Florida has a reputation for being a gun-friendly state, but there are still plenty of criminal charges related to the use of firearms. If you have been accused of possessing a weapon when it is not allowed or accused of using it in the commission of a crime, you may be facing serious penalties without the help of a Clearwater gun lawyer. The good news is our dedicated defense attorneys can help you fight back and provide you with peace of mind knowing that your case is in good hands.
There are numerous types of gun charges that a Clearwater lawyer can help you with. A strong defense can take a situation that feels hopeless and help you secure the outcome you deserve. Some of the charges we are prepared to defend include:
Our team has helped many people fight back against these charges, with strong arguments for self-defense, honest mistakes, or not violating the law at all.
Compared to other states, Florida has a fairly permissive approach to gun ownership. That said, there are still limitations on who can own a gun and where they can carry them.
There are no permit requirements for owning a handgun in Florida, but you must live in the state to buy one. Typically, a person must be 21 years of age or older to buy a firearm. This is the case regardless of whether someone is purchasing a weapon from a public or private seller. Public vendors are required to run background checks, but that is not the case with private sales. There is also an exception for law enforcement officers or members of the military, as they can purchase weapons at the age of 18.
In addition to state law, there are also federal statutes that apply to gun ownership. A person cannot own, possess, or use a firearm if they are a convicted felon or lack lawful immigration status in the United States. There are also limitations for anyone with protective orders or convictions for domestic violence offenses. A skilled gun attorney in Clearwater can better help you understand the types of violations that can occur with firearm possession.
Gun crimes generally involve the possession, use, or sale of a weapon in situations where it is illegal or unsafe. However, prosecutors can also enhance existing criminal charges when a firearm is involved.
For example, the state can upgrade a charge from assault to aggravated assault when a firearm is introduced during the crime. Often, using or possessing a weapon will increase the severity of a criminal offense from a misdemeanor to a felony.
In addition to assault cases, having a weapon in possession can lead to more serious versions of domestic violence, robbery, or drug trafficking charges. Our firm understands how to mitigate the presence of weapons during an alleged crime, and we can help you fight back against these charges. We are focused on building the strongest defense possible for you, not passing judgment. Let our Clearwater gun attorneys help you build a winning case today.
Gun-related charges are serious offenses, and you need an experienced team to support you through the process. Our firm understands what goes into a winning defense, and we look forward to putting our experience to work for you. Reach out to a Clearwater gun lawyer from Goldman Wetzel as soon as possible to learn more.
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