1. What is considered an assault weapon under California law?
There are three categories of assault weapons under California law. The first category is firearms listed on the original Roberti-Roos assault weapons list (Penal Code section 12276, subds (a), (b), and (c)). The second category of assault weapons is AK and AR-15 series weapons (Penal Code sections 12276 (e) and (f)). The third category of assault weapons is defined by specific generic characteristics (PC section 12276.1, SB 23).
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3. What are AK and AR-15 series weapons?
Any firearm which is a variation, with minor differences, of the AK or AR-15 type (i.e., series weapon), regardless of manufacturer, is an assault weapon under the original Roberti-Roos Assault Weapons Control Act of 1989. AK and AR-15 series weapons could no longer be purchased as of August 16, 2000.
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5. Which assault weapons can and cannot be registered?
The assault weapon registration period has ended. The DOJ is no longer accepting new assault weapon registration forms. The only exception applies to persons who have been arrested for possession of an unregistered assault weapon. Such a person may be eligible, through December 31, 2001, to have the charge reduced to an infraction if he or she meets the specific conditions described in Penal Code section 12280(c). One of these conditions requires that the person register the assault weapon with the DOJ. The DOJ will accept a registration from such a person if he or she provides the DOJ with documentation substantiating his or her arrest. However, this option is only available for assault weapons as defined by characteristics that are not Roberti-Roos assault weapons or AK or AR-15 series weapons.
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15. I want to keep my assault weapon defined by characteristics (PC section 12276.1, SB 23). What am I required to do?
If you are still in possession of an unregistered assault weapon, you may not keep it. Your only option is to relinquish it to a law enforcement agency.
16. I do not want to keep my assault weapon. What do I do?
If you have an unregistered assault weapon, you must relinquish it to law enforcement. edited - wsmac
17. If I did not register my assault weapon by the registration deadline, is there any way I can legally keep it?
No. If you did not register your assault weapon prior to the registration deadline, you must relinquish that assault weapon to a law enforcement agency. Failure to relinquish your unregistered assault weapon could result in arrest and a felony conviction. The only exception applies to persons who have been arrested for possession of an unregistered assault weapon. Such a person may be eligible, through December 31, 2001, to have the charge reduced to an infraction if he or she meets the specific conditions described in Penal Code section 12280(c). One of these conditions requires that the person register the assault weapon with the DOJ. The DOJ is accepting registration forms from these persons if they provide the DOJ with documentation substantiating their arrest. However, this option is only available for assault weapons as defined by characteristics that are not Roberti-Roos assault weapons or AK or AR-15 series weapons.