Bradenton Gun Lawyer

Compared to many other states, Florida has fairly lax regulations on the possession, ownership, and concealed carry of firearms on both public and privately owned property. However, there are still some restrictions on the Second Amendment rights of Sunshine State residents, and if you fail to adhere to these, you may face serious criminal penalties and potentially even have your right to bear arms legally stripped from you.

If you are facing any kind of criminal charge involving the use, possession, purchase, or sale of a firearm, contacting a Bradenton gun lawyer should be one of your priorities. This kind of case can be uniquely difficult to contest, but with assistance from the seasoned defense attorneys at Goldman Wetzel, you will be able to more effectively enforce your rights and give yourself the best possible chance at securing a favorable resolution.

Who Can Legally Purchase and Possess Firearms in Bradenton?

Generally, you must be at least 21 years old to lawfully buy a firearm from either a public or private seller in the state of Florida, although people at least 18 years old can legally purchase rifles and shotguns if they are a law enforcement officer, correctional officer, or military servicemember. You must be a resident of Florida in order to purchase a handgun here, and while there are no permit requirements for the actual purchase of a firearm, you do have to pass a background check to buy a firearm from a public vendor as opposed to through a private sale.

In accordance with federal law, anyone who meets any of the following criteria is prohibited from buying or possessing a firearm:

• Has at least one felony conviction on their record, is under indictment for a felony, or is a fugitive from justice
• Adjudicated by a court to be “mentally defective,” addicted to a controlled substance, or involuntarily committed to mental health treatment at any point
• Does not have lawful status in the United States or has formally renounced U.S. citizenship
• Has an active protective order against them or has at least one misdemeanor or higher conviction for a domestic violence offense

There are also a few unique state-level restrictions on who can purchase and own firearms, which a Bradenton gun attorney can explain to you.

Contesting Common Gun-Related Criminal Charges

The state categorizes the vast majority of criminal charges involving the unlawful use or possession of firearms as felony offenses, including possession of a firearm by someone who is federally prohibited from having one. In addition, the state has what it refers to as a “10/20/life” statute, which imposes mandatory minimum prison sentences of 10 years if someone carries a firearm while committing certain types of felony offenses, 20 years if they discharged that firearm while committing an offense, and 25 years to life in prison if they discharged their firearm in a way that directly led to someone else suffering serious or fatal injury.

None of this means that it is impossible to effectively fight allegations that you committed this type of crime here, especially if you can establish that you do have lawful authority to carry a firearm, or that a firearm that was near you was not actually in your possession to a degree that would qualify as such under state law. However, it is important to work with a skilled lawyer, as this can be essential to constructing and executing a strong defense strategy tailored specifically to your unique gun charge in Bradenton.

A Bradenton Gun Attorney Can Help

Both state and federal authorities tend to be extremely harsh when dealing with firearm-related criminal offenses. With support from capable legal counsel, though, you can often mitigate the long-term repercussions of such a charge and protect your future in the process. The guidance you need is available from a knowledgeable Bradenton gun lawyer at Goldman Wetzel. Call today for a consultation.