Fort Lauderdale Gun Charges Attorney + A Discussion of 10-20-LIFE Sentencing
Gun Charges and Weapon Offenses Attorney in South Florida
Joseph A. Bosco is an experienced South Florida gun crimes lawyer. He has represented many individuals accused of committing serious felonies involving firearms. If you or a loved one has been arrested in South Florida on gun charges, weapons charges, or violent charges of any sort, call Mr. Bosco today and sit down to discuss how best to fight these charges. The right South Florida criminal defense attorney make all the difference to a person faced with this devastating situation.
In Florida, there are various types of weapons charges. These charges can be categorized as either felonies or misdemeanors. Felonies are more serious, as they are punishable by far longer potential confinement. The term “weapon” it should be noted, may also encompass more than just a firearm. The term “weapon” can mean many other things within the meaning of Florida law. A weapon can be a knife, baseball bat, brass knuckles, a vehicle, and more.
If an individual is arrested and charged with a gun crime in Broward County or anywhere in South Florida, having the right criminal defense lawyer represent you may mean the difference between effectively fighting the charges or being left to deal with all these complexities on your own. You should ask your lawyer what experience he has actually handling both weapons charges and/or firearm charges.
The Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution guarantees American citizens the right to bear arms. However, the laws regarding firearms are numerous and they are strictly enforced in both the State and Federal systems. At the Law Offices of Joseph A. Bosco, we have the knowledge and experience to aggressively and effectively represent you if you have been arrested for a weapons offense or a firearm offense in Ft. Lauderdale, West Palm Beach or Miami.
For years, criminal defense lawyer Joseph Bosco has provided effective representation for clients charged with firearm offenses and weapons crimes throughout the greater South Florida area. Individuals charged with gun crimes may lose the right to own a weapon and further, face steep fines and the possibility of jail time if convicted of a weapons charge. Choosing the correct attorney can make all the difference.
In Florida, there are several different types of weapons and firearm charges, some of which include:
Unlawful possession of a firearm
Illegal sale of a firearm
Carrying a concealed firearm
Unlawful discharge of a firearm
Manufacturing of firearms
Using a firearm while under the influence of alcohol or drugs
Brandishing a firearm
Juvenile in possession of a weapon
Florida and “10-20-LIFE”
Florida law also features a “10-20-Life” mandatory minimum sentencing scheme. In other words, using a gun during a crime carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in Florida State Prison, firing the gun during a crime will bring you a mandatory minimum of 20 years prison, and shooting someone gets you a sentence of 25 years to life in prison. It is important that you hire a criminal defense lawyer with experience dealing with this sentencing scheme and the know-how to navigate treacherous legal waters in dealing with mandatory minimums.
There are also other specific legal issues that may arise during this type of criminal litigation (ex. Stand Your Ground). An individual charged with a gun or weapons crime may also have grounds for a downward departure when appropriate mitigating circumstances exist. Your lawyer should be intimately familiar with any and all of these legal issues and how they may apply to your case.
Find out how the Law Offices of Joseph A. Bosco can help protect your constitutional rights in the face of gun crimes charges. We have been practicing in South Florida for over a decade and we have the knowledge and experience to help get you through this difficult time. At the Law Offices of Joseph A. Bosco, we are always on your side! Call us today at 954.888.8998 ex.2 or if you’re in the Palm Beach County area call 561-515-7273. You can also email us at contact@jboscolaw.com or submit your request here online.