Weapons Violation Serving Families Throughout Jacksonville For Over 25 Years

Weapons Offense Attorney in Jacksonville

Defense Against Weapons Violations in Florida

Are you facing weapons charges in Jacksonville? If so, it’s important to protect your rights under the Second Amendment and Article 1, Section 8 of the Florida Constitution. Even though Florida has generous gun laws compared to other states, for example, citizens are NOT required to register their firearms, the penalties for violating one of the state’s gun laws can be severe and have life-altering consequences.

All Floridians should be aware that if they commit a crime and they use a firearm while committing the offense, they can face enhanced penalties. Under Section 775.087(1) of the Florida Statutes, whenever someone is charged with a felony offense, and during the commission of the crime they carry, display, use, threaten to use, or attempts to use a firearm, the crime will be elevated as follows:

A felony of the first degree will be elevated to a life felony
A felony of the second degree will be elevated to a first degree felony
A felony of the third degree will be elevated to a felony of the second degree

Prohibited Possessors in Florida

There are laws in place at both the federal and state levels to prevent certain individuals from gaining possession of firearms. These laws are in place for two reasons: to prevent violence and to punish criminals. Federally speaking, a person would be prohibited from gun ownership if they:

Have a felony conviction
Have been convicted of certain domestic violence crimes that are classified as misdemeanors
Have court orders due to domestic violence cases or grave mental illnesses

The state of Florida does not allow people to purchase or possess firearms if they:

Have any felony convictions or if they are younger than 24 and have been convicted of a crime that would be a felony if committed by someone older than 24
Have received a final injunction that is still in effect and intended to prevent that person from continuing to commit domestic violence
Are considered a violent career criminal under Florida law, which essentially means they have committed multiple felonies in a short amount of time
Have been legally considered mentally unwell (conserved people, prior mental institution stays, etc.)
Are under a protection order that specifically states they cannot possess or attempt to possess a firearm for the duration of the order

Florida recently legalized the use of marijuana for medical purposes. Because marijuana is still considered a controlled substance in Florida, people who use it (even legally for medical purposes) cannot ship, receive, or possess a firearm. It is also illegal to sell a firearm to anyone who uses controlled substances.

Gun Charges in Jacksonville, Florida

If someone is caught possessing or using a gun in an illegal manner in Florida, they can expect severe consequences. The consequences for such an act depend on the exact circumstances surrounding the crime as well as the nature of the crime, however, some of the potential charges include:

3^rd degree felony charges for carrying a concealed firearm without a license. 3^rd degree felony convictions can lead to a prison sentence of up to 5 years, and/or a fine of up to $5,000.
Up to 1 year in prison and/or a fine of up to $1,000 for improper exhibition of a firearm, which is when someone uses a firearm in a manner that is careless or threatening.
Up to 15 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $10,000 for possession of a firearm by someone who is a convicted felon.

Such charges have enhanced penalties if the weapon in question was used during a crime that had been commissioned:

If the person accused possessed a firearm, a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years will be given
If that weapon was fired, the mandatory minimum sentence will be increased to 20 years
If the discharge of the weapon resulted in someone becoming injured or dying, the mandatory minimum sentence will be increased to 25 years in prison

Continue Reading Read Less

Why Pick Porter™ for Weapons Defense?

In the face of weapons charges, you need a strong legal defense. Our founding attorney, Jason K.S. Porter, Esquire has garnered a reputation for excellence in the field of criminal law. In the legal community, his peers have recognized him with the Martindale-Hubbell® AV Preeminent Rating®, and he has been awarded a 10.0 Superb Avvo Rating in criminal defense.

The above recognitions demonstrate Attorney Porter’s high standard of excellence in the legal field. Going further, with approximately 100 years of collective experience, our legal team stands ready to defend you against gun-related charges in Jacksonville.

Schedule your case evaluation – contact us online or call (904) 701-0591 today.

A Guided, Hands-On Approach
Step-by-Step Guidance for Any Legal Matter
A Compassionate Team
Your Story Matters - We're Here to Listen
Extensive Experience
Approximately 100 Years of Combined Legal Experience On Your Side
Award-Winning Counsel
Top-Rated Ethics & Legal Skill – AV Preeminent® Rating
Trusted & Recommended
Trusted by the Media & Recommended by Our Clients
Top-Rated Attorneys
Top-Rated Personal Injury, DUI, & Criminal Defense Lawyer

Hear From Our Happy Clients

Serving Jacksonville, FL Since 2004

"So grateful for the help they gave me"
Jason and his legal team were great in handling my case, I was kept informed of everything that was going and had any and all questions answered.

- Paul Maloney
"Thank you so much."
My wife and I would like to thank Jason K.S Porter and his staff, I was accuse of a crime. From the initial consultation to the end of the case the Porter firm was there to answer all my questions. I was told what to expect, everything was accurate. Thanks to the Porter firm all charges was drop. I will always be grateful, I will recommend this excellent, hardworking law firm to anyone who has a criminal issue that needs to be resolve. Thank you so much.

- S.W.
"Thank you guys so much!!"
We had the absolute best experience working with Mr. Porter’s office. Our daughter was severely hurt last summer due to someone else’s negligence and we won our settlement! We were extremely happy with this law firm!!!!! Dani is also the best paralegal and she was wonderful to work with and very prompt with all my emails and questions I had! Thank you guys so much!!

- M.M.
"He is an awesome and very genuine guy."
I had the pleasure of working with Attorney Jonathan D.Thacher! He is an awesome and very genuine guy. Thanks again, Law Offices of Jason K.S. Porter!

- A.J.
"Jon Lorimier is an amazing and knowledgeable lawyer."
Jon Lorimier is an amazing and knowledgeable lawyer. He helped me out. Highly recommend.

- Cynthia J.
"You really took years of stress off my shoulder and I can finally have clarity in my mind."
Over the past month or so I had made a call to the Law offices of Jason Porter because I needed to resolve an issue that occurred over 7 years ago. Once I explained the situation the secretary sent me directly to Jonathan Thacher. All I can say is that Thacher did an amazing job handling my case and I am extremely happy right now. I no longer have to worry about that problem ever again thanks to Thacher. The work was effective and everything went through perfectly. Thank you so much man you really took years of stress off my shoulder and I can finally have clarity in my mind.

- Joshua S.
"Thanks so much you guys!!!!"
This was my first time ever getting a lawyer, and I am extremely pleased with the service I received. They moved fast, and my case was dropped. I will definitely go back to them and highly recommend this great Firm!!!! Jason himself is a pleasure to speak with!!! He’s very nice, understanding, and down-to-earth. Thanks so much you guys!!!!

- B.M.
"Jason Porter excellent attorney"
Jason Porter is an excellent attorney. I'm very happy with the results. he saved me money and solved my problem.

- John P.

Read Reviews

Pick Porter!™ Today

A member of our team will be in touch shortly to confirm your contact details or address questions you may have.

*Motorcycle accident - $2,835,000
$1,502,500 Premises Liability - $1,502,500
Bodily Injury Claim
*Wrongful Death - $1,000,000
Settled *Estate of Fred Fedorka
Largest settlement ever against Volusia County.
*Medical Malpractice - $500,000

View All Results