If you or a loved one is facing a federal 924(c) charge in San Diego, you’re likely scared, overwhelmed, and unsure of what happens next. These charges carry mandatory minimum sentences and can lead to decades—or even life—in federal prison. You need aggressive, experienced defense now. Call Sevens Legal today at (619) 430-2355 for a free consultation with our skilled federal crimes lawyer.
Key Takeaways
• 924(c) charges involve using or carrying a firearm during a drug trafficking or violent crime.
• These charges are federal and trigger mandatory minimum prison sentences.
• Federal prosecutors are stacking multiple 924(c) counts to increase sentences.
• San Diego has seen a rise in multi-agency operations targeting guns and drugs.
• Sevens Legal offers aggressive defense strategies to challenge 924(c) charges.
• Early legal intervention can significantly improve case outcomes.
Gun and drug cases are being prosecuted more aggressively than ever in San Diego. Understanding what a 924(c) charge involves and how to fight it is your first step toward protecting your freedom.
What Is a 924(c) Charge in a San Diego Drug Case?
Under 18 U.S. Code § 924(c), it is a federal crime to use, carry, or possess a firearm in connection with a drug trafficking offense or violent crime. Even if no shots were fired, simply having a gun during a drug deal or in the same vicinity can trigger this charge.
A 924(c) charge isn’t handled in California state court—it’s federal. This means federal prosecutors, tougher sentencing guidelines, and stricter procedures. It also means mandatory minimums: 5 years, 7 years, 10 years, 25 years, or even life, depending on the case specifics.
Mandatory Minimum Sentences for 924(c) Charges in California
One of the harshest aspects of a 924(c) charge is the mandatory minimum sentencing. These are not guidelines—they are legally required prison terms:
- 5 years for possession of a firearm during a drug or violent crime
- 7 years if the firearm was brandished
- 10 years if the firearm was discharged
- 25 years for second or subsequent convictions
Even worse, these sentences must be served consecutively to any other sentence. If you’re also facing a drug trafficking conviction, that time will be stacked on top of the 924(c) time. These mandatory terms are among the most impactful elements shaping how mandatory minimum sentences affect defendants in federal court.
Why Are 924(c) Charges Increasing in San Diego?
In recent years, San Diego law enforcement has launched coordinated efforts with federal agencies to crack down on firearms and narcotics. Multi-jurisdictional investigations are targeting ghost guns and drug networks, leading to more federal filings.
Prosecutors are now filing multiple 924(c) counts in a single indictment, often leading to sentences of 30 years or more. This trend reflects a broader federal strategy to apply maximum pressure through sentencing leverage, particularly when building cases around serious drug trafficking charges.
What Is Considered a Ghost Gun Under Federal Law?
A ghost gun is a firearm that is privately assembled and lacks a serial number, making it untraceable by law enforcement. These weapons are often made from DIY kits or 3D-printed components and can be built without undergoing the background checks typically required by licensed gun dealers.
Under federal law, ghost guns are increasingly being scrutinized as part of efforts to curb gun-related crime. While possession itself isn’t always illegal, federal charges may arise if the firearm was assembled without complying with firearm manufacturing regulations or if it’s involved in a criminal offense, especially in cases tied to drug trafficking or violent crimes.
In San Diego, ghost guns have become a key focus of multi-agency investigations. Their lack of traceability makes them attractive to organized crime networks, and their presence often escalates state-level offenses to federal court, particularly under 924(c), when found in connection with narcotics operations. If a ghost gun is recovered alongside drugs or evidence of trafficking, federal prosecutors may pursue aggressive charges, leveraging the unregistered status of the firearm to support a more serious case.
How Sevens Legal Fights 924(c) Charges in San Diego
Sevens Legal has deep experience in federal criminal defense, particularly with firearms and narcotics cases. Our team develops targeted legal strategies designed to weaken the government’s case at every stage—from arrest to indictment to trial. We tailor every defense to the specifics of the alleged offense, the evidence, and your personal background. If you’re facing complex firearm possession charges in San Diego, Sevens Legal can build a comprehensive, aggressive strategy to challenge your case.
What Are Common Defenses to 924(c) Charges?
Defense strategies in 924(c) cases often focus on breaking the legal connection between the firearm and the underlying drug or violent crime. For instance, your lawyer may argue that the firearm was present but not used to further the alleged criminal activity—an essential element the government must prove.
Other approaches involve challenging the legality of the firearm’s discovery. If the gun was found during an unlawful search or seizure, it may be possible to suppress that evidence altogether. Your attorney may also question whether the firearm was operable, loaded, or even in the defendant’s direct control.
