What are the penalties

[Blauplow]

My buddies Like to shoot at an abandoned quarry and I'd like to know the consequences if they were to get caught to hopefully convince them it's a bad idea. I've done searches but haven't found anything. They are convinced cops won't come out because it's outside city limits and a sheriff would just tell them to leave.

[5150ds]

If it is outside city limits by 1 mile, should be good. As long as they are not trespassing. At least that is the way it is in Riverside county.

[Ron-Solo]

Varies greatly by county. Anything from legal-infraction-misdemeanor.

[Blauplow]

That doesn't sound as bad as I thought it could be. So no chance of being arrested and having guns confiscated. There aren't any no trespassing signs and the gate to the place is open.

[SonofWWIIDI]

Who owns the property?

Tell your buddy to get permission from them. If outside city limits, and not in a prohibited area that might be okay.

Follow the current rules...




until Donald gets them changed.

BTW, where is this quarry of which you speak.

[Ron-Solo]

That doesn't sound as bad as I thought it could be. So no chance of being arrested and having guns confiscated. There aren't any no trespassing signs and the gate to the place is open.

Not sure how you get that conclusion. A misdemeanor can result in arrest and loss of firearms.

And the person stating you were good to go in Riverside county is not entirely correct. Much of western Riverside County is closed to shooting.

You need to do detailed research on the specific place.

[Blauplow]

I figured a misdemeanor would just be a ticket.

[jdubs71]

Your county should have a map showing the shoot/no shoot areas in the county. Just because it's a rual part of the county does not necessarily make it a shoot area. As far as the property goes Its obviously owned by someone or a company, you may just be asked to leave if an LEO responds and the owner can't be located. If they do respond for shooting it is likely they will inspect and run your firearms to determine they're not stolen. If its fish and game thats a whole different story, during hunting seasons they have the authority to search your vehicle and inspect your firearms.

[RickD427]

I figured a misdemeanor would just be a ticket.

Please check out Penal Code section 853.6.

Misdemeanor arrests do typically result in the defendant being released on a citation, but only after:

1) Being taken into physical custody

2) Going to jail for the booking photo and fingerprints

3) Sitting in the holding tank for the fingerprint check and warrant check to be completed (4-8 hours)

Additionally, plan on your firearms going into evidence. If you're found guilty, plan on them going to destruction.

It is legally possible for an officer to "field release" a person charged with a misdemeanor, but agencies have varying policies on doing so. Most are reluctant because of the need to fully identify the defendant via fingerprints in the event of an FTA in court.

[5150ds]

Not sure how you get that conclusion. A misdemeanor can result in arrest and loss of firearms.

And the person stating you were good to go in Riverside county is not entirely correct. Much of western Riverside County is closed to shooting.

You need to do detailed research on the specific place.

My bad, I looked into it and you are right. Except very few areas eastern is pretty open to shooting.

[ls2monaro]

My department allows discretion for all misdemeanors except domestic violence and child/elder abuse.

If the victim wants to exercise their right to place you under private person's arrest, then you can be released on citation or released from a custodial facility after conclusion of the booking process.

If no one places you under private person's arrest then I have the discretion to tell you to go away and take no enforcement action if I can positively identify the people involved.

My own personal rule is as soon as someone lies to me or plays the YouTube defense lawyer word games (am I being detained?, etc.), discretion goes out the window and the person will find themselves in county jail with a well written and articulate report sent to the district attorney.

On the other hand, if the person is genuinely honest and not a dirtbag I will give them a break, including trying to smooth things over with any potential victims to re-think their choices and options regarding criminal prosecution.

[Blauplow]

So essentially best case scenario Told to leave. Worst case scenario arrested, processed, guns confiscated and destroyed, charged/convicted of misdemeanor. Thank you all for you input. Seems more serious than I originally thought.