Prosecutors in Florida aggressively prosecute cases involving firearms and other weapons. While carrying a concealed weapon is a serious offense, most people who are accused have no prior criminal record, and often carry a firearm or other weapon for protection, hunting, or other reasons. You may be an upstanding member of the community who has never been in trouble with the law. At Adams, Luka, & Benton, our Orlando weapon defense lawyers understand that good people often find themselves in stressful situations. Our top priority is to protect your legal rights and help you avoid criminal penalties. We understand that any crime can have a negative impact on your career and reputation; we have the experience, skill, and committed approach necessary to secure positive results.
Carrying a firearm or weapon in the glove compartment or trunk of a vehicle is not illegal, however carrying a gun on your body or in a location close to your person, such as under a car seat, is illegal if you do not have a license to do so. Anyone who is arrested for carrying a concealed firearm in Florida will face third-degree felony charges; a conviction could result in jail/prison time. Other weapons such as knives, nun chucks, brass knuckles, or other items that could be construed as a weapon will result in misdemeanor charges.
Defenses to Carrying a Concealed Weapon or Firearm in FloridaIn order to be convicted of carrying a concealed weapon, the state must prove very specific elements. Prosecutors must prove that you actually carried a weapon (had it in your possession, such as in a pocket), or that the weapon was within easy reach and at your disposal in an instant, and that the weapon was concealed, which means that a person would not ordinarily see the weapon in the course of conversation or interactions - it is essentially "hidden" from ordinary view. If the prosecutor cannot prove these elements, you cannot be found guilty of carrying a concealed weapon.
The defense your attorney develops in your situation will depend on the fact of your case. Some of the most common defense strategies used on behalf of those charged with carrying a concealed weapon/firearm include:
The penalties an individual may face if found guilty depend on whether a "weapon" (knife, nun chucks, baseball bat, etc.) was involved, or a firearm. Those convicted of carrying a concealed firearm will face punishment that includes:
Carrying a concealed weapon may result in the following penalties, as it is a first degree misdemeanor:
Individuals who are found guilty of either offense will have a permanent criminal record.
Contact Adams, Luka, & Benton NowAs trusted Orlando & Central Florida concealed weapons attorneys, we have obtained positive results for many of our clients. We know that no one wants a criminal record, or to lose his/her freedom. You may not have been aware that you were doing anything illegal at all. At Adams, Luka, & Benton, we will work vigorously in an effort to protect you from a conviction, and obtain good results. Call now for a free consultation at (407) 872-0307 or (352) 787-2101.
I would like thank my attorney Thomas Luka. I knew from the beginning I had the right guy in my corner. While celebrating with family and friends at a Public Park in Seminole County, a fight broke out among various people. Myself, and a good friend, broke up the fight and the instigators left. Six months later, I was wrongly accused as the person who started the fight. The first attorney I hired could not even get a response from the State Attorney handling the case. Someone referred me to Tom and I felt comfortable at his demeanor and reactions.
After conversations with Tom, who knew I would settle for nothing less than a FULL DISMISSAL due to my innocence, I hired him. His firm Adams, Luka, & Benton did the due diligence by interviewing witnesses and the police who were on the scene, as well as starting a dialogue with the State Attorney. After gathering statements from witnesses, Tom was able to present a strong argument on my behalf to the State Attorney on why the case should be dismissed. If the State Attorney was not willing to dismiss the case, Tom was ready to take the case to trial.
The result by Thomas Luka: Case Dismissed.
I am 53 years old with a spotless record and glad to keep it that way thanks to the time, effort, hard work, and professionalism of Adams, Luka, & Benton.