Boca Raton Weapon Offense Lawyer
Whether you were aware of violating state law or not, the weapons offense charges against you must be taken extremely seriously. Weapons offenses in Florida are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, and convicted felons can see their lives go down the drain in a matter of months simply for possessing a weapon without a permit, or even allowing a child access to their loaded firearm in their own home. You need an experienced litigator on your side. Criminal defense lawyer Jason B. Blank at Haber | Blank LLP is that person. Here at Haber | Blank LLP, our Boca Raton weapon offense lawyer will do everything in their power to keep you out of jail, preserve your right to bear arms, and preserve your good name.
Most Common Weapons Offenses in Florida
There are many weapons offenses in the state of Florida. Below are some of the most common:
- Unlicensed carry
- Improper exhibition or brandishing of a firearm
- Unlawful sale or purchase of a firearm
- Possession of an illegal firearm
- Possession or discharging of a firearm on school property
- Discharging a firearm in public
- Allowing a child under 16 access to a loaded firearm
- Carrying a firearm during the commission of another criminal offense
Penalties for Weapons Offenses in Florida
All weapons offenses carry serious felony penalties for convicted offenders, whether the weapon was a handgun, long gun (rifle), explosive device, blade, or other dangerous weapon. In addition to losing your right to own a firearm, you are also likely facing heavy fines and jail or prison time, if convicted. One of the most serious weapons offenses is possession during the commission of a crime. If the defendant was carrying a firearm during the commission of a crime, such as a robbery or burglary, the offense can be enhanced to the next highest degree of felony. Furthermore, Florida’s 10/20/life statute carries a mandatory minimum of:
- 10 years in prison if the defendant possessed a firearm during the commission of the crime
- 20 years if the firearm was discharged during the commission of a crime
- 25 years to life in prison if a victim was seriously injured or killed because of the firearm discharge
Defense to Weapons Charges
Every case is different, and there are a number of scenarios in which a defendant may be able to clear their name with the help of an experienced Boca Raton weapons offenses lawyer. A few possible lines of defense include:
- Not having knowledge about the firearm (police found a firearm in the vehicle you were driving but you did not know it was there)
- Illegal search and seizure
- You did have the proper permits to carry the firearm
- Self defense under Florida’s Stand Your Ground law
Call a Boca Raton Weapon Offense Lawyer
If you have been charged with any type of weapons offense, the most important thing you can do right now is to call an experienced Boca Raton weapon offense lawyer at Haber | Blank LLP. Our criminal defense team has the knowledge, resources, and experience to deliver the best possible outcome in your specific case. Call us today at 954-767-0300 to schedule a free consultation.
