Does Leon County Need More Gun Control?

July 26, 2016 Don Pumphrey, Jr. Theft/Property Crimes, Violent Crimes Social Share

Teen Nightclub Shooting Reignites Debate Over Gun Control in Florida

In the wake of two children being killed and 19 others being wounded by gunshots early Monday morning at Club Blue nightclub in Ft. Myers, Florida, gun-control activists are seeking stricter gun laws to be put in place to prevent tragedies like this from reoccurring.

Advocates of stricter gun control laws believe that cities are not safe because there are too many guns being produced and sold. Gun control advocates also assume that legislation making it harder to purchase a firearm would instantly stop gun violence, thus, making America safer.

However, over restricting a United States citizen’s 2^nd Amendment right to bear arms would be unconstitutional and factual data does not establish fewer guns equates to less violence. In fact, according to a CDC study, suicides account for roughly 64% of all gun-related deaths.

Open Carry Law in Tallahassee, Florida

In the Sunshine State, it is not illegal to possess a firearm. However, Florida Statute § 790.01 makes it illegal for a person to carry a firearm in public without a valid Concealed Weapons Permit. Unlawfully carrying a concealed weapon in public without a valid Concealed Weapons Permit is considered a criminal offense and can result in the person’s arrest.

If you have been charged with an unlicensed carrying of a concealed firearm, discharging a firearm, felon in possession of a firearm, using a firearm while under the influence, or any other weapons offense, contact an experienced Leon County gun attorney at the Law Offices of Don Pumphrey, Jr. today at (850) 681-7777 for a free case evaluation regarding.

Pumphrey Law represents clients throughout Tallahassee and the surrounding areas, including Leon, Bay, Jefferson, Wakulla, Gulf, Jackson, and other cities near and within Leon County, Florida.

Types of Firearm Offenses in Leon County:

Florida Statute § 790 contains several criminal offenses relating to the possession and use of firearms in public. Some of the criminal offenses that make the possession or use of a firearm illegal in Florida include:

• Unlicensed Carry of a Concealed Firearm;
• Furnishing Weapons to Minors Under 18 Years Old;
• Improper Exhibition of a Firearm;
• Discharging a Firearm in Public or on Residential Property;
• Discharging Machine Guns;
• Felons in Possession of a Firearm;
• Domestic Violence Offenders in Possession of Firearm;
• Using Firearm While Under the Influence; and
• Prohibited Use of a Firearm Against a Law Enforcement Officer

Potential Defenses to Carrying a Concealed Firearm in Florida

Under Florida law, there are several defenses available to contest an allegation that a person was carrying a concealed firearm. Some of which are:

• Defendant had a permit;
• Defendant was not in possession of firearm ( firearm was not being carried on his/her person);
• Weapon was not readily accessible; and
• Weapon not found in the defendant’s exclusive control

Penalty for Unlawfully Carrying a Concealed Firearm in Florida

A person who is charged with the criminal act of carrying a Concealed Firearm without a valid Concealed Weapons Permit could potentially be convicted of a third-degree felony which carries a maximum penalty of 5 years in jail and a $5,000 fine.

If you have been charged with an unlicensed carrying of a concealed firearm, discharging a firearm, felon in possession of a firearm, using a firearm while under the influence, or any other weapons offense, contact an experienced Leon County gun attorney at Pumphrey Law at (850) 681-7777 for a free case evaluation. Our attorneys represent clients throughout Tallahassee and the surrounding areas, including Gadsden County, Wakulla County, Liberty County and Jefferson County.

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