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(727) 828-3900 You may have a good reason for bringing a gun to the airport—such as traveling to go hunting or for your personal safety—but you may bring one by accident, too. Unlike most public places, accidentally bringing a firearm to Tampa International Airport can leave you in serious trouble with the government, as the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) only allows firearms under specific circumstances.
If you do have a gun in your carry-on bag or on your person at the airport, you could also face state criminal charges for weapon possession. These charges may incur a jail sentence, penalties, and civil fines from the TSA. Our firearm defense attorneys at Goldman Wetzel can help you defend yourself and protect your rights in the face of prosecution.
The TSA’s list of prohibited items on flights and in airports includes firearms, explosives, and liquids. However, the TSA may allow you to carry a weapon at certain times when traveling through Tampa International Airport.
According to TSA regulations, you can travel with a firearm and ammunition if you have correctly secured them. The gun must be unloaded, locked in a container, checked, and declared to the airline and the TSA in advance. Certain individuals, usually law enforcement personnel, may receive clearance from the TSA to carry a weapon and ammunition through security and on flights, but most people in an airport will not benefit from these exceptions.
If you travel through Tampa International Airport while accidentally carrying a gun, you may face two different consequences. Failing to comply with the TSA’s regulations prohibiting firearms can lead to civil penalties, but bringing a gun to the airport can also violate Florida’s possession laws.
The TSA can levy civil fines against you for breaking the rules, and state prosecutors can bring misdemeanor or felony charges (depending on whether you have a carry permit). These state charges can result in a jail sentence, and you may also face fines on top of civil penalties, making the aid of an attorney essential.
Having your firearm in a carry-on bag may seem like a straightforward violation, but you may not know how or if you can defend yourself. A defense attorney can provide crucial advice and representation when facing such prosecution.
You may mistakenly reason that forgetting to secure your weapon correctly could be a defense against criminal charges. After all, for most crimes, prosecutors must show a particular mental state, such as intent, for a successful conviction. However, civil fines from the TSA do not have this requirement. Depending on what penalties the agency and police seek, an attorney can help prove that you accidentally brought your gun to Tampa International.
An attorney can also present evidence demonstrating how you ordinarily take the proper precautions with your firearm and show that you did not intend to break the rules or hurt anyone. Even in the case of fines from the TSA, mitigating evidence may help you receive a lower fine or no fine at all.
A defense attorney can also navigate the TSA’s administrative process and local court procedures. Rather than facing the government alone, if you accidentally bring a weapon to the airport, you can and should rely on experienced legal help.
You may have taken a gun to the airport with the intent to travel with it, or you may have brought it by mistake. Should you face criminal charges and fines for accidentally bringing a firearm to Tampa International Airport, our lawyers have the necessary legal knowledge to represent and defend you.
Our proactive legal team at Goldman Wetzel prioritizes the best interests of our clients and brings cases to trial, backed by years of litigation experience. Contact our offices to schedule a consultation, and we will evaluate your case and give you an idea of what to expect.
