In many cases, individuals with concealed carry permits inadvertently bring weapons into places where weapons 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 setting, 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.
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 concealed weapons defense attorney could help a person better understand their rights as a gun owner.
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 defense lawyer from Leifert & Leifert may be instrumental in reducing the impact of these charges. Call today to see how our lawyers could help.
