§ 626.9 PC - California’s “Gun-Free School Zone Act”

Q: What are exceptions to the law?

The California Gun-Free School Zone Act is actually fairly limited in its application. It allows for a number of exceptions so that law-abiding gun owners are not unjustly penalized under this law.

Q: What are the penalties?

Depending on the circumstances, the penalties for violating California's Gun-Free School Zone Act vary quite a bit, but generally include a two to five-year California State Prison sentence. Discharging a firearm in a school zone subjects you to a three, five, or seven-year prison sentence and is always a felony under California law.

Penal Code § 626.9 PC is California’s Gun-Free School Zone Act. This section makes it illegal to have or use a gun in a school zone. A “school zone” is any area within 1,000 feet of a public or private school.

Before its amendment in 1994, this act only punished possessing firearms directly on school grounds.

The penalties for violating this law are severe and include substantial prison time independent of the penalties you face for simultaneously violating any of the other California gun laws. ^{1 2}

Penal Code 626.9 PC is what’s known as California’s Gun-Free School Zone Act

Fortunately, Penal Code 626.9 PC has a number of restrictions and exemptions that may excuse your otherwise criminal conduct. If you fall within one of these exceptions, you will be acquitted of any criminal wrongdoing.

Below, our California criminal defense attorneys³ provide a brief overview of this law, its exceptions, and its penalties.

1. What is California’s Gun-Free School Zone Act?

The California Gun-Free School Zone Act punishes you for possessing a firearm in a place that you know or reasonably should know is within a school zone. It also punishes you for discharging a firearm – or even attempting to discharge a firearm – within a school zone if you do so with “reckless disregard for the safety of another person”.⁴

Let’s take a closer look at some of these terms in order to gain a better understanding of their legal definitions.

“Firearm” definition

Under the California Gun-Free School Zone Act, a “firearm” means “any device, designed to be used as a weapon, from which is expelled through a barrel, a projectile by the force of any explosion or another form of combustion.”⁵ For purposes of this section, it does not matter whether the firearm is loaded or not.⁶

On that note, openly carrying an unloaded firearm is a crime after California’s open carry laws repealed. However, these laws specifically prohibit you from openly carrying within a school zone.⁷

California laws specifically prohibit you from openly carrying within a school zone

“School zone” definition

A “school zone” is “an area in, or on the grounds of, a public or private school providing instruction in kindergarten or grades 1 to 12, inclusive, or within a distance of 1,000 feet from the grounds of the public or private school.”⁸

A “school zone” does not refer to “a place of residence or place of business or on private property, if the place of residence, place of business, or private property is not part of the school grounds and the possession of the firearm is otherwise lawful.”⁹

Example: The inside of a person’s home is a part of their private residence and is therefore outside the scope of a “school zone”. However, the sidewalk outside a person’s home is still considered “public” and therefore constitutes a “school zone” if it is within 1,000 feet of a school.¹⁰

2. What are exceptions to the law?

The California Gun-Free School Zone Act is actually fairly limited in its application. It allows for a number of exceptions so that “law-abiding gun owners” are not unjustly penalized under this law.¹¹

Some of these exceptions include (but are not limited to):

California Penal Code 25400 PC “concealed weapons” in a vehicle that are properly secured in a locked container or trunk or to other firearms that are otherwise lawfully being transported,¹²
persons who possess a firearm because they reasonably fear that their life is in “grave danger” per California’s self-defense laws,¹³
specific persons who are authorized to carry concealed weapons such as those engaged in the business of selling, manufacturing, etc. firearms and those who are guards, carriers, or messengers for banks or other financial institutions.¹⁴ (NOTE: Having a California “carry a concealed weapon CCW permit under Penal Code 26150 and 26155 PC does not exempt you from prosecution if you carry a concealed weapon in a school zone),¹⁵
peace officers (whether active or honorably retired),¹⁶ and
security guards who are authorized under California Penal Code 25850 PC to carry loaded firearms.¹⁷

San Bernardino criminal defense attorney Michael Scafiddi explains,¹⁸

“In addition to the exceptions that are written into this law, your criminal defense lawyer should explore the wide range of legal defenses that apply to California firearms offenses.

If, for example, your gun was discovered during an illegal search and seizure, your Penal Code 626.9 PC charges will likely be dismissed, regardless of whether you also happen to fall under one of the recognized exceptions to this law.”

3. What are the penalties?

Depending on the circumstances, the penalties for violating California’s Gun-Free School Zone Act vary quite a bit, but generally include a two to five-year California State Prison sentence.

