While Florida is known for its lax gun laws, there are many ways to run into criminal consequences with a firearm. There are laws criminalizing certain aspects of using, possessing, or carrying a gun, depending on the circumstances, and these charges have serious consequences. A Sanford gun lawyer could help you avoid those consequences.
If you are facing gun charges, your rights and your freedom are on the line. If convicted, you could not only face time in jail but also lose your right to own a firearm entirely. Let a dedicated criminal defense attorney work with you to produce a strong defense in court.
There are many firearms charges recognized under state law. These offenses vary, with some crimes related to the use of weapons while others are tied to their possession. Any criminal offense regarding a gun law should be taken seriously, as a conviction could result in more than just a slap on the wrist.
Many of these gun crimes are felonies, which brings with it the loss of certain constitutional rights—including the right to own a firearm. These consequences are why it is vital to fight back against a conviction following a gun charge arrest. A Sanford gun attorney could help a defendant fight back against the following charges.
There are laws that prohibit the improper exhibition of a weapon, which includes everything from sword canes to firearms. It is possible to violate this statute even in cases where a person has the right to possess a weapon in public. Improper exhibition of a firearm involves brandishing a firearm in a threatening, careless, rude, or angry manner.
Florida law does not generally allow for the open carry of a handgun. Concealed handguns are legal but they require a permit. In order to secure a permit, it is necessary to submit an application to the Florida Department of Agriculture. Carrying a weapon openly or concealing it without a permit is a crime in most cases, though there are exceptions related to using a firearm for self-defense.
State and federal law prohibit convicted felons from owning firearms. Despite this ban on the possession of these weapons, many felons choose to possess or carry firearms anyway. Doing so is a felony offense that carries up to 15 years in prison.
There are many criminal acts that relate exclusively to the possession, sale, or use of a firearm. However, state law also recognizes criminal offenses that are enhanced when a firearm is present. A Sanford gun attorney could push to get these enhancements dropped.
There are a number of crimes that are naturally a misdemeanor and whose penalties are enhanced when a firearm is involved. For example, assault involves threatening imminent harm to another person. While this offense is a misdemeanor, it becomes aggravated assault when a firearm is used. Depending on the facts of the case, it might be possible to argue that a gun which was present was not actually used as part of the alleged assault.
If you are facing gun-related charges, the defense you raise during the course of your case could determine how your rights are impacted for the rest of your life. In addition to jail time, you could face collateral consequences that could follow you forever, including the loss of your right to carry.
Do not put yourself at risk by acting as your own attorney. Contact a Sanford gun lawyer as soon as possible for a private consultation.
The Umansky Law Firm Criminal Defense & Injury Attorneys
