Experienced Florida Criminal Defense Attorney For Guns/Weapons Offenses

Aside from the obvious consequences, you could see negative impacts on your social, family, or career life if you are convicted of a Florida weapon crime. When the stakes are so high, you must take steps to protect your rights and interests. When defending against these charges, do not leave any aspect of your defense up to chance. To ensure the best chances of success, you must hire an experienced weapon crimes attorney. A skilled Florida weapon crimes attorney does more than just defend you: they can ensure your rights are respected and that your voice is heard. The Watson Firm, PLLC weapon crimes attorneys have an extensive track record of success in Florida weapon crimes cases and are ready to represent you. To learn more or schedule your initial case consultation, call (850) 607-2929 or visit our website today.

Information Center

1. Florida Weapon Crimes
2. Sale And Delivery Of Firearms
3. Discharging A Firearm In Public Or Residential Area
4. Unlicensed Carrying Of Concealed Weapons Or Firearms
5. Juvenile Weapons Offenses
6. Making, Possessing, And/Or Throwing Weapons, Weapons Of Mass Destruction
7. Hiring A Florida Weapon Crimes Attorney

Florida law criminalizes several acts committed with a firearm or weapon. Generally, these laws relate to the sale, possession, and use of firearms in violation of the law. These laws aim to prevent harm or misuse of weapons in furtherance of the public welfare. This page will cover some of the most common weapon crimes and how an experienced Florida weapon crime attorney can help.

Florida Weapon Crimes

Florida law covers several criminal behaviors associated with weapons. Some of the most common Florida weapon charges include:

• Sale and Delivery of Firearms;
• Discharging a Firearm in Public or Residential Area;
• Unlicensed Carrying of Concealed Weapon or Firearm;
• Juvenile Weapons Offenses;
• Making, Possessing, and/or Throwing Weapons, Weapons of Mass Destruction;
• Brandishing a Firearm, Weapon in Public;
• Using Firearms While Intoxicated; and
• Violent Career Criminal.

Sale And Delivery Of Firearms

Selling and delivering firearms applies specifically to importers, manufacturers, dealers, collectors, and other buyers. The law requires that the above only sell to other manufacturers, importers, dealers, and collectors who are licensed until:

• A request for an investigation is completed by the Department of Law Enforcement;
• A fee for a criminal background check has been received;
• A completed form authorized by the Department of Law Enforcement is received and
• They have received an approval number for the transactions.

If not specifically followed, you may be subject to various felony charges as provided below.

Employees and agencies of licensed manufacturers, importers, or dealers provide false information: third-degree felony, punishable by five years in prison and/or up to a $5000 fine.

Anyone selling a gun to a person under 21: third-degree felony with up to five years in prison and/or fine of up to $5000.

Purchases of a firearm for intended use by one who cannot legally possess: third-degree felony punishable by a five-year prison term and/or up to a $5000 fine.

Buyer or transferee provides false information during firearm transaction: third-degree felony subject to five years in prison and/or up to a $5000 fine.

Falsified information from dealer or manufacturer: third-degree felony punishable by five years in prison and/or up to a $5000 fine.

Discharging A Firearm In Public Or Residential Area

You may be charged with discharging a firearm in a public or residential area if you negligently or intentionally fire a weapon in a public or residential space. A conviction results in a first-degree misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in prison and/or a fine of up to $1000. The same penalties apply if you shoot a weapon for target practice in a public area and endanger others. If you intentionally discharge a weapon in a car and within 1000 feet of people in a public space, you will be charged with a second-degree felony. This charge is punishable by 15 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $10000. If you are a driver and convince a passenger to fire in a public area, you can be charged with a third-degree felony. This charge is punishable by up to five years in prison and/or fines of up to $5000.

Unlicensed Carrying Of Concealed Weapons Or Firearms

If you carry a concealed or electric weapon without a license, you may be charged with a first-degree misdemeanor. This charge is punishable by one year in prison and/or fines of up to $1000. If you carry a concealed firearm without a license, you may be charged with a third-degree felony. Third-degree felony carry of an unlicensed weapon could result in five years in prison and/or fines of up to $5000.

Juvenile Weapons Offenses

Florid law criminalizes the sale or trade of weapons other than a firearm to those younger than 18 without their parent or guardian's permission. If convicted, you face a first-degree misdemeanor with penalties of up to one year in prison and/or fines of up to $1000. If you sell a firearm to a minor, you may be charged with a third-degree felony, punishable by five years in prison and/or fines of up to $5000.

Making, Possessing, And/Or Throwing Weapons, Weapons Of Mass Destruction

Weapons

Anyone who illegally manufactures, distributes, and uses those weapons will be charged with a third-degree felony, punishable by five years in prison and/or fines of up to $5000. If you intend to inflict harm to people or property, this is a second-degree felony, with punishments of 15 years in prison and/or fines of up to $10000. If someone is killed as a result, you face first-degree murder charges, which come with up to life in prison and/or fines of up to $15000.

Weapons Of Mass Destruction

A weapon of mass destruction is any method of weapon (biological agents like viruses or toxins, radiation, chemicals) intended to severely harm or kill people or animals. If you manufacture, possess, threaten, or attempt to threaten the use of a weapon of mass destruction, you face a first-degree felony punishable by 30 years in prison and/or fines of up to $15000. If you attempt the same, but it is a hoax, you will be charged with a second-degree felony, with prison time of 15 years and/or fines of up to $10000.

Brandishing A Firearm, Weapon In Public

If you display a weapon or firearm in the presence of other people for purposes other than self-defense, you will be charged with a first-degree misdemeanor. Convictions for this charge involve a one-year prison sentence and/or fines of up to $1000.

Using Firearms While Intoxicated

Anyone who uses a firearm while under the influence of drugs and alcohol will face a second-degree misdemeanor. Convictions for this charge are punishable by 60 days in prison and/or fines of up to $500.

Violent Career Criminal

A violent career criminal is a convicted felon with three or more offenses, such as:

• Forcible felonies;
• Aggravated stalking;
• Aggravated child abuse;
• Aggravated elder or disabled adult abuse;
• Escape, or
• Lewd or lascivious battery, molestation, conduct, or exhibition.

If you meet these criteria and possess or discharge a weapon, you will be charged with a first-degree felony. This charge is punishable by 30 years in prison and/or fines of up to $15000.

Hiring A Florida Weapon Crimes Attorney

The criminal justice process is complicated and delicate. If not handled properly, the consequences of a conviction could be disastrous. When you need skilled weapon crimes representation, contact The Watson Firm, PLLC. The Watson Firm, PLLC weapon crimes attorneys understand the stakes and are ready to represent you. To learn more or schedule your initial case consultation concerning your weapons charges, call 850-607-2929 or visit our website today.