Florida Weapons Offenses Defense Lawyer
Aggressive Representation for Firearm & Weapons Charges in Orlando
If you are facing weapons charges in Florida, you are confronting serious criminal exposure — including felony convictions, mandatory minimum prison sentences, and the permanent loss of firearm rights. Prosecutors aggressively pursue firearm and weapons offenses, especially when they are tied to allegations of violence or drug crimes.
At Jordan Holmes Law, Board Certified Criminal Trial Attorneys Jordan Holmes and Josh Sinclair defend clients accused of firearm and weapons offenses throughout Orlando and Central Florida. When your freedom is on the line, experience matters.
Common Florida Weapons Charges
Florida weapons offenses range from misdemeanors to first-degree felonies depending on the facts of the case, prior criminal history, and whether the firearm was allegedly used during another offense.
Common charges include:
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Carrying a concealed firearm without proper authorization
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Improper exhibition of a firearm or weapon
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Aggravated assault with a deadly weapon
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Shooting into an occupied dwelling or vehicle
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Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
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Possession of a short-barreled rifle or shotgun
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Use or discharge of a firearm during commission of a felony
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Firearm possession during drug trafficking
Even a first-time weapons charge can result in severe penalties. A conviction may affect employment, housing, professional licensing, and civil rights.
Florida's 10-20-Life Mandatory Minimum Sentencing
Florida's firearm enhancement statute — commonly known as “10-20-Life” — imposes harsh mandatory minimum prison terms when a firearm is involved in certain felonies:
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10 years for possession of a firearm during the commission of a qualifying felony
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20 years for discharging a firearm
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25 years to life if discharge causes great bodily harm or death
Mandatory minimum sentencing laws significantly limit judicial discretion. That means if the enhancement applies, the judge often cannot impose a lesser sentence — even for first-time offenders.
Challenging the applicability of the enhancement is often one of the most important aspects of a weapons defense strategy.
Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon is typically charged as a second-degree felony in Florida, punishable by up to 15 years in prison.
To convict, the State must prove:
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A qualifying prior felony conviction
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Knowing possession (actual or constructive)
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That the object meets Florida's statutory definition of a firearm
Many cases hinge on whether the accused had control over the firearm or whether law enforcement is improperly relying on mere proximity.
Constitutional Defenses in Weapons Cases
Weapons cases frequently involve Fourth Amendment issues. Firearms are often discovered during:
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Traffic stops
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Vehicle searches
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Pat-down searches
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Search warrants
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Home entries
If law enforcement violated constitutional protections against unlawful search and seizure, the firearm evidence may be suppressed. Suppression can result in dismissal or significant reduction of charges.
Strategic motion practice is critical in weapons prosecutions.
Firearm Enhancements & Sentencing Consequences
Weapon allegations can dramatically increase sentencing exposure in Florida by:
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Reclassifying felony levels
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Triggering mandatory minimum prison terms
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Invoking habitual offender enhancements
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Affecting probation eligibility
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Impacting bond determinations
These enhancements can turn a manageable case into a life-altering sentence if not properly challenged.
Strategic Defense for Weapons Charges in Orlando
At Jordan Holmes Law, every weapons case is evaluated for:
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Constitutional violations
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Suppression opportunities
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Sentencing enhancement challenges
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Evidentiary weaknesses
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Witness credibility issues
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Trial readiness
As Board Certified Criminal Trial Attorneys, Jordan Holmes and Josh Sinclair prepare each case as if it will go before a jury. Prosecutors know we are prepared to litigate aggressively — in pretrial motions or at trial.
Why Hire a Board Certified Criminal Trial Attorney for Weapons Offenses?
Weapons charges are high-stakes cases that require:
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Advanced knowledge of Florida firearm statutes
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Experience litigating mandatory minimum enhancements
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Constitutional litigation skill
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Trial experience
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Strategic negotiation leverage
If you are charged with a firearm or weapons offense in Orlando or anywhere in Central Florida, early intervention by an experienced criminal defense lawyer can make a critical difference.
Contact Jordan Holmes Law today to speak with a Board Certified Criminal Trial Attorney about your weapons case.
Explore how our Board Certified criminal trial attorneys defend complex cases in Orlando and throughout Central Florida here.