LEOs - Gun Purchase documents

[BonnieB]

This question is for California LEOs or real lawyers only. No civilian opinions please.

Am I required to keep copies of my gun purchase documents with me when I transport handguns or long guns in my car? (to or from the range, the gunsmith, etc.)

If my trunk was legally searched, would I have to prove I owned the guns legally?

(Someone told me this, but I can't find the laws on it).

[locosway]

Not a LEO or a Lawyer, but the answer is the same. No, you do not need to keep paperwork or prove you own the firearm. The exception is on a RAW.

[keenkeen]

No.

[InGrAM]

This question is for California LEOs or real lawyers only. No civilian opinions please.
.

Your question has been answered.

[Librarian]

This question is for California LEOs or real lawyers only. No civilian opinions please.

Am I required to keep copies of my gun purchase documents with me when I transport handguns or long guns in my car? (to or from the range, the gunsmith, etc.)

If my trunk was legally searched, would I have to prove I owned the guns legally?

(Someone told me this, but I can't find the laws on it).

Why would you think a LEO had a better knowledge of the law?

Our Calguns LEO members are pretty good, but LEO seldom specialize in gun law.

And the answer to your question, already given, is "no".

First, there's nothing in any California law that requires that.

Second, it isn't even the case that the state has to know about your weapons - AFS includes almost no long guns other than Registered Assault Weapons (RAW) and there is no requirement that handguns be in AFS.

See also the wiki -- http://wiki.calgunsfoundation.org/Firearms_registration

[Speedpower]

This question is for California LEOs or real lawyers only. No civilian opinions please.

Am I required to keep copies of my gun purchase documents with me when I transport handguns or long guns in my car? (to or from the range, the gunsmith, etc.)

If my trunk was legally searched, would I have to prove I owned the guns legally?

(Someone told me this, but I can't find the laws on ity).

Well, that somebody that told you so is wrong!

[Q619]

As long as you don't drive into Mexico, there shouldn't be any problems with transporting your guns.

[BonnieB]

Thanks to all those who answered.

Thank you twice to those who answered politely.

[duggan]

LEO's (unless they also happen to be in the military) are civilians.

[Oceanbob]

Bonnie...

Most searches of your trunk would require your consent.

I say 'most' because without your consent, the Police would need serious probably cause to open the trunk and search that area.

Never consent to a search.

Keep the weapons in the trunk unloaded (the ammo can be in the trunk as well) and you're legal.

Did I mention never consent to a search?

[BonnieB]

Maybe next time you only want an LEO response you could post in the LEO forum.

Good point ! Next time I will.

[drkphibr]

LEO's (unless they also happen to be in the military) are civilians.

Ditto for lawyers....

[Librarian]

Maybe next time you only want an LEO response you could post in the LEO forum.

Good point ! Next time I will.

That won't be especially useful for a law question.

LEOs are experts in 'what LEOs do'; they have training, experience, and local directives from their command structure.

As supervisors and academy instructors, they can know what a department or agency wants its members to know, and can be involved in more complicated field contacts. Their duties can offer insight on how a particular law is enforced and how the agency members are directed to enforce them.

It isn't unusual for a modern-day LEO to have a law degree, or a masters in public administration, or another advanced degree - those can be a positive factor for senior rank consideration.

(That's obviously an incomplete description of the LEO profession - no slight intended.)

I'd suggest that the lawyer/legal knowledge to police officer comparison is parallel to the doctor/nurse comparison (I'm an RN). Although it wouldn't be unusual for a nurse to be able to answer a technical medical question, typically one is better served by asking a doctor most of those questions.

[Mr310]

Librarian, I always thought your profession was um..


something else.

[winnre]

I have shown LEOs photos of some unusual firearms that I own and ask what they'd do if I had said firearm in my possession right now. 90% of the time the answer is "arrest you." I then explain how/why said firearm is completely legal in CA, and they say oh then they'd just tell me to have a nice day.

Scary that I risk being arrested due to ignorance, but it can happen. Careful out there.