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Weapons / Firearm Offenses

The right of Floridians to bear arms is guaranteed under the Second Amendment to the United States Constitution and Section 8 of Article I in the Constitution of the State of Florida. This right is not without certain limits.

State law in Florida restricts possession of a weapon in certain places, and people convicted of certain offenses also lose their rights to possess a firearm. The penalties for some crimes in Florida may be enhanced when an alleged offender possesses or uses a weapon.

Lawyer for Firearm and Weapons Offenses in Pensacola, FL

If you have been arrested for any kind of a firearm-related offense in Florida, you will want to make sure that you have legal counsel as soon as possible. Terrezza Law can fight to protect your rights and achieve the most favorable possible outcome to your case.

Pensacola criminal defense attorney John Terrezza defends clients accused of weapons offenses in Pensacola Beach, Gulf Breeze, Milton, and many surrounding communities in the greater Pensacola area. He can review your case and answer all of your legal questions as soon as you call (850) 764-5291 today for a free consultation.

Escambia County Firearm Crimes Information Center

• What kinds of weapon offenses can people be charged with in Florida?
• What is the 10-20-Life law?
• Where can I find additional information about gun rights?

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Types of Weapons Offenses in Florida

Firearms or weapons can be aggravating factors in many alleged criminal offenses. In some case, the simple possession of a gun or other weapon can be the basis of a criminal charge.

Some of the most common firearm and weapon offenses in Florida include:

• Carrying a Concealed Firearm;
• Carrying a Concealed Weapon;
• Improper Exhibition of a Dangerous Weapon or Firearm;
• Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon;
• Possession or Discharge of a Destructive Device;
• Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon; and
• Federal Weapons Offenses.

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Minimum Prison Sentences Under Florida’s 10-20-Life Law

In 1999, the Florida Legislature enacted Florida Statute § 775.087, commonly referred to as the state’s “10-20-Life” law. The legislation’s nickname stems from the respective mandatory minimum prison sentences for pulling a gun, firing a gun, and shooting a person during the commission of a crime.

Under this law, an alleged offender could receive the following offenses could result in the respective minimum sentences:

• 3 years in prison if an alleged offender is convicted of actual possession of a firearm by a felon or burglary of a conveyance;

• 10 years in prison if an alleged offender is convicted of actual possession of a firearm by a felon and has been previously convicted of committing or attempting to commit an enumerated felony while possessing a firearm;

• 15 years in prison if an alleged offender possessed a semiautomatic firearm and its high-capacity detachable box magazine or a machine gun during the commission or the attempted commission of an enumerated felony;

• 20 years in prison if an alleged offender discharged a firearm, destructive device, semiautomatic firearm and its high-capacity detachable box magazine, or a machine gun during the commission or the attempted commission of an enumerated felony; and

• 25 years up to life in prison if death or great bodily harm was inflicted upon any person as the result of an alleged offender discharging a firearm, destructive device, semiautomatic firearm and its high-capacity detachable box magazine, or a machine gun during the commission or the attempted commission of an enumerated felony.

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Florida Firearms Resources

National Rifle Association of America (NRA) — The NRA is a nonprofit organization that identifies its primary mission as protecting and defending the Constitution of the United States—especially the right to keep and bear arms. You can learn more about the NRA’s various programs, recent news, and upcoming events. The website also has an interactive map that allows you to search for basic firearms training programs and places to shoot.

Florida Statute § 775.087 — View the full text of the Florida Statute that was enacted as a result of the 10-20-Life law’s passage. You can find the specific definitions for semiautomatic firearm and high-capacity detachable box magazine as they relate to this statute. You can also learn more about when courts can impose longer sentences as authorized by law in addition to the minimum mandatory sentences.

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Find a Lawyer for Weapon Offenses in Pensacola, Florida

Were you arrested for any kind of a crime involving a firearm in Florida? It is in your best interest to immediately contact Terrezza Law.

John Terrezza is a criminal defense attorney in Pensacola who handles cases all over Escambia County and Santa Rosa County. In addition to defending clients against criminal charges, he also handles expunction, criminal appeals, and early termination of probation.

Call (850) 764-5291 or submit an online contact form for a free, confidential consultation.

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