D.A.’s Office Lauds New State Gun Laws

The Ventura County district attorney’s office said Thursday that newly amended state gun laws would allow prosecutors to take a tougher stance against people misusing firearms.

Certain violations that were once considered misdemeanors can now be prosecuted as felonies and could result in a three-year prison sentence, said Kevin McGee, the chief deputy district attorney.

“We’re calling this a ‘zero tolerance’ policy, which for us is a euphemism for vigorous enforcement,” McGee said. “We hope to send a strong message so that people will think twice about misusing a gun.”

The tougher prosecutions will apply to four laws that prohibit people who have previously been convicted of crimes from brandishing or concealing a firearm.

“When criminals illegally possess guns, crimes invariably follow,” said Dist. Atty. Michael D. Bradbury in a written statement released Thursday. “These laws are a step in the right direction. They will help to disarm those who have forfeited their right to use or possess firearms because of their prior criminal activities.”

McGee said the D. A.’s office will favor felony prosecutions whenever possible and will prohibit plea bargains in such cases.