10-20-Life

Florida’s 10-20-Life statute establishes mandatory minimum sentencing requirements if a firearm was actually possessed or used during the commission of certain felony crimes. It was designed with the goal of combating growing gun violence in the state. This means that if an individual is convicted of an offense such as murder, robbery, arson, or kidnapping and a firearm was actually possessed or used during the crime, then a judge cannot impose less than the mandatory minimum sentence under the 10-20-Life statute.

If you are currently facing charges under the 10-20-life statute, it’s important to seek legal assistance from an experienced criminal defense lawyer. The State of Florida has harsh gun laws. Violent offenses involving a firearm carry significant penalties.

With an experienced firearm attorney on your side in Pensacola, it may be possible to mitigate or dismiss the charges against you, or to be found not guilty at a jury trial. Contact Terrezza Law today to discuss your case for free.

Pensacola 10-20-Life Defense Attorneys in Florida

If you were charged with an offense that is punishable under Florida’s 10-20-Life statute, you need an aggressive 10-20-life defense attorney by your side. John Terrezza at Terrezza Law defends individuals arrested for several types of criminal cases such as aggravated battery, murder, child abuse, robbery, stalking, arson, and murder.

Terrezza Law is prepared to help you combat your 10-20-Life charge. Call (850) 764-5291 to secure a free, confidential consultation today. John Terrezza defends clients in Milton, Pensacola Beach, Gulf Breeze, and many other surrounding areas of Escambia County. He is prepared to obtain the best possible legal outcome for your case.

Information Center

What is Florida’s 10-20-Life Law?

10-20-Life refers to Florida’s minimum mandatory sentencing law for felony offenses involving firearms. It requires courts to impose minimum prison sentences for certain felony convictions involving the actual possession or use of firearms.

Under Florida Statute § 775.087, if an individual is convicted of actually possessing or using a firearm during the commission of any of the following felony offenses, then he or she will face a minimum mandatory prison sentence.

Murder
Robbery
Sexual Battery
Burglary
Arson
Aggravated Battery
Kidnapping
Escape
Aircraft Piracy
Aggravated Child Abuse
Aggravated Abuse of an Elderly Person or Disabled Adult
Unlawful throwing, placing, or discharging of a destructive device or bomb
Carjacking
Home-invasion Robbery
Aggravated Stalking
Trafficking in controlled substances
Unlawful Throwing or Discharging of a Destructive Device or Bomb
Possession of a firearm by a felon

The 10-20-Life law establishes the following mandatory minimum prison sentences:

If the defendant is a convicted felon who actually possesses a firearm: 3-year minimum mandatory sentence

If the defendant actually possesses a firearm during the crime of Burglary of a Conveyance: 3-year minimum mandatory sentence

If the defendant actually possesses a firearm or destructive device during the commission or the attempted commission of an enumerated felony: 10-year minimum mandatory sentence

If the defendant possesses and discharges a firearm during the commission of an enumerated felony crime other than possession of a firearm by a felon: 20-year minimum mandatory sentence

If the defendant possesses and discharges a firearm and causes great bodily harm or death during the commission of an enumerated felony crime other than possession of a firearm by a felon: 25-year minimum mandatory sentence -maximum of life imprisonment.

Aggravated Battery Charges in Florida

Aggravated battery is a second-degree felony under Florida law punishable by up to 15 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine. If charged under 10-20-Life the crime of Aggravated Battery is subject to enhanced penalties.

Pursuant to Florida Statute 775.087, commonly referred to as 10-20-Life, an aggravated battery involving a firearm is subject to the following enhanced sentences:

Actual possession of firearm during the crime: 10 years minimum mandatory up to 30 years prison
Semiautomatic firearm and high-capacity box magazine or machine gun possession during the crime: 15 years minimum mandatory up to 30 years
Firearm discharged during the crime: 20 years minimum mandatory up to 30 years
Firearm discharged during the crime causing great bodily harm/death: 25 years minimum mandatory up to maximum of life imprisonment.

A minimum mandatory sentence imposed under Florida’s 10-20-Life law is not eligible for withheld adjudication of guilt which means you will become a convicted felon and lose your rights if convicted. A minimum mandatory sentence imposed under Florida’s 10-20-Life law is also ineligible for statutory gain time, discretionary early release, or conditional medical release.

Additional Resources for 10-20-Life

Florida Statutes 10-20-Life – Follow the link to view the official website for the 2021 Florida Statutes. The webpage lists section 775.087 which is commonly known as the 10-20-Life law. Visit the website to view a list of offenses that are subject to mandatory minimum sentencing.

Pensacola Police Department – Visit the official website for the Pensacola Police Department.

Pensacola Police Department

711 N. Hayne Street

Pensacola FL 32501

Office: 850-435-1900

10-20-Life Attorneys in Pensacola, Florida

If you have been charged with an offense that is punishable under Florida’s 10-20-Life statute, you need an experienced criminal defense attorney that will provide dependable legal advice. Skilled Pensacola firearm defense lawyer John Terrezza at Terrezza Law has years of experience defending individuals accused of murder, sexual battery, robbery, burglary, arson, kidnapping and aggravated assault, amongst other crimes. He will work hard to fight your charges.

Terrezza Law aggressively defends clients in communities throughout Santa Rosa County and Escambia County. Call (850) 764-5291 to obtain a free, initial consultation and have our lawyer review your case. Do not delay in seeking legal representation.