The Florida Constitution grants its citizens the right to keep and bear arms in defense of themselves and “the lawful authority of the state.” This does not mean, however, that every citizen can carry a gun — or that they can carry it wherever they like.
Instead, the law allows certain individuals, under certain circumstances, the authority to carry a concealed firearm on his or her person. And even with a license, a person may not openly carry a firearm in Florida.
Protect Your Constitutional Right
If you or a loved one has been charged with an offense involving conceal and carry, you need a Palm Beach Gardens defense attorney who knows how to fight for your rights — and your freedom. At The Law Offices of Elaine E. Lukic, I am an attorney with 25 years of criminal law experience — and I am ready to stand up and fight for your constitutional right to bear arms.
The laws concerning concealed weapons in Florida can be complicated for those unfamiliar with the legal system. But unfamiliarity with the law is no defense — and violating the concealed weapons law is a very serious offense that can be charged as a felony with up to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine. In some cases, causing a disruption could land you with a disorderly conduct charge.
A Legal Defense You Can Trust
Florida’s gun laws are intricate and complex. With two and a half decades of criminal defense experience, I know how to untangle the law, apply the best set of facts to your case, and exploit weaknesses in the prosecutor’s case.
Depending on the facts of your case, I can mount a strong defense to the charges against you. One or more of the following defenses may be applicable to your situation:
- Stand your ground — Under Florida law, there is no duty to retreat before using force in self-defense. You have the legal right to stand your ground and use force if doing so will prevent death or great bodily harm.
- Mistake of fact — You were arrested or charged based on a mistaken belief on the part of law enforcement or the prosecutor (e.g., you actually did have a concealed weapon permit; the concealed weapon was stowed on your body in a permissible location).
- Mistake of law — The officer or prosecutor misinterpreted the law by arresting and charging you with a concealed weapon crime (e.g., you were not ineligible to carry a weapon; you were not in possession of an illegal arm).
When the consequences are high — and your freedom is at stake — contact a weapons charges lawyer with the fortitude to stand up for your rights. Call my Palm Beach Gardens office at (561) 656-2024, or reach me online by filling out this contact form.