Gun Crimes in Orlando, FL

Gun Crimes

The Second Amendment is favored strongly in Orlando, Florida, and has been for many years. However, that does not mean law enforcement officers and prosecuting attorneys don’t take gun crimes very seriously. If you’ve been charged with a gun crime in the Orlando, Florida area, it’s time to speak with a gun crime defense lawyer. Contact Hanlon Law today to start building your case.

What Are Gun Crimes?

Gun crimes is actually an umbrella term that’s used to refer to basically any crime committed in which a firearm is in some way involved. The firearm in question does not have to actually cause harm to anyone for its presence to be taken into consideration. In fact, the gun doesn’t have to be discharged at all. Just having a gun on your person or visibly within reach is enough for charges to be increased.

Some examples of common gun crimes involving a firearm include: 

• Aggravated assault with a firearm
• Carrying a concealed firearm without the proper permit
• Improper exhibition of a firearm
• Felon in possession of a firearm
• Armed burglary
• Armed kidnapping
• Armed trafficking

Not all gun crimes occur with the actual intent to commit a crime, however. Guns can make any dangerous situation even more dangerous. For example, a former service member with PTSD may resort to pulling their weapon in a tense situation, out of habit or due to PTSD flashbacks, with no intent to cause harm but causing harm all the same.

It’s also easy for the possession of a deadly weapon to give an average citizen an inflated sense of power or authority, which can in turn cause them to make poor choices in threatening situations.

What About the Second Amendment?

The Florida legislature has historically favored the Second Amendment and your right to both possess a firearm and use that firearm to defend yourself if necessary. Florida law actually allows open carry without a permit under a range of circumstances, such as while fishing, camping, or hunting, or while traveling to or from these activities. 

Florida also passed the “stand your ground” law, which defends the right of Florida citizens to defend themselves “with force” if they have reason to believe they are in danger of death or bodily injury.

However, these rights do not mean you can brandish a firearm in every situation, nor do they protect you should you use your weapon in the commission of a crime. For example, just having a fishing pole in your vehicle is not enough justification to carry a firearm around without a carry permit.

What Are the Consequences for Gun-Related Crimes? 

The consequences of committing a gun crime in Orlando, Florida will depend on what specific crime is actually committed. Many crimes have specific enhanced minimum sentencing for when a firearm is involved in the commission of that crime. Typically, these enhancements include raised minimum fines and higher minimum prison sentences. They may also include the loss of a concealed or open carry permit.

If the crime in question is a felony, however, the state of Florida outlines specific mandatory minimum sentences:

• Carrying of a firearm during the commission of a felony: 10-year minimum mandatory prison sentence
• Discharging a firearm during the commission of a felony: 20-year minimum mandatory prison sentence
• If someone is shot or killed by your firearm during the commission of a felony: 25-year mandatory minimum prison sentence up to life in prison

Know Your Gun Rights

With the politicization of Second Amendment rights and Florida’s “stand your ground” law, it’s easy to feel misled in regards to what your gun rights actually are. That’s where the experienced team of defense attorneys at Hanlon Law can help. With nearly two decades in the business, our lawyers are ready and waiting to help you understand what Florida’s laws say about your situation, what your rights actually are, and what defense options you have available for your case. 

We’ll review the evidence, consider the circumstances of the case, and advocate on your behalf to help secure the best possible outcome. Remember: every minute counts!

If you’ve been charged with a gun crime in Orlando, Florida, don’t wait. Contact Hanlon Law today for a free consultation.

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• Aggravated Assault
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• Gun Crimes