Things You Need To Know About Gun Laws in Florida
In Florida, the law offers opportunities to carry a gun and even to use it in self-defense, however it requires extremely severe mandatory sentencing when a gun is not used in compliance with the law. This can cause confusion for some gun owners about what they can and cannot do when carrying a gun. Crimes allegedly committed with weapons, especially firearms, are taken extremely seriously by the state of Florida.
Gun Charges in Florida
What types of gun-related charges occur in Tampa and throughout Florida?
The following are examples of some of the most common gun-related charges in Florida. Many involve not having the proper permit or committing a crime with the aid of a gun.
- Armed robbery
- Aggravated assault/battery with a deadly weapon
- Carrying a concealed firearm without a permit
- Illegally selling a weapon
- Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
- Improper or illegal display of a firearm or deadly weapon
- Armed kidnapping
- Armed possession of illegal drugs
- Armed trafficking in illegal drugs
- Juveniles in possession of a weapon
- Possession of an illegal or unregistered firearm
There is an important law in Florida you should be aware of – the “10-20-Life” law.
10-20-Life Mandatory Minimum Sentences in Florida
If you have been accused of, or arrested for a crime involving a weapon, you are subject to elevated criminal charges and you could face substantial prison time. The most rigorous of Florida’s gun laws is the 10-20-Life law. Florida’s 10-20-Life law requires mandatory minimum sentences when a gun is used during the commission of a felony. Below are the sentencing requirements:
- For carrying a firearm, a 10 year minimum mandatory prison sentence;
- For discharging a firearm, a 20 year minimum mandatory prison sentence;
- For shooting someone (either injuring or killing), a 25 year minimum mandatory prison sentence, up to life in prison.
If You’ve Been Accused
Occasionally, people who possess firearms may feel a sense of power and a right to protection that could cause them to become involved in a troubling situation, such as pulling a gun out during a minor altercation. As indicated above, the state’s laws can allow for some uncertainty and the need for interpretation. Since the penalties are so severe, it is of utmost importance to seek the help of a Tampa criminal defense attorney right away if you have been charged with agun-related crime.
Help From an Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney
Contact Olivero Law, P.A. for a consultation about your alleged firearm or weapon offense in Florida. Speak to an experienced criminal defense lawyer in Tampa who will make every effort to help you avoid the most serious penalties and repercussions to your alleged offense.
