Common Types of Guns and Weapons Violations
Florida has strict laws regarding guns and weapons, and violations can lead to serious penalties. It is important for anyone who is considering engaging with a weapon to understand Florida’s weapons laws in order to avoid legal troubles.
If an unlicensed firearm or prohibited weapon was discovered on your person or property, seek immediate legal support from a skilled Clearwater criminal defense lawyer. Hiring an attorney means you will have a seasoned professional working to protect your rights and secure the best possible outcome given the details of your case.
Concealed Carry, Prohibited Weapons, and Unlicensed Guns
Weapons laws in the state of Florida govern the possession, sale, and use of firearms and other weapons. Some key aspects of FL weapon laws include the following.
- Concealed carry. In order to have a concealed firearm on your person, you need to have a concealed carry license. Before even considering carrying a weapon, take steps to obtain the proper permit and comply with the correct regulations.
- Prohibited weapons. And there are certain weapons that you are prohibited from having in Florida whether you have a gun license or not. For example, machine guns, short-barreled shotguns, and ballistic knives, are strictly prohibited.
- Felony in possession. If you were charged with a felony offense and convicted, you are prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition. This prohibition is in place under both federal and state laws.
Gun charges and weapon offenses are serious, and if you are caught in possession without the necessary permits or licenses, harsh penalties are possible.
Misdemeanors, Felonies, and Enhanced Penalties
Generally, if you are facing a possession charge for an unlicensed firearm it will be considered a misdemeanor offense in Florida, but that does not mean there are no consequences. A misdemeanor weapon conviction could lead to up to a year in jail, probation, fines, and having to cope with a permanent criminal record.
It is also important to recognize that depending on the circumstances, the possession of certain prohibited firearms or weapons could lead to felony charges that carry more severe penalties, such as substantial prison sentences, hefty fines, and long-term consequences. And if you were in possession of an unlicensed firearm while committing a separate crime, enhanced penalties, from mandatory minimum sentences and increased fines, will likely follow.
After an arrest, connect with a Clearwater criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. Your attorney will immediately provide you with guidance and begin thoroughly investigating the circumstances surrounding your case, including evaluating the evidence against you. In some cases, there is a path to challenging the legality of the search or arrest, but if that is not possible in your unique situation, your attorney may begin the process of negotiating with prosecutors to seek reduced charges, lesser penalties, or alternative sentencing options.
Should you hire a criminal attorney? If you are facing a Florida weapons charge, the answer is yes. The legal team at King Law Group can provide you with legal expertise and may be able to negotiate a favorable outcome through discussions with the prosecution team. Schedule your free consultation today.
