When you were charged with illegal use of laser pointers in Ft. Lauderdale, you may need legal assistance. While pointing a laser lighting device at police officers on duty or individuals operating motor vehicles, vessels, or aircraft is illegal, you may be able to minimize or avoid punishment by hiring a skilled criminal defense Attorney.
With over five decades of combined experience, Leifert & Leifert can help handle your laser pointer case and protect your rights throughout legal proceedings.
Potential Penalties for Illegal Use of Laser Devices
Depending on the circumstances, illegally using a laser pointer in Ft. Lauderdale can lead to severe penalties. Here are the charges you may receive:
Noncriminal Violation
When you willingly shine, point, or focus a laser beam at a Law Enforcement Officer on duty and that causes the officer to believe you were pointing a firearm, you have committed a noncriminal violation. The punishment is a $500 fine.
Third-Degree Felony
When you willingly shine a laser pointer at an individual operating a motor vehicle, vessel, or aircraft, you have committed a Felony of the third degree. The punishment is a $5,000 fine and up to five years in prison.
Second-Degree Felony
When you willingly shine a laser pointer at an individual operating a motor vehicle, vessel, or aircraft and this causes injuries, you have committed a Felony of the second degree. The punishment is a $10,000 fine and up to 15 years in prison.
A well-crafted defense may be able to replace a prison term with probation, reduce the fine, or get the Court to drop the charges. At Leifert & Leifert, we fight for your rights so you avoid severe punishment.
Defenses in Illegal Laser Pointer Use Cases
At Leifert & Leifert, we have defended many Clients in Ft. Lauderdale charged with the illegal use of laser pointers. Our legal team investigates all the circumstances, collects evidence, and builds a strong defense that protects your rights. Common defenses our team has at its disposal include:
Lack of Intent
The severity of charges depends on whether you willingly and knowingly used the laser pointer. When you pointed the laser by mistake, we may argue it was an accident.
Lack of Proof
The prosecution would have to gather extensive evidence to demonstrate you willingly pointed a laser lighting device at a police officer or a driver. Our legal team may find loopholes in the evidence or argue that the provided materials are insufficient.
Other Defenses
In some cases, we may be able to prove the device in question was not a laser pointer under federal law. Alternatively, our lawyers could argue an unlawful search and seizure took place.
Contact an Experienced Attorney in Ft. Lauderdale to Help Fight Illegal Use of Laser Pointers Charges
Since the illegal use of laser pointers in Ft. Lauderdale can be a Felony, the conviction may come with a severe punishment, including significant prison time. The only way to minimize or avoid the consequences is to build a strong defense. Without a criminal defense Attorney, it is easy to make mistakes, overlook important details, and lose valuable evidence; this is too big of a risk when freedom is at stake.
At Leifert & Leifert, we know how to defend individuals charged with illegal laser pointing. We leverage the strongest defenses to protect your rights and help you avoid unfair punishment. When you have been charged with illegal use of laser lighting devices, do not lose valuable time. Call our legal team today for a free consultation.
