(561) 988-8000 A laser pointer may seem like a toy or even a useful piece of equipment, but the improper use of a laser can lead to criminal charges. Shining the powerful light of a laser pointer at vehicles, aircraft, and people can create risks, which could result in criminal charges under Florida state law.
Shining lasers at an airplane or around an airport, for example, could be an illegal use of laser pointers in Broward County. If you are charged with unlawful use of a laser, you should reach out to an Attorney at Leifert & Leifert to defend yourself.
Possible Crimes Involving Laser Pointers
Illegal uses of laser pointers can vary from trivial to serious, depending on the perceived threat of that use. Pointing a laser at people, objects, and vehicles can be a crime, but not all uses are outlawed.
At the lowest levels, a very specific use—pointing a laser at a Law Enforcement Officer to make the officer believe a firearm is pointed their way—is not even a criminal violation. Instead, it is punishable as a noncriminal infraction under Florida Statutes §784.062 and can result in a $500 fine.
Other uses, however, can be charged as Felonies and lead to more severe penalties. Under the same statute, pointing a laser beam at the operator of a vehicle is a third-degree Felony, punishable by a prison sentence of up to 5 years and a fine of up to $5,000. If that same action leads to bodily injury, the crime upgrades to a second-degree Felony. This can result in a longer sentence of up to 15 years in prison and a maximum fine of $10,000, as specified under Florida Statutes § 775.082 and § 775.083.
The illegal pointing of lasers at vehicles applies to cars, boats, and aircraft in Broward County. If a person finds themselves facing criminal charges for such a use, our Attorneys can help you push back and show that you should have your charges dismissed, dropped, or be found not guilty.
How a Defense Attorney Can Help
The first thing our lawyers can do is help you know what charges you may face based on the facts of the situation. Our Attorneys can then see what should be done immediately and how your defense should be planned going forward.
If a suspect has not yet been charged, our lawyers can make sure that you do not accidentally incriminate yourself and that the police follow the rules for interrogation and collecting evidence. After charges are filed, our Attorneys can continue building your narrative of what happened.
By interviewing witnesses and analyzing the allegedly criminal event, an Attorney can push back against the Prosecution and convince the prosecutor, judge, or jury that there is no guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. In particular, criminalized uses of laser pointers require a level of intent—knowingly and willfully aiming and shining a laser—so an accidental use would not be a crime.
Working with one of our Leifert & Leifert Broward County criminal defense lawyers can help you with accusations of unlawful use of a laser pointer and put together your defense in order to preserve your freedom and prevent criminal consequences.
Talk to a Broward County Attorney To Learn More About Unlawful Uses of Laser Pointers
Rather than confronting police and a prosecutor on your own, you should rely on the representation of one of our skilled criminal defense lawyers. With the prospect of jail time and large fines for illegal use of laser pointers in Broward County, it is critical that you contact on of our Attorneys who can fight for the best possible result for you.
At Leifert & Leifert, we can review your case during a free initial consultation, and we can follow up with an investigation. Call our offices to set up an appointment and begin building your defense today.
