Tampa Weapons and Firearms Attorney
Under the Second Amendment, people have the right to keep and bear arms. Contrary to what many people think, however, the right is not unlimited. Federal and state laws impose many regulations and limitations on deadly weapons, including firearms. Violations of the weapons and firearms laws are taken very seriously and a conviction carries very harsh penalties. Our Tampa weapons and firearms attorney can prepare a defense that will allow you to avoid these serious penalties.
Common Weapons and Firearms Offenses
There are several weapons and firearms offenses in Tampa, and the rest of Florida. These laws are constantly changing, however. For example, Governor Ron DeSantis signed a bill in early 2023 that allows individuals to carry a concealed gun without the need to obtain a permit. This means individuals will no longer have to submit to a background check or obtain any training.
Still, even with the relaxed gun laws, there are still many common weapons and firearms offenses. One of these is possession of a weapon or firearm by a convicted felon. Additionally, it is against the law to discharge a firearm in certain locations, such as school districts. These offenses have very harsh consequences for those charged and convicted.
Who Cannot Own Firearms in Tampa?
While the Second Amendment applies to most Americans, the law is highly misunderstood. Certain individuals do not have the right to possess firearms or other deadly weapons. These individuals are as follows:
- Juveniles who have been adjudicated in the juvenile justice system but would have been tried as an adult for a felony offense if they were not a minor,
- Individuals who have been convicted of any felony offense, regardless of the nature of the crime, and
- Any other person who has had their right to possess a firearm or deadly weapon revoked for any other reason, such as involuntary admission to a mental health facility.
When a person is convicted of possessing a firearm when they did not have the legal right to do so, the penalties they will face are very serious. For example, a conviction for possession by a felon has a mandatory minimum sentence of three years in prison. Even those who do not have a previous criminal history will have a permanent record if they are convicted, and that can make obtaining employment, housing, and even academic opportunities very difficult in the future. It is critical to work with a Tampa weapons and firearms attorney who can prepare the defense you need to avoid these penalties.
Call Our Weapons and Firearms Attorney in Tampa for a Free Review of Your Case
Being charged with a weapons or firearms offense is very serious. At HD Law Partners, our Tampa weapons and firearms attorney can prepare the solid defense to help you beat the charges and retain your freedom while protecting your future. Call or text us now at 813-964-7878 or chat with us online to schedule a free review of your case and to learn more about how we can help.