Being charged with a firearms offense can be a serious occurrence that necessitates the involvement of aSouth Florida criminal defense attorney.  It is important to understand the charges against you and the potential consequences you will face if convicted of a weapons charge.  A South Florida criminal defense attorney can advise you of your rights and work on a legal defense on your behalf.

Types of Firearm Charges

There are a number of potential firearms offenses that Florida residents can be charged with, including crimes involving the purchase, possession or use of the weapon.  Some potential charges include:

• Carrying a concealed weapon or firearm
• Improperly exhibiting a firearm
• Felon in possession of a firearm by a
• Discharge or possession of a destructive device

Weapons Enhancements

In addition to crimes based specifically on buying, possessing or using firearms, defendants may also face enhancements to other charges when a firearm is involved.  Having a weapons enhancement attached to another offense often means that there is a minimum mandatory sentence that the defendant will receive if convicted of the underlying crime.  Weapons enhancements can also make potential punishments more severe.

Other Implications

Florida has some of the most severe firearm laws in the country.  One enhancement is the 10-20-Life enhancement.  This law allows a person to receive a minimum mandatory sentence of 10 years for unlawfully carrying a firearm, a 20-year minimum prison sentence for discharging the weapon and up to a life sentence if someone is shot or killed.  State offenses may be in addition to federal charges for violating federal laws involved with firearms.