Weapons Charges in Jacksonville

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

Not everyone can legally possess firearms in Florida. Section 775.087 of the Florida Statutes lists “prohibited possessors,” which include any person who has been convicted of a felony or who has attempted to commit a felony, regardless if the person used a firearm when committing the offense.

Examples of prohibited possessors in Florida include anyone convicted of:

• Sexual battery
• Arson
• Robbery
• Escape
• Murder
• Kidnapping
• Carjacking
• Home invasion
• Aggravated child abuse
• Aggravated stalking
• Selling, manufacturing, or delivering illegal drugs

Gun Charges in Jacksonville, Florida

One of the most common weapons violations is felon in possession of a firearm under Section 790.23 of the Florida Statutes. However, this law does not apply to individuals who have had their civil rights and firearm authority restored, or whose criminal record has been expunged.

Common weapons offenses in Florida include:

• Carrying a concealed weapon without a permit
• Felon in possession of a firearm
• Illegal sale of a firearm
• Discharging a firearm in public
• Using a firearm against a police officer
• Using or displaying a deadly weapon while committing a crime
• Carrying a firearm into a prohibited location, such as a school, courthouse or airport

Why Jason K.S. 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 more than 90 years of collective experience, our legal team stands ready to defend you against gun-related charges in Jacksonville.

To schedule your free case evaluation, contact us today at (904) 701-0591.