Coral Springs Weapons & Firearms Defense Attorney
Throughout Palm Beach and Broward Counties.
Weapons and firearm charges in Florida carry some of the harshest mandatory minimum sentences in the country. Even simple possession in the wrong circumstances can mean felony charges and years in prison. You need an attorney who knows Florida's complex weapons laws and will fight aggressively to protect your rights and your freedom.
Types of Weapons & Firearms Charges in Florida
Weapons and firearm offenses range from possession violations to enhancements that dramatically increase penalties for other crimes.
Illegal Possession
Carrying a firearm without the required permits, or possessing a weapon prohibited under Florida law. Charges range from misdemeanor to felony depending on the weapon and circumstances.
Carrying a Concealed Weapon
Florida requires a concealed carry permit to legally carry a hidden firearm. Carrying without a valid permit is a criminal offense that can result in felony charges.
Felon in Possession
If you have a prior felony conviction, possessing any firearm is illegal under both Florida and federal law. Convictions carry mandatory prison time with no possibility of early release.
Use During a Crime
Displaying or using a firearm during the commission of any crime triggers Florida's 10-20-Life law, dramatically increasing mandatory minimum sentences.
Assault with a Deadly Weapon
Using or threatening to use a weapon during an assault results in aggravated assault charges — a third-degree felony carrying up to 5 years in prison.
Improper Exhibition
Displaying a firearm or weapon in a rude, careless, or threatening manner in a public place, even without committing another crime, is a criminal offense in Florida.
Penalties for Weapons & Firearms Charges
Penalties vary by offense but are uniformly severe — many carry mandatory minimums with no judicial discretion.
Imprisonment
Many weapons charges carry mandatory minimum prison sentences. When a firearm is used in a crime, the 10-20-Life law applies with no possibility of early release.
Fines
Weapons convictions can result in fines up to $10,000 or more, compounding the financial impact of an already devastating charge.
Loss of Gun Rights
A conviction for certain weapons charges results in the permanent, lifetime loss of your right to own or possess any firearm under state and federal law.
Probation
For some first-time offenders, probation may be available as an alternative, but it comes with strict conditions including firearm prohibition.
Florida's 10-20-Life Law
Possess a firearm during a felony: 10 years minimum. Fire the weapon: 20 years minimum. Injure or kill someone: 25 years to life. The judge has no discretion — these sentences are mandatory.
Defending Against Weapons & Firearms Charges
We take a strategic and aggressive approach to every weapons case, challenging the prosecution's evidence at every turn.
Unlawful Search & Seizure
If law enforcement violated your Fourth Amendment rights during the stop, search, or arrest, any evidence obtained may be completely suppressed — potentially collapsing the entire case.
Lack of Knowledge
Prosecution must prove you knowingly possessed the weapon. If the firearm belonged to another person or you were unaware of its presence, this is a strong defense.
Valid Permit or License
If you possessed a valid concealed carry permit or other license that the arresting officer failed to verify, we will work to have all charges dismissed.
Self-Defense & Stand Your Ground
Florida's Stand Your Ground law protects your right to use a firearm in lawful self-defense. We will build a complete self-defense claim where the facts support it.
Challenging the Evidence
We scrutinize chain of custody, forensic handling, and witness credibility to expose weaknesses in the prosecution's case and fight for dismissal or reduction.
A Weapons Conviction Follows You
Beyond prison time, a weapons or firearms conviction creates lasting barriers that affect every area of your life.
Employment
Background checks will reveal your conviction. Many employers, especially in security, transportation, and government, will not hire felons.
Firearm Rights
A felony weapons conviction means a permanent lifetime ban on owning, possessing, or even being near a firearm under federal and state law.
Civil Rights
Felony convictions can result in the loss of voting rights, the right to serve on a jury, and the ability to hold public office.
Housing
Landlords routinely deny housing applications from those with felony convictions, especially weapons or violent crime charges.
How We Defend Your Case
Case Evaluation
We immediately review all charges, arrest records, and circumstances to identify every possible defense angle and constitutional violation.
Evidence Investigation
We examine the legality of the stop and search, chain of custody for the weapon, permit records, and all witness statements.
Challenge the Prosecution
We file motions to suppress unlawfully obtained evidence and challenge the state's case at every procedural stage.
Negotiate or Fight
We pursue dismissal, charge reduction, or alternative sentencing through negotiation — or take your case to trial to fight for a full acquittal.
Facing Weapons or Firearms Charges?
Mandatory minimums mean there is no room for error. We fight aggressively to challenge the evidence, protect your rights, and pursue the best possible outcome. Free consultation - call now.