Clearwater Guns & Weapons Violation Lawyer
Federal law makes it illegal to buy or purchase a weapon without the proper permit. When applying for a gun license, you must inform the government if you have a felony on your record or if you meet other criteria that may preclude you from getting a gun license. Those who lie on these applications can be charged with crimes. Those who fail to get the proper license and are found in possession of a weapon can also face serious crimes, contact our Clearwater gun & weapon crime lawyer today.
Carrying an unlicensed and concealed weapon
Florida’s weapons laws don’t just apply to guns; however, being caught in possession of an unlicensed gun is considered a more severe offense than being caught in possession of an illegal knife or stun gun. Unlicensed knives and stun guns are misdemeanor crimes, punishable by up to a year in jail.
Illegal concealed carry of a gun is always a felony, punishable by up to five years in state prison.
Illegal sale and delivery of firearms
It is illegal to sell or buy firearms without the proper license. The following is a non-exhaustive list of sale and delivery gun crimes:
- A buyer provides false information when purchasing a firearm (3rd-degree felony, five-year maximum sentence)
- A buyer purchases a weapon for someone else who does not have a license (also called “straw buying”, 3rd-degree felony, five-year maximum sentence)
- A vendor who violates any of the federal statutes related to firearms (3rd-degree felony, five-year maximum)
- Weapons trafficking or the illegal sale of firearms outside of the regulatory framework
Illegal use of a firearm
There are several crimes that encompass unlawful use of a firearm. Acts like discharging a weapon in a public place or extreme negligence involving a weapon can be charged as 2nd-degree felonies that carry a potential sentence of up to 15 years. Using a firearm while under the influence of drugs or alcohol is also considered a crime. Additionally, “brandishing” a firearm, or displaying it in a threatening manner, is a crime.
Illegal modification of a firearm
Very few machine guns are legal under U.S. law. When the law was passed criminalizing machine guns, there were a number of individuals who were grandfathered in, allowing them to keep and possess machine guns that were manufactured prior to 1983. Any machine gun or modification to a weapon that makes the weapon the equivalent of a machine gun is illegal unless it was one of the original grandfathered pre-1983 machine guns.
Talk to a Clearwater, FL Weapons Charges Attorney Today
Most gun crimes are considered felonies, especially when the individual found in possession of the weapon was already a felon. However, gun charges aren’t necessarily as clear cut as they appear. Our attorneys can help you defend against the charges or arrange a plea deal that you can live with. Call King Law Group today to learn more.
