Florida has some of the toughest gun laws in the nation. There are multiple criminal statutes that specify restrictions related to gun possession and ownership. Criminal defendants who are facing firearm changes can have their best interests served by contacting a South Florida criminal defense attorney. Some of the firearm offenses that a South Florida criminal defense attorney can help with include the following charges;

Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon

Florida specifically prohibits certain individuals from being in possession of a firearm, including individuals who have been convicted of a felony and who have not had their civil rights restored.

Carrying a Concealed Weapon

If a person wishes to carry a concealed firearm, he or she must go through the proper legal channels to lawfully obtain a concealed firearm permit. Otherwise it is against the law to store a gun under the seat of a car, in a purse or to have it in a waistband.

Aggravated Assault with a Firearm

In Florida, a simple misdemeanor assault charge is upgraded to felony aggravated assault when a threat of violence is combined with a display of a deadly weapon such as a gun. A conviction for such a crime caries a three year minim mandatory prison sentence.

Possession of a Stolen Firearm

Another serious gun-related offense in Florida is possession of a stolen firearm. The potential penalties are based on the specific facts of the case.

Reclassification of Other Crimes

In addition to the numerous weapons offenses surrounding the use or possession of firearms, Florida will also reclassify other crimes as more serious offenses if a gun is used during the offense. This may trigger a ten year minimum mandatory penalty or the utilization of the 10/20/life laws