Gun Crimes

Florida’s legislature has leaned heavily in favor of the 2^nd Amendment and the rights of every citizen to possess firearms. However, these rights are policed by some of the most stringent gun laws in the country. If you are facing gun charges the situation is serious because the sanctions can be severe. It is vital that you hire a Tampa gun crimes attorney that understands the complexities that go along with proving gun possession.

Florida law allows open carry of a firearm under a number of different situations as long as they are fishing, camping, hunting, shooting, or traveling to and from these activities. It does not entitle someone to openly carry a firearm because they have a fishing pole in their vehicle. Florida has also issued hundreds of thousands of concealed weapons permits. These laws along with Florida’s “stand your ground” law has led many in the state to feel that the sanctions for the misuse of firearms is somehow lax in Florida. All crimes involving the use of weapons are serious, but the use of a firearm magnifies the severity of any sentence dramatically.

Many gun charges in the State of Florida involve a failure to be properly permitted or the use of a firearm during the commission of crime:

• Aggravated assault with a firearm
• Carrying a concealed firearm without the proper permit
• Improper exhibition of a firearm
• Felon in possession of a firearm
• Armed Burglary
• Armed Kidnapping
• Armed Trafficking

If you use a firearm during the commission of a felony you are exposed to very severe mandatory minimum sentences in Florida State Prison:

• Carrying of a firearm – 10 year minimum mandatory prison sentence
• Discharging a firearm – 20 year minimum mandatory prison sentence
• If someone is shot or killed by your firearm – 25 year mandatory minimum up to life in prison

Florida’s gun laws mislead many people into situations where they might be violating the law without realizing their exposure. As pointed out very severe mandatory minimum sentences can be imposed on those who misuse firearms during the commission of certain crimes. Firearms also create a sense of power that can be extremely dangerous. To many former military carrying a firearm is something that is second nature. Someone who is intoxicated or suffering from PTSD may make the mistake of pulling there firearm and turn a minor altercation into a deadly one. It is important to understand Florida’s gun laws and if you are charged with a gun related offense to hire the very best Tampa criminal defense attorney you can find.

Will Hanlon is an experienced Tampa criminal attorney that aggressively defends his clients. He understands the threat a gun charge can be to someone’s future. He has been successfully representing clients accused of crimes in Tampa Bay for over 20 years. Many of his clients have avoided convictions on gun charges and years of incarceration due to his aggressive representation. Don’t wait until the detective is asking you questions to hire Will Hanlon. Let him address the detectives and the prosecutors so you don’t have to.