Guns and other weapons are highly regulated, and Florida gun charges are not taken lightly. Florida lawmakers have enacted complex laws related to the possession of weapons and firearms, many of which carry significant penalties, including lengthy periods of incarceration. However, with a strong defense, people facing gun charges may be able to avoid the consequences of a conviction. As a Brevard County gun crime lawyer, I proudly represent people who are facing all types of firearms and weapons charges. Over the past 14 years, I have handled countless gun cases on behalf of clients from all backgrounds and walks of life.
Florida lawmakers have passed a series of laws governing the possession of weapons, including but not limited to guns. Florida Statutes section 790.001 distinguishes between a “weapon” and a “firearm,” but both of these terms are broadly defined. Most people in Florida can purchase a gun legally without a permit or a need to register the gun. However, a person must obtain a permit to carry a concealed weapon. Carrying an unlicensed concealed firearm is a felony offense punishable by five years in prison and a $5,000 fine.
Even if a gun owner obtains a permit, there are still restrictions on how they carry and use the firearm. For example, anyone who brandishes a firearm in a dangerous or threatening manner within 1,000 feet of a school zone may face a third-degree felony charge, which carries a maximum of five years’ imprisonment and a $5,000 fine. A lawful gun owner is also prohibited from using a firearm while intoxicated, and they may face misdemeanor charges if they do so. Even though a misdemeanor charge is less serious than a felony charge, a gun owner should consult a gun crime attorney in Brevard County to explore their options for fighting the charge.
Perhaps the most serious gun crime involves being a felon in possession of a firearm. Depending on a defendant’s past criminal convictions, someone who has previously been convicted of a felony and is found in possession of a gun faces potential first-degree felony charges that can carry a 30-year prison sentence and a fine of up to $15,000.
All gun crimes are serious, and a conviction can have a lasting impact on an individual’s life, including jail time, probation, and significant fines and court costs. Even after release, a criminal record can undermine a Florida resident’s efforts to get a job, education, or housing. I understand the magnitude of what is at stake, and I represent clients in all types of weapons cases, including:
As an experienced Brevard County gun crime attorney, I understand the nuances of these cases and will investigate the facts leading to your charges to develop a compelling defense strategy. For example, I have litigated many motions to suppress, which is a common way to beat a gun charge. This involves challenging the admissibility of the evidence submitted by the prosecution on constitutional grounds.
If you have recently been arrested and charged with a gun crime, give me a call to discuss your case. I represent clients facing all types of serious weapons crimes. I recognize the effect that pending criminal charges can have on your life, and I will take every step possible to lessen the burdens on you during this difficult time. I handle cases throughout Brevard County, including in Cocoa, Cocoa Beach, Melbourne, Merritt Island, Cape Canaveral, Rockledge, Titusville, Mims, Palm Bay, Satellite Beach, West Melbourne, Indian Harbour Beach, Melbourne Village, Melbourne Beach, Indialantic, Palm Shores, and Grant-Valkaria. To learn more, and to schedule a free consultation with a gun crime lawyer in Brevard County, give me a call at 321-254-3455 or 321-576-8398 today.