Gun laws in Florida allow individuals who are otherwise legally allowed to possess a firearm to engaged in concealed carry without a separate permit. However, there are still strict laws regarding the use of firearms, including when they can legally be discharged. Furthermore, some individuals, including felons, do not have the legal right to carry a firearm. If you are charged with a weapons violation, you might be subject to gun law penalties in Orlando. One of our trusted firearm defense lawyers could offer legal advice to avoid or reduce these potential penalties.
Those who have been convicted of a felony, including those who were convicted in another state, cannot legally carry a firearm. According to Florida Statutes § 790.23, this is a second-degree felony and can lead to jail time. Furthermore, those convicted of violent crime in the past can spend up to 30 years in jail for carrying a firearm after a felony conviction.
Using or possessing a firearm while committing a felony can also face significant charges, according to Fla. Stat. § 790.07. Using a firearm, or carrying a firearm while committing a felony, can lead to up to 15 years in jail.
While state residents, and non-residents who meet the state’s criteria, can carry a firearm concealed, Fla. Stat. § 790.053 notes that individuals cannot legally open carry firearms or electric weapons. They can, if legally carrying a firearm, display it briefly within sight of another person, but cannot brandish or deliberately display that firearm in anger or “in a threatening manner.” Legally, the firearm should only be displayed for self-defense purposes. Failure to meet these requirements can lead to a second-degree misdemeanor, which may mean that the individual spends up to 60 days in jail.
If an individual who is otherwise carrying a weapon legally chooses to display it in a threatening way, or brandish it carelessly, they can be charged with a first-degree misdemeanor. They may, as a result, spent up to a year in jail.
Furnishing weapons to a minor is considered a first-degree misdemeanor, which means that the individual who gives those weapons to the minor can spend up to a year in jail.
Using firearms while under the influence of drugs or alcohol in Orlando can lead to second-degree misdemeanor charges, with a penalty of up to 60 days in jail.
Illegal discharge of a firearm in a public place, including discharging a firearm outside in a residential area or deliberately discharging a firearm from a vehicle, can be considered up to a second-degree felony, which means up to 15 years in prison.
Using, carrying, or displaying a firearm illegally can lead to substantial charges and penalties in Orlando. Not only can you face significant jail time for any improper use or display of your weapon, you can lose your right to carry a firearm in the future, interfering with your ability to defend yourself and your family. If you find yourself facing gun charges, having a lawyer on your side can prove critical. A lawyer can:
Not only can gun charges lead to jail time, they can interfere with your private life, including your family or your future career. If you find yourself facing gun-related charges, reach out to an experienced defense attorney at The Umansky Law Firm to learn more about your rights and how you can best protect them in the aftermath of a serious criminal accusation.
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