Modifications That Can Make Your Firearms Illegal in Fort Lauderdale

Many people in Florida enjoy modifying their firearms. Some might add sights, while others add different types of grips. Although many of these modifications are legal, some are not. It might be easier than you realize to unwittingly turn your legal firearm into an illegal variant. This issue is even more important in the era of 3D printing, online purchases of components, and other new innovations. What should you do if you were accused of illegally modifying your firearm in Fort Lauderdale?

Shortening Your Shotgun or Rifle 

Short-barreled rifles and shotguns are illegal in Florida. If you purchase a rifle or shotgun and then shorten it somehow, you could suddenly find yourself in possession of an illegal firearm. For rifles, the minimum barrel length is 16 inches. However, barrel length isn’t the only thing to consider. If you modify your firearm so that its total length is less than 26 inches, this also counts as a short-barreled rifle.

You might also face charges if caught with a short-barreled shotgun – also known as a “sawed-off shotgun.” The minimum barrel length in this case is even lower, and your shotgun barrel must be at least 18 inches. Like rifles, shotguns are also illegal if they are altered to have a length shorter than 26 inches.

There are various ways to unwittingly shorten rifles or shotguns in a manner that makes them illegal. The most obvious way is to saw down the barrel. You might also shorten the stock. A seemingly innocuous modification could shorten the firearm a few inches – and this could be enough to make the firearm illegal.

Adding a Pistol Brace

 Pistol braces have become quite controversial in the last few years. Due to a new rule set forth by the ATF, it is possible to face consequences if you add a “stabilizing brace” to your pistol. This may turn the pistol into a short-barreled rifle in the eyes of the ATF. If you own a “shotgun revolver,” you might also turn it into a short-barreled shotgun if you add a stabilizing brace.

Find an Experienced Firearm Defense Attorney in Fort Lauderdale 

If you’ve been searching for an experienced firearms defense lawyer in Fort Lauderdale, look no further than Haber & Blank, Attorneys at Law. Over the years, we have helped numerous defendants fight firearms charges. We understand how easy it can be to accidentally modify your firearms and create illegal variants. With our help, you can push back against excessive charges and avoid needless penalties. Book your consultation today to learn more about your legal options.

Sources:

leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0700-0799/0790/Sections/0790.221.html

myfloridalegal.com/newsrelease/attorney-general-moody-releases-legal-opinion-following-gun-rights-infringement-atf