdemeanor counts stemming from the incident at 700 World Way (LAX Airport).
• Count I: PC 25400(a)(2) – Carrying a concealed firearm (usually a pistol or handgun) upon their person.
• Count II: PC 171.5(b) – Possession of a prohibited weapon within a “sterile area” of an airport.
How Matthew Ruff Secures Dismissals in LAX Weapon Cases
LAX Defense Attorney Matthew Ruff utilizes a multi-tiered defense strategy that combines technical forensic analysis with mitigation advocacy to protect his clients’ records.
1. Challenging Constitutional Violations
The foundation of a successful defense often lies in the legality of the initial contact. We scrutinize the police reports to determine:
• Did the officers have reasonable suspicion to detain or search the individual?
• Was the firearm truly “concealed” or “on the person” as defined by the specific requirements of the California Penal Code?
2. Technical and Procedural Defenses
As a specialist in technical defenses, Matthew Ruff examines whether the prosecution can meet the high burden of proof for “willful and unlawful” intent. If the item was declared, improperly stored by a third party, or if there were lapses in the chain of custody, the charges may be dismissed before trial.
3. The “Litigation Plus Mitigation” Strategy
In many cases, the most effective path to a dismissal is a “litigation plus mitigation” approach. This involves:
• Active Litigation: challenging the sufficiency of the criminal complaint.
• Social History Mitigation: Presenting the prosecutor and judge with the client’s background, lack of criminal history, and professional standing to humanize the defendant and advocate for dismissal of the charges.
The Result: A Clean Record
By aggressively challenging the government’s case, Matt frequently secure outcomes where the client avoids a permanent criminal conviction. In most cases, these matters can be resolved by way of a dismissal with Matthew’s expertise, at the LAX Airport Court (11701 South La Cienega Boulevard), allowing the individual to move forward without the shadow of a criminal firearm offense on their record. Matt has helped countless clients with hundreds of 5 star reviews.
About Matthew Ruff
Matthew Ruff is a top-rated criminal defense attorney with offices in Long Beach, Torrance, and Santa Monica. Recognized as one of “America’s Most Honored Lawyers,” he specializes in defending individuals against serious criminal allegations in Southern California. Matthew has obtained hundreds of dismissals over 30 years of charges at LAX Court.
Contact the Los Angeles Gun Charges Defense Lawyer Matthew Ruff today for a consultation on your LAX airport case.