Discharging a firearm in a school zone subjects you to a three, five, or seven-year prison sentence and is always a felony under California law.¹⁹

Possessing a firearm on school grounds or on a university or college campus or their associated buildings is always a felony

Similarly, possessing a firearm on school grounds or on a university or college campus or their associated buildings is always a felony.²⁰ (NOTE: Although colleges and universities are beyond the scope of the definition of a “school zone”, possessing a gun on these campuses still subjects you to prosecution under California’s Gun-Free School Zone Act.)

Possessing a firearm within a “school zone” when you

have any prior felony conviction,
are prohibited from possessing or acquiring a firearm under Penal Code 29800 PC California’s “felon with a firearm” law, or
simultaneously suffer a felony conviction for carrying a concealed weapon

is also an automatic felony.²² However, if you possess a firearm within a school zone under a different set of circumstances from the three just listed, prosecutors could charge you with violating California’s Gun-Free School Zone Act as either a misdemeanor or a felony.²²

Additional penalties

In addition to a county jail or state prison sentence, a violation of this law will also likely result in the loss of your gun rights. For information about how to restore your California gun rights following a Penal Code 626.9 PC conviction, please review our article on Restoring Your California Gun Rights.

Finally, if you are not a U.S. citizen, a Penal Code 626.9 PC conviction subjects you to removal, since firearm offenses are crimes that can lead to deportation.²³

