Gun Defense Attorney Near Me in Palm Beach County FL
Firearm offenses are taken very seriously in the state of Florida, and the penalties for these offenses can be severe. If you have been charged with a firearm offense, it is important to understand the charges against you and to seek the advice of an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.
Some common firearm offenses in Florida include:
- Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon: Under Florida law, it is illegal for a person who has been convicted of a felony to possess a firearm. This offense is a second-degree felony, punishable by up to 15 years in prison.
- Improper Exhibition of a Firearm: This offense is a first-degree misdemeanor, punishable by up to 1 year in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.
- Carrying a Concealed Firearm: It is illegal to carry a concealed firearm in Florida without a concealed carry permit. This offense is a third-degree felony, punishable by up to 5 years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000.
- Discharging a Firearm in Public: It is illegal to discharge a firearm in a public place in Florida, with some exceptions for self-defense or lawful hunting. This offense is a first-degree misdemeanor, punishable by up to 1 year in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.
- Possession of a Firearm during the Commission of a Crime: If a person possesses a firearm during the commission of certain crimes, such as robbery or burglary, they may face additional charges and penalties. The penalties for this offense can vary widely depending on the circumstances of the crime.
If you are facing charges for a firearm offense in Florida, it is important to seek the advice of a skilled criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. An attorney can help you understand the charges against you, build a strong defense strategy, and protect your rights throughout the legal process.
Possible defenses to firearm offenses may include challenging the legality of the search that led to the discovery of the firearm, or arguing that you were acting in self-defense.
Mandatory Minimums
If a firearm is used during the commission of a criminal offense then the State of Florida has what is called mandatory minimums. A mandatory minimum means that if the prosecutor proves the necessary elements at trial, then the judges hands are tied and the lowest sentence he can give you is what the State of Florida says he can.
The MANDATORY MINIMUMS for firearm offenses in Florida are as followed:
- Being in actual possession of a firearm as a convicted felon is 3 years in prison.
- Committing a crime with a firearm is 10 years in prison.
- Using a firearm during the commission of the crime is 20 years in prison.
- Shooting someone with a firearm during the commission of a violent crime is 25 years in prison.
Although the judge would have no discretion if he was the one sentencing you, your defense attorney can still negotiate with the prosecutor with the goal to get you a lower sentence. If you are charged with a crime involving weapons, you need an attorney that will fight vigorously for you.
Contact Us
At The DUI Center, we have extensive experience dealing with firearm offenses in Florida. We understand the seriousness of these charges and the impact they can have on your life, and we are committed to providing you with the best possible defense.
Former prosecutor Andrew Simko has experience working in the criminal justice system, and has a deep understanding of how prosecutors and law enforcement officers build their cases. This knowledge can be valuable in crafting a strong defense strategy. He has a thorough understanding of the legal system and the rules of evidence, which can be critical in building a strong defense. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can help you.