Florida recently adjusted its gun laws on concealed carry, allowing for more concealed carry without a license than before. However, carrying a concealed firearm in this state still requires minimum standards and can lead to Criminal penalties if done incorrectly.
If you want to carry and conceal a firearm, or if you face Criminal charges for doing so illegally, you should seek out a Wellington concealed weapons Lawyer. Our dedicated gun Attorneys at Leifert & Leifert bring expertise in Criminal Law and in Florida’s statutes governing the carrying of firearms. We can use that expertise to help you build a solid defense and get you the most favorable outcome possible.
Criminal Charges for Concealed Weapons
You might think that Florida’s laws for carrying concealed weapons would be more lenient, aligning with other states that appear committed to a broad right to bear arms. But this state still criminalizes concealed carry for those who disobey its statutes.
State law previously required a permit for concealed carry in the form of a license issued by the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Getting such a license, as detailed in Florida Statutes § 790.06, required applicants to meet certain criteria and show competence with a firearm through one of several examinations or gun safety courses.
The new version of the Law at Florida Statutes § 790.01 allows concealed carry for those who meet only some of the criteria under §790.06. Those criteria include:
- Age of at least 21 years old
- S. citizenship or permanent residency
- No legal incapacitation or commitment to a mental institution
- No physical condition that would prevent safe operation of a firearm
- No other prohibition of possessing or purchasing a firearm under Florida law
- No drinking habit, which can be evidenced by prior convictions for using a firearm while intoxicated, for disorderly intoxication, and for DUI
- Not ineligible to carry a firearm because of a criminal conviction (such as but not limited to most felonies, drug offenses, and domestic violence)
Although these criteria no longer include safety training or a stated purpose of having a firearm for self-defense from §790.06, violating the other conditions can still lead to criminal penalties. Also, anyone carrying a concealed weapon without a license must carry valid identification and present it on demand from law enforcement under Florida Statutes § 790.013.
An Attorney in Wellington can ensure that you carry your concealed weapons properly and meet the criteria for doing so without a license. We can help you exercise your rights and know if you might violate the statute.
Concealed Weapons Penalties
Illegally carrying a concealed weapon can be either a Felony or a Misdemeanor, depending on the weapon.
Concealed “weapons” can include electric weapons and knives, and illegally carrying these weapons that are not firearms is a first-degree misdemeanor under §790.01. However, a conviction for “only” a Misdemeanor still carries significant penalties, such as being sentenced to up to a year in prison and paying a maximum $1,000 fine under §775.082 and §775.083.
Illegally carrying a concealed firearm is the more serious offense, categorized as a third-degree felony by §790.01. Third-degree felonies can lead to up to five years in prison and fines of up to $5,000.
You should not take these penalties lightly, especially as a conviction could disqualify you from carrying weapons in the future. Luckily, a Lawyer in Wellington can help you understand the risks of concealed carry and the criteria for doing so legally.
Work with a Wellington Attorney on a Concealed Weapons Defense
Following the Law requires knowing at least some of it, and our Attorneys at Leifert & Leifert are here to help. A Wellington concealed weapons lawyer from our firm can also assist in defending against Criminal charges coming from carrying a concealed weapon, including a firearm.
Our Lawyers fight to get the best results for our clients, and we offer a free first consultation on your case. Give us a call if you are facing concealed weapons charges or want to make sure you can carry freely and legally.
