Guns and Weapons Lawyer in Jacksonville Ready to Help

The right to bear arms may be a constitutional right, but with that right comes responsible ownership and the potential for guns and weapons crimes. Whether you were carrying a concealed weapon without a permit or you committed a crime, such as a robbery or battery, while a gun or weapon, the consequences are high in terms of fines, jail time, and the impacts on your reputation. With the help of guns and weapons lawyers in Jacksonville, find the legal counsel you need to make the right move following the initial arrest and charges.

What are the Types of Weapon and Gun Crimes?

Weapons and guns charge may occur in a variety of ways, depending on the specifics of your case and crime. It is important to note that every case is unique and has its own complex considerations, which is why seeking experienced legal counsel from a gun crime lawyer early on is essential to your case and the potential outcome.

There are many ways a deadly weapon or gun crime charge is filed, but these are the most common:

• Possessing a firearm as someone on probation. Even if the person does not commit a crime, the mere possession of a firearm is a crime when on probation.
• Carrying a concealed firearm without a permit. Whether you lapsed in renewing or never applied for a concealed carry permit, the right to carry comes with the responsibility of keeping up with permits or facing concealed weapon possession charges.
• Carrying a firearm in places where firearms are prohibited. In some states, firearms are prohibited, even with proper permits. These may include places such as schools, government buildings, and other areas denoted by law as firearm-free spaces.
• Open-carrying a firearm in non-open-carry areas. As a gun owner, it is your job to know where and how to carry your firearm. If you do not follow these rules, you may be arrested and charged with gun crimes.
• Possessing an enhanced or illegally modified firearm. It is illegal to possess certain enhancements or modifications to a firearm. Even if you own the gun and have all the correct permits, you are not allowed to “add” or adapt the firearm in certain ways without breaking the law.
• Altering a firearm. It is also illegal to make changes or alter a firearm in an attempt to make it untraceable. For example, filing the serial number off of a gun, even one you own is illegal.

It is important to note that these examples also extend to other types of weapons. For example, owning an illegal deadly weapon or committing a crime with a deadly weapon other than a gun, such as a knife, machete, bomb, hand grenade, stun gun, etc., can still result in you being brought up on a weapons charge with serious consequences.

What is an Enhanced Gun Crime Charge?

The first main type of weapon and gun crime is a crime related only to the firearm or weapon. The second type of common weapon and gun crime is when someone commits a crime with a gun or weapon involved. An enhanced gun crime charge occurs when a violent crime has taken place, and the person either used the firearm or had access to the firearm. For example, an enhanced gun crime charge may result if a person assaults someone by hitting them with a firearm rather than firing the firearm. Possession of a firearm during the attack is enough to lead to an enhanced gun crime charge, which is more serious than a typical weapons crime.

It is important to keep in mind that even having a firearm on your person or in your house during a violent crime could lead to an enhanced gun crime charge even if you do not use the firearm or weapon. An enhanced gun crime charge comes with enhanced penalties, such as longer jail minimums and higher fines.

What are the Consequences of a Gun Crime Conviction?

The state of Florida has certain minimums in place regarding fines and imprisonment. While the minimums will depend on the charges being brought against you and the specifics of the case, you should know that being convicted of a gun crime can carry harsher consequences than other crimes where a firearm was not present. For instance, if you commit a crime with a firearm, you could be facing 10 years in prison. If you commit a crime with a firearm wherein someone is injured or killed, you could be facing 25 years or more as a consequence.

Aside from imprisonment for a gun crime, you are also looking at fines, legal fees, and a criminal record, which is reason enough to seek help from experienced weapon and gun crimes lawyers as soon as possible before your case goes to court.

How Can a Gun Crimes Lawyer Help You?

With the help of a gun and weapon charges lawyer, you may be able to fight the charges in a few ways. Your legal team will fight to have charges reduced or dropped whenever possible. When that is not possible, experienced gun crime lawyers will work on your behalf to find the best possible outcome for you as an individual and in regard to your charges. They will act as a guide, providing legal counsel, answering your questions throughout the process, and fighting for your rights in a court of law.

Consult Experienced Guns and Weapons Lawyers Today

You deserve experienced, compassionate legal counsel on your side during this difficult legal battle. Whether you are a first-time offender or facing severe charges, having a criminal defense lawyer in your corner is always a smart move. Call us at (904) 204-3420 today for a consultation on your criminal charges.