Understanding California's Felon with a Firearm Law: PC 29800 Unpacked

A firearms arrest can change everything overnight—especially when the allegation is California Penal Code 29800, commonly known as “felon in possession of a firearm.” If you or someone you care about is a Felon and gets accused of possessing fire arm (a gun) in Placer County, it’s typically treated as a serious felony case. The stress hits fast: the Arrest, the involvement of the Placer County Sheriff, and the urgency around bail can leave families scrambling to understand what’s happening and what to do next.

This blog explains PC 29800 in plain English, what prosecutors generally need to prove, what happens after an arrest in Placer County, and how the Bail bond process works—including using a Bailbond through a licensed bail agent and bail bondsman. We’ll also include a section on what makes Bail House Bail Bonds stand out compared to other agencies, plus a helpful Q&A at the end.

Important: This is general information, not legal advice. For legal guidance on a specific case, consult a California criminal defense attorney.

What Is California Penal Code 29800?

Penal Code 29800 makes it a felony for certain prohibited people—including someone convicted of a felony—to own, purchase, receive, or have in possession, custody, or control any firearm. In other words, if you are legally prohibited and are found with a gun (or the government claims you had custody or control over one), the state may file a California Penal code 29800 Felony charge.

The statute is broad. It covers not only physical possession, but also situations where prosecutors claim you had “custody or control” of a firearm. This is why these cases can arise from traffic stops, shared homes, borrowed vehicles, and other situations where multiple people have access to the same space.

Why PC 29800 Is Treated as a Felony

PC 29800 explicitly states that a person who meets the prohibited status and possesses (or controls) a firearm “is guilty of a felony.”

In California, many felonies that don’t list a specific penalty term fall under the “default felony triad”—16 months, 2 years, or 3 years—unless a different punishment is prescribed by law. That’s why you’ll often hear that a PC 29800 conviction can carry up to three years, depending on the facts, record, and sentencing choices.

What Prosecutors Usually Have to Prove

Every case turns on details, but most PC 29800 cases focus on two big issues:

1) Prohibited Status (Felon or other qualifying prohibition)

The prosecution must show the person was prohibited under the statute (commonly due to being a convicted Felon).

2) Possession, Custody, or Control of a Firearm

They must show the person owned, purchased, received, or had possession/custody/control of a firearm.

That second element is where many defenses and disputes happen.

What “Possession” Can Mean in a Felon-With-a-Firearm Case

People assume “possession” means the gun was in someone’s hand. Not necessarily.

In many cases, law enforcement alleges:

• Actual possession: the firearm is on the person (waistband, bag, etc.).

• Constructive possession: the firearm is in a place the person had access to and control over (a car console, a bedroom drawer, a shared closet), and prosecutors claim the person knew about it and could control it.

This is exactly why “I wasn’t holding it” is not always the end of the story. In shared homes or shared vehicles, investigators may still try to argue custody or control.

How These Arrests Often Happen in Placer County

A PC 29800 case in Placer County may start with:

• A traffic stop that leads to a search

• A probation/parole contact

• A domestic call where deputies respond and firearms are present

• A report of threats, brandishing, or suspicious activity

• A search warrant service

In many situations, the Placer County Sheriff (or local police) makes the arrest, then the person is booked into custody. From there, the immediate concern usually becomes: What is the bail amount, and how do we post bail?

What Happens After an Arrest

After an Arrest, a person is typically:

1. booked (fingerprints, records check, classification)

2. assigned charges for booking

3. held until release, bail posting, or court review

In Placer County, families commonly deal with custody at the Auburn Jail or the South Placer Jail (Roseville). The Sheriff’s “Posting Bail” guidance explains that bail may be posted by cash, certain certified instruments, or a Bail bond, and that bail bonds must be delivered by a Licensed Bail Agent.

The same Sheriff resource lists the key information a licensed bail agent typically needs to process a bond—such as Bail Amount, charges, court case number, court date/department, and jail identification number.

Bail Amount: Why It Can Feel So High on Firearm Felonies

Bail is designed to encourage court appearance and protect public safety. With firearm-related felonies, courts often take the allegations seriously, which can influence the bail amount and release conditions.

