Everyone makes mistakes, but a mistake involving a firearm in Florida can lead to serious felony charges. While not all weapons charges in Florida are as serious as assault with a deadly weapon, even a charge of carrying an unlicensed firearm could lead to jail time.
If you’re facing weapons charges in Florida or have been arrested for assault with a deadly weapon, it’s important to understand the charge, the possible penalties, and how our experienced Fort Lauderdale criminal defense attorney can help.
Firearms Charges in Florida
Title XLVI, Chapter 790—Weapons and Firearms—of the Florida legal code outlines harsh penalties for weapons charges, ranging from first-degree misdemeanors to felony charges. But don’t assume that a misdemeanor isn’t a serious charge. A conviction for a first-degree misdemeanor weapons charge can land you in jail for up to a year. Potential weapons charges in Florida you could face include the following.
Unlawful Possession of a Firearm
Carrying a firearm without a license under Florida law is a first-degree misdemeanor. According to our Fort Lauderdale criminal defense attorney, first conviction for this crime is punishable by up to one year in jail and a $1,000 fine.
Carrying a Concealed Firearm Without a Permit
If you conceal your gun on your person and don’t have a license to do so, you could face a third-degree felony charge punishable by up to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine.
Unlawful Discharge of a Firearm
It’s a third-degree felony to fire a gun in a public place or negligently discharge a firearm outside a residentially zoned dwelling. This crime is punishable by up to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine.
Shooting a Firearm in Public
In Florida, it’s illegal to fire a gun in a public place or to negligently discharge a firearm outside a residentially zoned dwelling unless you are defending life or property. This crime is a third-degree felony. Even if you discharge the gun recreationally, like for target shooting, in an area you know is residential, you can face a first-degree misdemeanor charge. If you discharge a weapon in a vehicle within 1,000 feet of another person, it is a second-degree felony punishable by up to 15 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
Discharging a machine gun in a public place, public street, or public park with intent to do bodily harm is a first-degree felony punishable by anywhere from 25 years to life and a $10,000 to $15,000 fine.
Illegal Sale of a Firearm
If a licensed firearms dealer sells a firearm without following all of the proper procedures or violates Florida law by selling to someone who can’t legally possess a gun, it is a third-degree felony. This crime is punishable by up to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine. Because the Florida statute concerning “legal” firearms sales is extensive, if you sell firearms, you should consult with a Florida criminal defense attorney to ensure that you understand the nuances of this law.
Possession of a Stolen Firearm
According to our Fort Lauderdale criminal defense attorney, possession of a stolen firearm in Florida can involve multiple charges, including possessing the stolen property and illegally possessing a firearm. You could face multiple felony weapons charges in Florida, including anywhere from third-degree to first-degree felonies, depending on the circumstances of your arrest.
Using a Firearm While Committing a Crime
Under Florida law, if you use a firearm while committing another crime that is a felony, the weapons charge alone is a second-degree felony punishable by up to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine. Even carrying a concealed weapon while committing a crime is a third-degree felony charge. For example, for assault with a deadly weapon, you could face a second-degree felony charge for the weapons violation and charges for the assault.
Using a Firearm Under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs
Using a firearm while impaired on alcohol or drugs is a second-degree misdemeanor. According to our Fort Lauderdale criminal defense attorney, a conviction for this charge is punishable by up to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine.
Brandishing a Firearm
Carrying a weapon, including a firearm in “a rude, careless, angry, or threatening manner, not in necessary self-defense,” can lead to a first-degree misdemeanor in Florida. A conviction for this charge is punishable by up to one year in jail and a $1,000 fine.
False Bomb Threats
Making a false report about a bomb is a second-degree misdemeanor. However, making such a report about a state-owned property is a second-degree felony.
Weapon of Mass Destruction Crimes
Manufacturing, possessing, selling, displaying, using, or attempting to use a weapon of mass destruction or a hoax weapon of mass destruction is a first or second-degree felony under Florida law.
Manufacturing Firearms
Right now, it isn’t illegal to manufacture a gun, but you still must apply for a serial number and register the firearm. However, in January of 2023, making your own gun through 3D printing or assembling it from parts purchased online, so-called “ghost guns,” will be illegal in Florida. It is already illegal, however, to make a destructive device. This crime is a third-degree felony punishable by up to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine.
You Need an Experienced Fort Lauderdale Criminal Defense Attorney on Your Side
Weapons charges in Florida can lead to serious consequences, but it’s important to remember that you are innocent until proven guilty. Don’t let a prosecutor or the police railroad you into pleading guilty before discussing your case with our skilled Fort Lauderdale criminal defense attorney well-versed in handling weapons charges. Our team at The Law Offices of Robert David Malove have been protecting the rights of Florida defendants for years. Call us today at 954-861-0384 or contact us online to set up your free consultation.
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