In more complex cases involving multiple individuals, the defense might center on proving that the accused had no knowledge of the weapon’s presence or intended use. Establishing a lack of intent or constructive possession can significantly weaken the prosecution’s case.
Learn More About 924(c) Charges from San Diego Criminal Defense Attorney Crystal Erlandson
In the above video, San Diego criminal defense attorney Crystal Erlandson explains the increasing frequency of 924(c) charges in San Diego, due to collaborative law enforcement operations targeting gun and drug cases. She emphasizes that while the charges are serious, “a careful review of the evidence and knowledgeable and aggressive representation can and will make a difference.” Watch the full video to hear directly how Sevens Legal approaches these high-stakes federal charges.
Free San Diego Gun Crime Defense Consultation
A 924(c) charge is one of the most serious criminal allegations you can face. Don’t face it alone. Sevens Legal offers a free, confidential consultation to review your charges and explain your defense options. For the best outcome, speak with a seasoned San Diego gun crime defense attorney who understands federal court procedures and sentencing tactics.
How to Contact Our Criminal Defense Attorneys
To schedule your consultation, call Sevens Legal at (619) 430-2355 today. Our office is conveniently located in San Diego, where we’ve helped countless individuals facing serious criminal charges navigate the federal system with confidence. Our San Diego federal crimes lawyers understand the stress that comes with a 924(c) charge, and we’re here to offer clarity, direction, and aggressive legal protection from the very first meeting. Your future is on the line—let us fight for it.
FAQs About Can Your San Diego Drug Case Trigger a 924(c) Charge?
What is 924(c) drug trafficking?
924(c) drug trafficking charges refer specifically to cases where a firearm is used, carried, or possessed in connection with a drug trafficking crime. These charges continue to be aggressively pursued by federal authorities, particularly in regions with high gang and narcotics activity like San Diego. These cases typically arise when law enforcement connects a firearm, often during raids or undercover operations, to drug distribution activity. The penalties under 924(c) are harsh because they trigger mandatory minimum sentences that cannot be waived by a judge.
What amount of drugs is considered trafficking?
There’s no fixed threshold for drug trafficking under federal law—it hinges more on the circumstances than on a specific quantity. Prosecutors look at packaging, intent to distribute, presence of cash, paraphernalia, and digital communications to build a trafficking case. For example, even a small quantity of drugs might support a trafficking charge if accompanied by evidence of sales or distribution plans. Federal thresholds may vary depending on the drug type, with Schedule I substances like heroin or fentanyl typically triggering harsher scrutiny than others.
What makes federal authorities pick up a gun case in San Diego?
Federal authorities often take jurisdiction over gun cases when the firearm is tied to a larger crime, especially drug trafficking, organized crime, or when a weapon crosses state lines. If a firearm was manufactured outside California and is found in connection with a San Diego drug offense, that alone can establish federal jurisdiction. The presence of ghost guns or modified firearms also increases the likelihood of federal prosecution. Agencies like the ATF and DEA collaborate in these investigations, especially when firearms are recovered alongside large quantities of drugs or digital evidence of distribution networks.
Is 924(c) unconstitutional?
The constitutionality of 924(c) has been debated, especially regarding its mandatory minimums and application in plea bargaining. Critics argue it undermines due process by stripping judges of discretion and coercing defendants into accepting plea deals to avoid stacked charges. However, the law itself has been upheld by federal appellate courts and the Supreme Court as a legitimate exercise of Congress’s power to regulate firearms and interstate drug activity. Defense attorneys continue to raise constitutional challenges, particularly when 924(c) is applied to marginal evidence or in borderline cases.
Can a 924(c) charge be reduced or dropped?
Yes, a 924(c) charge can be reduced or even dismissed, but it often depends on the strength of the government’s evidence and the skill of your defense attorney. Prosecutors may be open to reducing charges during plea negotiations, especially if the firearm was not directly used in furtherance of a crime or if the defendant has limited prior criminal history. Effective legal strategies, such as challenging how the firearm was discovered or disconnecting it from the underlying offense, can also pressure the prosecution to reconsider its position.
How do I find a San Diego lawyer for 924(c) charges?
Finding the right attorney for a 924(c) charge is critical due to the complexity and severity of federal gun and drug cases. Look for a criminal defense lawyer with proven federal trial experience and a strong track record in firearm and narcotics litigation. In San Diego, Sevens Legal stands out for its aggressive, personalized approach and deep knowledge of both federal law and local court systems. Scheduling a consultation is the best first step to determine whether the attorney has the right strategy and experience for your specific situation.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every legal situation is unique, and the laws referenced may not apply to your specific circumstances. You should not act or rely on any information in this article without first consulting a qualified criminal defense attorney. To receive legal guidance tailored to your case, contact Sevens Legal for a confidential consultation.