California, United States of America
The following excerpt is from The People v. Sanders, No. BF126309A, No. F059287 (Cal. App. 2011):
Thus, appellant's unlawful possession of each shotgun constitutes "a distinct and separate offense." ( 12001, subd. (k).) Yet, separate sentences must nonetheless be supported by substantial evidence of independent criminal objectives. ( 654; People v. Cleveland, supra, 87 Cal.App.4th at pp. 267-268.) Here, the record lacks such evidence. The two shotguns were found next to each other in the master bedroom closet. The record does not contain any proof that appellant intended to use these weapons in different crimes or to sell them to different people. There is also no proof that appellant obtained the shotguns in separate transactions. There is no evidence the two weapons were previously used in different crimes.
The above passage should not be considered legal advice. Reliable answers to complex legal questions require comprehensive research memos. To learn more visit www.alexi.com.