Tampa Gun Crimes Lawyer

Florida has comparatively relaxed gun laws compared to many other states, but the penalties for violating these laws or using a gun while committing another crime are severe. If you or a family member has been charged with a gun-related offense, it is important to speak with a Tampa gun crimes lawyer at the Amarosa Law Firm, P.A., as quickly as possible.

You need experienced defense counsel on your side to have the greatest chance of reaching a positive outcome. Entering the Hillsborough County Courthouse in Tampa can be extremely daunting, especially if you are facing any type of felony gun charge. The Amarosa Law Firm, P.A., provides aggressive defense counsel and will help you approach this situation with confidence.

Experienced Defense Counsel for Gun Crimes in Tampa, FL

Every year, thousands of people are arrested in Florida and throughout the United States for criminal acts involving firearms and for committing other offenses while in possession of firearms. Gun rights and penalties for gun-related criminal offenses are controversial topics throughout the United States, and it is important for everyone in Tampa to know the state’s laws pertaining to firearms offenses and other offenses committed with the use of firearms.

The team at the Amarosa Law Firm, P.A., has years of experience defending our clients in Tampa and surrounding communities of Florida from all sorts of criminal charges, including firearms offenses. When you hire our team to defend you, trust us to develop an individualized legal strategy, fight to defend your rights, and ensure your case unfolds according to the rules of due process.

Understanding Firearms Charges in Tampa

Criminal cases involving firearms in Tampa can be divided into two main categories: direct violations of Florida’s gun laws and committing other crimes with the use of a firearm. For example, it is illegal to possess certain types of firearms in Florida, and it is illegal for certain individuals to possess any firearm in Florida, namely children and convicted felons.

Most gun crimes apply to the latter. For example, while Florida no longer requires a permit for concealed carrying of a firearm for most Florida residents over the age of 21, it is possible for an individual to be charged with armed possession if they are carrying a firearm when found in possession of illegal drugs.

It is also possible for the use of a firearm to escalate the penalties for a criminal offense extensively. For example, the penalty for an assault in Florida can be severe, but the penalty will increase dramatically if the assault was committed with a firearm or other deadly weapon. In 2023, Florida Health reported 63 homicides resulting from firearms discharge in Hillsborough County, and 1,043 such deaths were reported for all of Florida that year.

That same year, the Tampa Police Department reported the city’s violent crime rate had fallen to 8.3%, more than three times lower than the national average. While this does indicate a positive change when it comes to the number of firearms-related offenses occurring in Tampa, the reality is that you must know what to do if you are charged with any such offense.

Understand Your Rights When Charged With a Gun Crime

Every American has two very important constitutional rights when it comes to an arrest. The Fifth Amendment protects them from self-incrimination, meaning you have no obligation to answer any questions or make any statements to arresting officers once they place you under arrest. The Sixth Amendment ensures you have access to legal counsel. Remain silent after arrest until you are able to speak with a Tampa gun crimes lawyer who can defend you.

After arrest and booking, you should be permitted to make phone calls, and you should reach out to the Amarosa Law Firm, P.A., immediately. An experienced Tampa gun crimes lawyer can meet with you right away. Our team can carefully examine the circumstances of your arrest to ensure due process is followed, review the charges against you, and explain how we can help you build your defense.

Potential Penalties for Gun Crime Conviction in Florida

The penalties for gun crime conviction in Florida vary from case to case. Some of these offenses can be charged at the misdemeanor level, while most will be charged as felonies. If a defendant has broken a US law, it is possible for them to face prosecution in federal court.

Generally, penalties for firearms offenses in Florida can include fines, jail time, and loss of the right to own firearms in the future. In order to secure a conviction, the prosecutor handling the case must establish the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. This means proving that there can be no doubt as to whether the defendant committed the act. This is a higher standard of proof than many people realize.

What to Expect From Your Tampa Gun Crimes Lawyer

When you choose the Amarosa Law Firm, P.A., to represent you in a gun crime case, we will do everything we can to prevent the prosecution from meeting their burden of proof. Our goal for every criminal defense case we accept is to help our client avoid conviction if at all possible or to mitigate their penalties when conviction appears to be a certainty.

We can also help you determine whether any type of procedural misconduct has occurred in your case. Recently, a Hillsborough County gun crimes prosecutor resigned after evidence surfaced of prosecutorial misconduct. The prosecutor was accused of knowingly withholding evidence that would have helped a defendant. While the defendant in that case ultimately pleaded guilty, this is just one example of how prosecutors sometimes knowingly step outside the law.

There are many defenses that could come into play in a gun crime case. For example, you may have been accused of assault or homicide if you used your firearm in self-defense. Your attorney would need to prove that you complied with state law and only used the level of force you believed to be necessary to prevent serious harm or death. This is just one example of how your defense team can assist you with your case.

If you are presented with a plea bargain from the prosecution, your attorney can help you discern whether this would be a viable option for your situation. A prosecutor may offer a plea deal when they are certain they can secure a conviction in an effort to conserve time and effort that otherwise must be spent in litigation. A plea deal could exchange a guilty plea for a lighter sentence, but this is never a guaranteed option for every defendant.

Ultimately, you may have several options available to you in your case, and an experienced Tampa gun crimes lawyer can help you make more confident, better-informed decisions as your case unfolds. The first steps you take immediately following your arrest are crucial, so be sure to contact the Amarosa Law Firm, P.A., as quickly as possible after any arrest for a gun crime in Tampa.

FAQs

The team at the Amarosa Law Firm, P.A., provides comprehensive and client-focused criminal defense counsel for gun crime charges in Tampa. You have a short time to prepare your defense, so it’s important to speak with a Tampa gun crimes lawyer right away. Contact our firm today to schedule your case review with our team and learn how we can help with your defense.