Committing a crime in Florida can lead to serious consequences. These can include heavy fines, probation, community service, and prison time. Your legal troubles can be even more severe if you are caught with a firearm while committing certain types of crimes. This is a serious crime that can lead to an enhancement of your sentence of up to 10 more years.
Felony offenses can be seriously enhanced
Felonies that are committed while possessing a firearm can include a wide number of crimes. They begin with such standard offenses as murder, rape, kidnapping, sexual battery, robbery and assault. However, the list does not end here. It can also include offenses such as aircraft piracy, burglary, arson and escape.
It is illegal for you to possess a firearm of any kind if you have been previously convicted of a felony. Being caught with one, even if you are not in the act of committing a crime, can lead to a prison sentence of up to 10 years. Your sentence can also be enhanced in this fashion if you are caught with a gun while trafficking drugs.
The legal definition of firearm possession
Weapons charges in Florida can be seriously enhanced under a number of circumstances. The legal term “possession” is used when a firearm is discovered on your person. It can also be used to show that you had the firearm within easy reach. This can further denote your intention to use the weapon in the commission of a crime.
This provision does not apply to law enforcement officers or members of the United States military. They may possess or use a firearm while performing their lawful duties. They may also possess them while traveling from one location to another in order to perform these stipulated duties.