Bail can depend on:

• the person’s prior record

• whether there are additional charges filed with PC 29800

• whether the incident involved alleged threats or other aggravating facts

• warrants, probation/parole status, or prior failures to appear

Even within the same Penal Code section, bail can vary widely based on the full context.

What Is a Bail Bond or Bailbond?

A Bail bond (often written as Bailbond) is a financial guarantee posted to the court that allows a person to be released while the case is pending. Instead of paying the full bail amount to the court, families often work with a licensed bail bondsman and bail agent who posts the bond.

In Placer County, the Sheriff’s posting-bail guidance specifically recognizes “Bail Bond” as a method of posting bail and notes that bail bonds may be submitted for processing 24/7 at both jails, with an additional note to contact the jail before arriving if posting after 7 PM.

The benefit of a bail bond is simple: it can help someone get out faster when the bail is too high to pay in full.

What Families Should Do Immediately After a PC 29800 Arrest

When a loved one is booked on a felony firearms allegation, the first day is about stabilizing the situation:

1. Confirm where they’re being held (Auburn Jail vs. South Placer Jail) and get booking details.

2. Avoid discussing case facts on recorded calls. Jail calls are often monitored.

3. Get the bail amount and case information needed for a bail agent.

4. Contact a defense attorney early—PC 29800 cases often turn on possession, knowledge, and how the firearm was discovered.

5. Follow release terms strictly. Court compliance matters immediately.

Why These Cases Are So Defendable (Without Getting Into “Loopholes”)

Without giving anyone a roadmap to break the law, it’s still fair to say: many PC 29800 cases come down to proof.

Common areas of dispute include:

• whether the person actually knew a firearm was present

• whether the person had the ability to control it (custody/control)

• whether the firearm was lawfully discovered (search-and-seizure issues)

• whether the person’s prior status legally triggers the prohibition under the statute

Those questions are exactly why an experienced attorney should review the reports and evidence early.

Q&A: California Penal Code 29800 Felony in Placer County

1) What does Penal Code 29800 mean?

PC 29800 makes it a felony for prohibited people—commonly someone convicted of a felony—to own, purchase, receive, or have possession/custody/control of a firearm.

2) Is PC 29800 always a felony?

PC 29800 is written as a felony offense. Many felonies without a specific term fall under the default felony punishment range of 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years unless another punishment applies.

3) How can someone be charged if the gun wasn’t in their hands?

Because the law includes not only possession, but also “custody or control.” Prosecutors may argue constructive possession depending on the facts.

4) How do I post bail in Placer County after an arrest?

Placer County’s Sheriff guidance notes bail may be posted by cash, certified instruments, or a Bail Bond, and that bail bonds must be delivered by a licensed bail agent.

5) What information does a bail agent usually need?

The Sheriff’s posting-bail page lists common items needed for processing a bail bond, including the Bail Amount, charges, court case number, court date/department, and jail identification number.

What Makes Bail House Bail Bonds Stand Out Compared to Other Agencies

When someone is arrested, families don’t need more stress—they need clarity and action. Bail House Bail Bonds stands out because they focus on fast service, clear communication, and hands-on guidance through the bail process.

What many families value most:

• Speed and responsiveness: Firearm felony arrests are time-sensitive. Getting the bail process moving quickly can make a huge difference.

• Clear, step-by-step help: From explaining how a Bail bond works to identifying what information is needed, the process is made easier to understand.

• Professional, confidential service: Charges involving a Felon and possessing fire arm allegations can carry stigma—discretion matters.

• Local experience: Working regularly with Placer County jail procedures means fewer delays and fewer mistakes when timing matters.

If you need a bail agent and bail bondsman who can help you act quickly after an Arrest, Bail House Bail Bonds is a dependable option for families trying to get through a difficult moment.

All Things Considered 

A California Penal code 29800 Felony case is serious—especially in Placer County, where the Placer County Sheriffand courts treat firearms allegations with high scrutiny. If you’re dealing with an Arrest for “felon with a firearm” or possessing fire arm allegations, the most important early steps are: get accurate booking details, avoid discussing facts on recorded calls, consult a defense attorney, and handle bail quickly and responsibly.

If bail is set and your family needs help posting a Bailbond or Bail bond, working with Bail House Bail Bonds, an experienced bail agent and bail bondsman, can help you move from panic to a plan—fast.