Tavares, FL Weapons Charges Attorney

Our Second Amendment provides the right to bear arms, however there are situations that may result in criminal charges in Florida. Individuals may obtain a gun license after completing a firearm/gun safety course except under specific circumstances, for example if an individual has a prior felony conviction or problems with alcohol or substance abuse. Still, the state is zealous in its efforts to impose the 10/20/Life penalty for those facing weapons charges. At Adams, Luka, & Benton, our Tavares criminal defense attorneys are aggressive, skilled, and dedicated to protecting your rights while providing unparalleled legal guidance.

When an individual is licensed to carry a gun there are certain locations where firearms are prohibited under federal and state laws. These include airport passenger terminals, polling locations, prison, jail, or detention facilities, law enforcement stations (sheriff, highway, police), courthouses and courtrooms, career centers, establishments that serve alcohol, and more. Additionally, when a gun or weapon is present during the commission of another crime such as assault, burglary, or a sex crime, it may make what is already a bad situation worse - you could face enhanced charges.

There are basically four criminal charges a person may find him- or herself facing involving weapons or guns. These include:

Illegal Sale of a Weapon/Firearm. Licensed gun dealers must comply with specific procedures in order to sell a weapon which include performing a background check on the potential buyer and a waiting period before the gun may be delivered to the customer. Failure to comply may result in loss of license and felony charges.

Unlawful Discharge of a Firearm. A first-degree misdemeanor, unlawfully discharging a weapon in a public place can leave you facing criminals charges. Firing a gun/weapon from a vehicle within 1,000 feet of a person may leave you facing second-degree felony charges.

Unlawful Possession of a Firearm. As mentioned earlier, certain individuals are prohibited from possessing a gun or firearm. These include those who have been found guilty of a felony offense, someone who has a restraining order filed against him or her for stalking/harassment, anyone younger than 16, and those convicted of domestic violence.

Weapons/Gun Trafficking & Smuggling. Those who allegedly traffic in weapons or guns may face federal charges in addition to state charges. A conviction typically results in serious criminal penalties, as smuggling/trafficking are taken extremely seriously in the state of Florida.

Other weapons charges may include carrying a concealed weapon and other offenses involving a gun or weapon. The penalties for a conviction on weapon charges in Tavares may include:

• A minimum of 10 years in prison for possessing a gun during the commission of a crime;
• A minimum of 20 years in prison for discharging (firing) a firearm during the commission of a crime;
• A minimum of 25 years with possible life imprisonment for shooting someone during the commission of a crime.

As you can clearly see, the criminal penalties for weapon charges in central Florida are serious and often life-changing. While many individuals own guns or firearms for purposes such as hunting or self-defense, there are certain situations that can leave you facing criminal charges and the resulting punishment if found guilty. Our Tavares criminal defense lawyers work vigorously to protect your legal rights, explore all possible options, and have charges dismissed or reduced when possible. We also fight aggressively inside the courtroom should your case go to trial. For the best possible result, contact Adams, Luka, & Benton today at 407-872-0307.