Sunrise has relatively liberal gun laws. While the state does not generally allow the open carry of firearms, it does issue permits for carrying concealed handguns. Like the United States Constitution, the Florida State Constitution, in a provision adopted in 1990, guarantees residents the right to bear arms, imposing a mandatory three-day waiting period in any purchase of a gun. At the same time, the state takes crimes involving firearms seriously.
When a deadly weapon is involved in any offense, the penalties for a crime could become much more severe. If you face a gun-related charge under state law, you should reach out to one of our determined Attorneys at Leifert & Leifert for help.
Sunrise Law on Open and Concealed Carry
Under the laws related to firearms listed in §790.001 through 790.07 of the 2019 Florida Statutes, to receive a concealed carry permit from the state, an applicant must be at least 21 years old and, with limited exceptions, a resident and citizen of the U.S. or a non-citizen with permanent residency. Additional requirements for issuance include:
- Sufficient physical ability
- Health to manage a gun safely
- Demonstrated skill with firearms
- Record free of certain criminal offenses in the previous three years
Carrying a concealed firearm in Sunrise without a properly issued permit constitutes a third-degree Felony, and the state requires no warrant for arrest when a law enforcement officer has proper grounds to conclude that someone is carrying a concealed weapon unlawfully. While state law generally prohibits carrying a firearm openly, someone licensed to carry a concealed weapon may quickly reveal a firearm in their possession to another person in the interest of self-defense. Someone in Sunrise accused of improperly carrying a firearm could learn more about state gun laws and how to make a potentially sound case against a criminal charge by speaking with an experienced gun Attorney.
Other Prohibitions on the Use and Possession of Guns
Under Florida Statutes §790.07 through 790.151, even a person with a license to carry a concealed weapon may not carry or in any way use or threaten to use a firearm while committing or attempting a Felony. The prohibition extends to anyone who has been indicted for a Felony charge, and in either case, a first-time violation constitutes a third-degree Felony. Other offenses include:
- Displaying a gun to others when no necessity for self-defense exists
- Displaying a gun at or near a school, at a school bus stop, or on a school bus
- Carrying a concealed gun at a pharmacy without a permit to carry
- Firing a gun in public or in or near a home or residential property
- Using a gun while under the influence of an intoxicating or controlled substance
These offenses vary in degree from first-degree Misdemeanors to third-degree Felonies. Someone charged with unlawfully using or carrying a firearm in Sunrise could receive valuable information about penalties, exceptions, and other relevant legal issues by contacting an Attorney familiar with gun laws and regulation.
Schedule a Consultation with a Sunrise Gun Attorney
A gun charge can appear daunting, but multiple opportunities may exist that allow you to avoid the worst-case scenario when it comes to a conviction and penalty.
If you face a charge related to a firearm, avoid going to court without considering potential legal strategies that could be at your disposal. Call a Sunrise gun Lawyer at Leifert & Leifert to see what they can do to help you protect yourself.