Legal References

California Penal Code 626.9 PC — The Gun-Free School Zone Act. (“(a) This section shall be known, and may be cited, as the Gun-Free School Zone Act of 1995. (b) Any person who possesses a firearm in a place that the person knows, or reasonably should know, is a school zone, as defined in paragraph (1) of subdivision (e), unless it is with the written permission of the school district superintendent, his or her designee, or equivalent school authority, shall be punished as specified in subdivision (f).. (d) Except as provided in subdivision (b), it shall be unlawful for any person, with reckless disregard for the safety of another, to discharge, or attempt to discharge, a firearm in a school zone, as defined in paragraph (1) of subdivision (e).”)
See same. (“(e)(1) “School zone” means an area in, or on the grounds of, a public or private school providing instruction in kindergarten or grades 1 to 12, inclusive, or within a distance of 1,000 feet from the grounds of the public or private school.”)
Our California criminal defense attorneys have local Los Angeles law offices in Beverly Hills, Burbank, Glendale, Lancaster, Long Beach, Los Angeles, Pasadena, Pomona, Torrance, Van Nuys, West Covina, and Whittier. We have additional law offices conveniently located throughout the state in Orange County, San Diego, Riverside, San Bernardino, Ventura, San Jose, Oakland, the San Francisco Bay area, and several nearby cities.
See Penal Code 626.9 PC, California’s Gun-Free School Zone Act, endnote 1, above.
California Penal Code 12001 PC — Definitions.
Penal Code 626.9 PC, California’s Gun-Free School Zone Act. (Under subdivisions “h” and “i”, Penal Code 626.9 punishes an individual for possessing a firearm or possessing a loaded firearm “upon the grounds of a campus of, or buildings owned or operated for student housing, teaching, research, or administration by, a public or private university or college, that are contiguous or are clearly marked university property, unless it is with the written permission of the university or college president, his or her designee, or equivalent university or college authority, shall be punished by imprisonment in the state prison for two, three, or four years. Notwithstanding subdivision (k), a university or college shall post a prominent notice at primary entrances on noncontiguous property stating that firearms are prohibited on that property pursuant to this subdivision.” Because these subsections specifically refer to — and set forth different punishments for “loaded” firearms — it stands to reason that possessing a firearm (whether loaded or not) in a school zone violates this law.
California’s open carry laws were repealed on January 1, 2009. Under Penal Code 26350, it is now a crime openly to carry even an unloaded firearm in California.
Penal Code 626.9 PC, California’s Gun-Free School Zone Act. (“(e) As used in this section, the following definitions shall apply: (1) “School zone” means an area in, or on the grounds of, a public or private school providing instruction in kindergarten or grades 1 to 12, inclusive, or within a distance of 1,000 feet from the grounds of the public or private school.”)
See same. (“(c) Subdivision (b) does not apply to the possession of a firearm under any of the following circumstances: (1) Within a place of residence or place of business or on private property, if the place of residence, place of business, or private property is not part of the school grounds and the possession of the firearm is otherwise lawful.”)
People v. Tapia (2005) 129 Cal.App.4th 1153, 1165. (“The obvious purpose of the statute is to protect children at and near schools. This purpose would be frustrated if the very public sidewalks upon which schoolchildren walk to school were considered outside the scope of the law. We must interpret the law to give it a “reasonable and commonsense interpretation consistent with the apparent purpose and intention of the lawmakers, practical rather than technical in nature, which upon application will result in wise policy rather than mischief or absurdity…the right to exclude persons is a fundamental aspect of private property ownership.’ [Citation.]”) ( Id. at p. 1254, 121 Cal.Rptr.2d 810.) Here, the easement was an interest in the land, apparently owned by a public entity, and entitled to be enjoyed by the public. Tapia, or his father, did not have exclusive rights over the sidewalk, nor was it protected from public appropriation.”)
See same at 1163. (“The purpose of the law, as articulated by its author, Assemblywoman Doris Allen, was to foster school safety and decrease violence on school campuses. (Assem. Com. on Public Safety, Rep. on Assem. Bill No. 645 (1993-1994 Reg. Sess.) Jan. 11, 1994, p. 2; Sen. Com. on Judiciary, Background Information Form on Assem. Bill No. 645 (1993-1994 Reg. Sess.); Assemblywoman Allen, letter to Governor Wilson, Sept. 8, 1994 [stating that Assembly Bill No. 645 would make schools safer].) On the other hand, a letter from Assemblywoman Allen to Governor Wilson, urging him to sign the legislation, indicates the bill’s author was “very conscientious about protecting the rights of gun owners.” (Assemblywoman Allen, letter to Governor Wilson, Sept. 8, 1994, supra.) To that end, the author stated the bill included “several provisions” to ensure that “law-abiding citizens would not be unjustly penalized under the bill.” ( Ibid.)”)
Penal Code 626.9 PC, California’s Gun-Free School Zone Act. (“(c) Subdivision (b) does not apply to the possession of a firearm under any of the following circumstances. (2) When the firearm is an unloaded pistol, revolver, or other firearm capable of being concealed on the person and is in a locked container or within the locked trunk of a motor vehicle. This section does not prohibit or limit the otherwise lawful transportation of any other firearm, other than a pistol, revolver, or other firearm capable of being concealed on the person, in accordance with state law.”)
See same. (“(c) Subdivision (b) does not apply to the possession of a firearm under any of the following circumstances. (3) When the person possessing the firearm reasonably believes that he or she is in grave danger because of circumstances forming the basis of a current restraining order issued by a court against another person or persons who has or have been found to pose a threat to his or her life or safety. This subdivision may not apply when the circumstances involve a mutual restraining order issued pursuant to Division 10 (commencing with Section 6200) of the Family Code absent a factual finding of a specific threat to the person’s life or safety. Upon a trial for violating subdivision (b), the trier of a fact shall determine whether the defendant was acting out of a reasonable belief that he or she was in grave danger.”) See also California’s self-defense laws. (“Judicial Council Of California Criminal Jury Instruction 505 — Justifiable Homicide: Self-Defense or Defense of Another. (“The defendant acted in lawful (self-defense/ [or] defense of another) if: [1] The defendant reasonably believed that (he/she/ [or] someone else/ [or] <insert name or description of third party<) was in imminent danger of being killed or suffering great bodily injury [or was in imminent danger of being (raped/maimed/robbed/ <insert other forcible and atrocious crime<)]; [2] The defendant reasonably believed that the immediate use of deadly force was necessary to defend against that danger; AND [3] The defendant used no more force than was reasonably necessary to defend against that danger.”). And Judicial Council Of California Criminal Jury Instruction 3470 — California law on the Right to Self-Defense or Defense of Another (Non-Homicide). (“The defendant acted in lawful (self-defense/ [or] defense of another) if: [1] The defendant reasonably believed that (he/she/ [or] someone else/ [or] <insert name of third party<) was in imminent danger of suffering bodily injury [or was in imminent danger of being touched unlawfully]; [2] The defendant reasonably believed that the immediate use of force was necessary to defend against that danger; AND [3] The defendant used no more force than was reasonably necessary to defend against that danger.”)
