I beat a case in CA due to illegal search. If he gave verbal consent for them to search his vehicle, it is probably on dash/ body cam. If that's the case, don't try to fight it, he will not beat it. On the other hand, if there if there is no video/ audio, he will need a witness to coroborate his story, and would have to claim he refused the search. If there was two cops there, and he was by himself, claiming illegal search may be pointless, unless he likes jail.
All in all, he can probably strike a deal. If he's a first time offender, and the weapon was locked away the way you described, they will probably drop it to a misdemeanor.
It might not be wise to attack the integrity of the police officers if he gave consent, dumb mistake or not.
All in all, he can probably strike a deal. If he's a first time offender, and the weapon was locked away the way you described, they will probably drop it to a misdemeanor.
It might not be wise to attack the integrity of the police officers if he gave consent, dumb mistake or not.