Sarasota Gun Crime Lawyer

Sarasota Gun Crime Attorneys

While Florida’s gun regulations are not as restrictive as those in many other states, there are still laws in place to make sure guns are used safely. Violations of gun laws can lead to stiff punishments, which can include fines and incarceration. If you are being investigated for gun crime charges or have recently been arrested, a knowledgeable Sarasota gun crime lawyer can assert your rights and work to achieve the most positive result possible.

Ruhl Law, P.A., has represented thousands of Florida clients with similar charges. Our dedicated Sarasota criminal defense attorneys have experience with firearms and weapons offenses, and our legal team has the skills and resources to make sure you have a solid defense. Our top priority is making sure each client gets the time, attention, and legal counsel they deserve to protect their rights and interests.

Understanding Gun Laws in Florida

Florida does not require a permit to buy or carry most guns. However, gun owners still have to meet certain requirements, and failure to do so may result in criminal charges. To purchase or carry a concealed gun, an individual must:

• Be at least 21 years old.
• Have identification issued by a government agency, such as a driver’s license.
• Be able to pass a background check.
• Wait three days to receive a gun after purchase.

Concealed carry is allowed in Florida without a permit as long as the person meets these criteria, but that may not allow the person to carry a concealed gun in other states without a permit. For this reason, many gun owners in Florida do still get a license. In addition, some guns may not be eligible for concealed carry or might still require a license or permit.

Restrictions

Carrying a gun in the open is usually not permitted in Florida, except when the person is hunting, fishing, or camping. Furthermore, there are many locations where guns are not allowed. These include:

• Places where children gather, like schools, school events, daycare centers, parks, and playgrounds
• State and local government buildings, such as courthouses, police or sheriff departments, jails and prisons, polling places, and government meeting locations
• Federal government buildings, like military bases and post offices
• Other high-risk places, like hospitals and airports

It is also illegal to fire a gun in public places, including streets, roads, and highways. You also cannot fire your gun in residential areas, even if you own the property. Firing a gun is usually only permitted in certain areas, like gun clubs, shooting ranges, and government-administered areas designated for that purpose. Even then, there may be additional restrictions.

Florida’s Stand Your Ground Law

Stand your ground laws allow an individual to use force, including guns, to defend themselves if they are in their home or vehicle. However, the person must be attacked or have a reasonable belief that they are about to be attacked, and the force they use has to be proportionate to the threat. This does not include occasions when the defending person uses a gun while committing a crime or if they are in a place they are not allowed.

10-20-Life Law

According to the 10-20-Life Law in Florida, offenders must receive harsh sentences when convicted of using guns during the commission of violent felonies, such as murder, burglary, arson, kidnapping, carjacking, and others. A minimum 10-year sentence is given to anyone convicted of such charges with a gun; a 20-year sentence is issued if the person fired the gun; and a 25-year to life sentence is mandated if someone was seriously injured or killed by the gun.

A Lawyer Can Help

With the possibility of high fines and jail time, you need skilled representation by a criminal defense attorney who has experience in the Florida legal system. Your lawyer can create a legal defense strategy based on your case and its unique elements. They could work to get the charges lessened or even dismissed. If your case does go to trial, your lawyer can represent you in court to make sure your rights are protected.

FAQs

Q: How Much Does a Criminal Lawyer Cost in Florida?

A: The cost of hiring a criminal lawyer in Florida can vary, depending on the nature and severity of the charges, the lawyer’s location and experience, and whether the case goes to trial. In addition, lawyers may have different fee structures, such as flat fees or hourly rates, so be sure to discuss cost and payment at your initial consultation.

Q: Can a Felon Own a Gun in Florida After 10 Years?

A: A felon can own a gun in Florida eight years after they have completed all elements of their sentence. Furthermore, they must not still need to pay any fines or restitution. If they do not have any new convictions or pending criminal charges, they can apply to have their rights to own and carry a gun restored.

Q: What Is the New Gun Law in Florida?

A: The new gun law in Florida is permitless carry, also called constitutional carry, and it went into effect in 2023. This law allows gun owners to carry a concealed weapon as long as they are eligible and can pass the background check required to get a permit. However, not all guns are covered, and there are still some situations where carrying a concealed gun without a permit may not be allowed.

Q: How Many Years for a Gun Charge in Florida?

A: How many years a person can be sentenced after a gun charge conviction in Florida depends on the specific charge. Penalties can include a wide range of punishments, from fines to incarceration. These are based on the individual circumstances of the offense, including elements such as when and where the offense happened and whether anyone was hurt.

Reach Out to Ruhl Law, P.A.

Ruhl Law, P.A., has represented thousands of cases involving both felony and misdemeanor charges. We have the skills, knowledge, resources, and experience to achieve the most positive outcome possible in your case. Contact our office today to set up a consultation and discuss your case with a qualified criminal defense attorney.