Firearms | Weapons Offenses

St. Petersburg Firearm / Weapon Crimes Lawyer

The Morris Law Firm St. Petersburg criminal defense attorney can help and has specific knowledge and experience in Firearm / Weapons defense. Attorney Melinda Morris was a State Attorney, and was responsible for prosecuting a range of very serious Firearm / Weapon Offenses from investigation through trial. As well, Ms. Morris received special training on prosecuting Firearm / Weapon cases from the State of Florida. This inside knowledge is of critical importance and can benefit the defense of your case.

Florida’s 10-20-LIFE Law

The Florida Legislature passed sweeping legislation that provides for enhanced minimum mandatory prison terms for offenders who commit crimes with guns:

• Mandates a minimum 10 year prison term for certain felonies, or attempted felonies, in which the offender possesses a firearm or destructive device.
• Mandates a minimum 20 year prison term when the firearm is discharged.
• Mandates a minimum 25 years to LIFE if someone is injured or killed.
• Mandates a minimum 3 year prison term for possession of a firearm by a felon.
• Mandates that the minimum prison term is to be served consecutively to any other term of imprisonment imposed.

The Morris Law Firm can defend you against various Firearm / Weapon Offenses including:

• Use or possession of a weapon in a violent crime (including Domestic Violence)
• Armed Robbery
• Aggravated Assault
• Illegal discharge of a weapon
• Possession of a concealed weapon
• Concealing a loaded gun in a car or vehicle
• Unlawful discharge of a firearm
• Illegal sale of a firearm or weapon
• Possession of a firearm or weapon by a convicted felon
• Improper exhibition of a firearm or weapon
• Bringing a deadly weapon into an airport
• Juvenile in possession of a firearm

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You have a very narrow window of time between when you are arrested and when the state attorney’s office makes a decision to file a criminal charge against you. Hiring an attorney immediately to negotiate on your behalf with the state attorney’s office gives you the best chance of avoiding criminal charges.

You have a very narrow window of time between when you are arrested and when the state attorney’s office makes a decision to file a criminal charge against you. Hiring an attorney immediately to negotiate on your behalf with the state attorney’s office gives you the best chance of avoiding criminal charges.

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You May:

• Face jail or prison time
• Face probation and/or community control
• Face fines
• Mandatory forfeiture of the firearm or weapon
• Be required to pay restitution
• Be required to attend substance-abuse treatment
• Be subject to random drug testing
• Be required to perform community service
• Have your employment or military service status negatively affected
• Have a permanent criminal record

Potential Defenses include:

• Failure to Read Miranda Warnings
• Illegal Search or Seizure
• Lack of Intent
• Alibi
• Mistaken Identity

The Morris Law Firm St. Petersburg criminal defense attorney is dedicated to defending Weapon/Firearm clients throughout Pinellas County and the entire Tampa Bay Area (St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Hillsborough, Pasco, Manatee, Sarasota, Polk).