Penal Code 626.9 PC, California’s Gun-Free School Zone Act. (“(c) Subdivision (b) does not apply to the possession of a firearm under any of the following circumstances. (4) When the person is exempt from the prohibition against carrying a concealed firearm pursuant to subdivision (b), (d), (e), or (h) of Section 12027.”)
Penal Code 626.9(c)(4) above specifically excludes persons under Penal Code 12027 subdivisions b,d,e, and h from prosecution under this law. Penal Code 12027(j) deals with persons who hold CCW permits. Because subdivision “j” isn’t specifically listed as an exception under Penal Code 626.9, those who carry concealed weapons in a school zone — even with a valid permit — still violate the Gun-Free School Zone Act.
See same. (“(l) This section does not apply to a duly appointed peace officer as defined in Chapter 4.5 (commencing with Section 830) of Title 3 of Part 2, a full-time paid peace officer of another state or the federal government who is carrying out official duties while in California, any person summoned by any of these officers to assist in making arrests or preserving the peace while he or she is actually engaged in assisting the officer, a member of the military forces of this state or of the United States who is engaged in the performance of his or her duties, a person holding a valid license to carry the firearm pursuant to Article 3 (commencing with Section 26150 and 26155) of Chapter 1 of Title 2 of Part 4, or an armored vehicle guard, engaged in the performance of his or her duties, as defined in subdivision (e) of Section 7521 of the Business and Professions Code. (o) This section does not apply to an honorably retired peace officer authorized to carry a concealed or loaded firearm pursuant to subdivision (a) or (i) of Section 12027 or paragraph (1) or (8) of subdivision (b) of Section 25850.”)
See same. (“(m) This section does not apply to a security guard authorized to carry a loaded firearm pursuant to Section 25850.”)
San Bernardino criminal defense attorney Michael Scafiddi defends clients throughout the Inland Empire, including Banning, Barstow, Rancho Cucamonga, Hemet, Riverside, and San Bernardino County.
Penal Code 626.9 PC, California’s Gun-Free School Zone Act. (“(3) Any person who violates subdivision (d) [that is, discharging or attempting to discharge a firearm in a school zone] shall be punished by imprisonment in the state prison for three, five, or seven years.”)
See same. (“(h) Notwithstanding Section 12026, any person who brings or possesses a loaded firearm upon the grounds of a campus of, or buildings owned or operated for student housing, teaching, research, or administration by, a public or private university or college, that are contiguous or are clearly marked university property, unless it is with the written permission of the university or college president, his or her designee, or equivalent university or college authority, shall be punished by imprisonment in the state prison for two, three, or four years. Notwithstanding subdivision (k), a university or college shall post a prominent notice at primary entrances on noncontiguous property stating that firearms are prohibited on that property pursuant to this subdivision. (i) Notwithstanding Section 12026, any person who brings or possesses a firearm upon the grounds of a campus of, or buildings owned or operated for student housing, teaching, research, or administration by, a public or private university or college, that are contiguous or are clearly marked university property, unless it is with the written permission of the university or college president, his or her designee, or equivalent university or college authority, shall be punished by imprisonment in the state prison for one, two, or three years. Notwithstanding subdivision (k), a university or college shall post a prominent notice at primary entrances on noncontiguous property stating that firearms are prohibited on that property pursuant to this subdivision.”)
See same. (“(2) Any person who violates subdivision (b) by possessing a firearm within a distance of 1,000 feet from the grounds of a public or private school providing instruction in kindergarten or grades 1 to 12, inclusive, shall be punished as follows: (A) By imprisonment in the state prison for two, three, or five years, if any of the following circumstances apply: (i) If the person previously has been convicted of any felony, or of any crime made punishable by Chapter 1 (commencing with Section 12000) of Title 2 of Part 4. (ii) If the person is within a class of persons prohibited from possessing or acquiring a firearm pursuant to Section 29800 or 12021.1 of this code or Section 8100 or 8103 of the Welfare and Institutions Code. (iii) If the firearm is any pistol, revolver, or other firearm capable of being concealed upon the person and the offense is punished as a felony pursuant to Section 25400.”)
Penal Code 626.9 PC, California’s Gun-Free School Zone Act. (“(“(2) Any person who violates subdivision (b) by possessing a firearm within a distance of 1,000 feet from the grounds of a public or private school providing instruction in kindergarten or grades 1 to 12, inclusive, shall be punished as follows. (B) By imprisonment in a county jail for not more than one year or by imprisonment in the state prison for two, three, or five years, in all cases other than those specified in subparagraph (A) [specified above in endnote 21].”)
8 U.S. Code Section 1227 — Deportable aliens. (“(a) Classes of deportable aliens. Any alien (including an alien crewman) in and admitted to the United States shall, upon the order of the Attorney General, be removed if the alien is within one or more of the following classes of deportable aliens. (2) Criminal offenses .(C) Certain firearm offenses — Any alien who at any time after admission is convicted under any law of purchasing, selling, offering for sale, exchanging, using, owning, possessing, or carrying, or of attempting or conspiring to purchase, sell, offer for sale, exchange, use, own, possess, or carry, any weapon, part, or accessory which is a firearm or destructive device (as defined in section 921(a) of title 18) in violation of any law is deportable.”) Violating California’s Gun-Free School Zone Act is therefore a California crime that can lead to deportation.

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