The U.S. and Florida Constitutions protect the rights of individuals to keep and bear arms, but the sheer volume of state laws regulating the purchase, possession, and use of firearms can be confusing for gun owners.

If you are facing gun-related charges in Broward County or its surrounding areas, it is in your best interest to speak with a knowledgeable Plantation gun attorney as soon as possible.

An experienced criminal lawyer in Plantation can provide compassionate and aggressive legal representation, protecting your rights at every stage of the criminal process, and building a defense strategy that will help you secure the best outcome possible.

Gun Crimes in Florida

Under Florida law, gun crimes can be broken down into two categories – gun offenses and firearm enhancements. Gun offenses are crimes in which a person illegally possesses, purchases, uses, or carries a firearm. The most commonly charged gun offenses in Florida are:

  • Carrying a concealed firearm without a valid permit
  • Carrying (open or concealed) a firearm in a location that is prohibited by Florida Statute 790.06(12)(a)
  • Improper exhibition of dangerous firearms
  • Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
  • Possessing or discharging firearms at a school-sponsored event or on a school property
  • Failing to properly store a loaded firearm, which results in a minor under the 16 years of age gaining access to the firearm
  • Discharging a firearm in a public place

The penalties for these and other gun offenses can vary significantly in severity, ranging from a second-degree misdemeanor, which carries a maximum penalty of 60 days in jail and a $500 fine to a second-degree felony, which is punishable by up to 15 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. To help lessen these penalties, an individual should not hesitate before contacting a Plantation gun attorney.

Firearm Enhancements

When a firearm is possessed, discharged, or used to cause bodily injury or death during the commission of certain violent crimes, it either increases the penalties for the underlying crime or triggers a minimum mandatory sentence.

Florida’s most well-known firearm enhancement, 10-20-life, requires that judges impose minimum mandatory sentences for anyone convicted of a specified list of crimes if a gun was involved. The minimum mandatory sentences are as follows:

  • 10 years if a firearm is carried during the commission of a qualifying crime
  • 20 years if a firearm is discharged during the commission of a qualifying crime
  • Minimum of 25 years and maximum of life if a person is seriously injured or killed by a firearm during the commission of a qualifying crime

Some of the crimes specified in 10-20-life include:

  • Aggravated child abuse
  • Sexual battery
  • Murder
  • Robbery
  • Arson
  • Kidnapping
  • Burglary

In 2016, Governor Scott signed Senate Bill 288, which eliminated minimum mandatory sentencing requirements in 10-20-Life for aggravated assault. In aggravated assault cases involving a gun, judges now have more discretion to consider the totality of circumstances when imposing sentences. Because of this, an individual should be sure to contact a gun attorney in Plantation to best represent them against their charge.

Contact a Plantation Gun Attorney

If you have been arrested or charged with a gun-related crime, the good news is that you do not have to deal with this situation on your own. An experienced Plantation gun attorney understands just how stressful a criminal charge can be, which is why they will utilize the fullest extent of their knowledge, experience, and resources to obtain the most favorable result possible in your case.

To find out more about how a Plantation gun lawyer can assist you, contact immediately.

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