In many cases, individuals with concealed carry permits inadvertently bring weapons into places where they are prohibited by state or federal law. For instance, you may grab a carry-on bag to take to the airport or go to your children’s school without realizing that you still are in possession of your lawful weapon. If you are accused of carrying a concealed firearm in a prohibited location, you may benefit from consultation with a Ft. Lauderdale concealed weapons defense lawyer.
Even if you have a concealed weapons permit, law enforcement officials typically have a zero-tolerance approach to finding guns in a gun-free zone, even if it clearly is a mistake. The dedicated gun attorneys at Leifert & Leifert could help you protect your rights.
Concealed Weapons Carry Laws and Licensing
Pursuant to Fla. Stat. § 790.01, it is generally illegal to carry a concealed weapon or firearm on your persons without a proper license issued by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. This department may issue a concealed carry license to U.S. citizens or permanent resident aliens who meet the following requirements:
- Age 21 or older
- No physical infirmities that prevent the safe handling of a weapon or firearm
- No felony convictions
- Proof of competence with a firearm by completing an approved firearm or hunting safety course
There also are other restrictions on obtaining a concealed weapons permit relating to various types of criminal convictions that have occurred in the past three years. These often include offenses involving controlled substances, discharge of a firearm under the influence of alcohol, habitual offender designations for disorderly intoxication, two or more DUI convictions, and misdemeanor domestic violence.
Additionally, applicants for a concealed weapons permit typically must not have been adjudicated as an incapacitated person, been committed to a mental institution, or be subject to an injunction restraining them from domestic violence or acts of repeat violence. A lawyer in Ft. Lauderdale could help someone determine if they violated a concealed weapons law.
Locations in Ft. Lauderdale Where all Weapons are Prohibited
Florida law generally prohibits individuals from carrying any weapons, including concealed weapons, in several different locations, including:
- Police departments
- Jails, prisons, and detention facilities
- Courthouses
- Schools, colleges, and universities
- Airports
- Federal property
The fact that a person has a concealed weapons permit does not permit an individual to carry that weapon onto the gun-free zones listed above. A Ft. Lauderdale attorney could help someone build a defense if they have been charged with bringing a concealed weapon into a gun-free zone.
Penalties for Unlawful Concealed Carry
Individuals who are caught unlawfully carrying a concealed weapon, other than a firearm, could potentially face First-Degree Misdemeanor charges. These charges may result in up to one year in jail or probation, as well as up to $1,000 in fines.
Someone who is accused of unlawfully carrying a concealed firearm could possibly face Third-Degree Felony charges under Florida law. This could result in a sentence of incarceration of up to five years, probation, and a fine of up to $5,000. For those with previous convictions, the potential jail time and fines could become even steeper.
Consult a Ft. Lauderdale Concealed Weapons Attorney
Carrying a concealed weapon without the proper permit may result in very serious charges with life-long repercussions for both your personal and professional life. As a result, you should take every necessary action to protect your rights.
Contacting a Ft. Lauderdale concealed weapons lawyer from Leifert & Leifert may be instrumental in reducing the impact of these charges. Call today to see how our lawyers could help.
