Weapons

Tampa Weapons Defense Lawyer

Helping You Understand Florida’s Harsh Gun Laws and Their Impact on Your Case

Florida has some of the toughest gun laws in the country.

In addition to the threat of losing your right to possess a firearm, a weapons charge conviction could lead to jail time. Tampa weapons defense attorney William Hanlon is dedicated to helping you protect your civil rights.

Weapons Offenses and Sentencing in Tampa

Usually a first offense will mitigate the amount of time that a defendant receives if he or she is found guilty of a crime—not so, for crimes which involve guns. First offense or not, a guilty verdict which involves a firearm can carry a 15 year prison sentence. Firearm possession charges carry mandatory minimum sentences as high as ten and twenty years, and even lifetime sentences. Traditionally, the state attorney’s office in Tampa seeks the mandatory sentences in which a firearm is used.

With mandatory minimum sentences for many weapons charges, the facts which surround these offenses have a complex set of legal issues. They involve multiple charges. Attorney Hanlon offers detailed advice on your case, allowing you to understand your charges, the penalties you face and the option you have for mounting your defense.

Criminal Defense for all Types of Weapons Charges

Attorney Hanlon protects the rights of individuals throughout Central Florida who have been accused of a variety of weapons crimes. Whether you face only a weapons charge or your alleged gun crime has increased the potential consequences of other charges, he can help with such offenses as:

  • Armed Robbery
  • Assault with a Deadly Weapon
  • Brandishing a Firearm / Weapon
  • Carrying a Concealed Weapon Without a Permit
  • Discharge of Firearm in a Public Place
  • Illegal Automatic Weapons
  • Illegal Modification of a Weapon
  • Illegal Sale of a Weapon
  • Improper Public Display of a Weapon
  • Improper Self–Defense
  • Making False Statements While Purchasing a Firearm
  • Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon
  • Possession of an Illegal / Unregistered / Unlicensed Firearm
  • Possession of Weapons in a Controlled Area

Frequent Issues in a Weapons Charge

If you have been arrested at Tampa International Airport or any other airport for an alleged violation of concealed carry laws, Attorney Hanlon can help. Since the attacks of 9/11, law enforcement agencies at the Tampa Airport have sometimes been overly zealous in the enforcement of Florida’s gun and weapons laws, even if the case involves nothing more than a small pocket knife. Attorney Hanlon will aggressively pursue dismissal of charges in these cases.

There are three common legal questions in a weapons charge, including:

  • Possession
  • Control
  • Intent

For Attorney Hanlon protecting your rights is the highest priority. If you face weapons charges or firearm possession in addition to another alleged crime, he can help you protect your rights and advise you on every aspect of your case.

Contact Attorney Hanlon online or call 813-334-3910 to schedule a free consultation to discuss your charges and learn more about your defense options.