Possessing An Illegal Weapon Brings Serious Penalties

Statutes related to possession of an illegal weapon make the possession of a wide range of weapons, including many types of firearms, unlawful. Some weapons that are unlawful to possess include machine guns and short-barreled shotguns, for example. Florida law includes heavy fines and severe criminal penalties, including potential mandatory/minimum sentences of up to 25 years and maximum potential sentences of up to life. Mr. Petruzzi has represented numerous individuals charged with, or under investigation for, offenses of possession of an illegal weapon, as well as other firearms-related offenses. His experience and knowledge serve as invaluable assets to his clients.

What Are The Penalties In Florida?

Florida offenses of possession of an illegal weapon are investigated and prosecuted by various state and local law enforcement agencies. Some common Florida statutes criminalizing possession of an illegal weapon include:

790.221 Possession of short-barreled rifle, short-barreled shotgun, or machine gun; penalty –

(1) It is unlawful for any person to own or to have in his or her care, custody, possession, or control any short-barreled rifle, short-barreled shotgun, or machine gun which is, or may readily be made, operable; but this section shall not apply to antique firearms.

(2) A person who violates this section commits a felony of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s.775.084.

(3) Firearms in violation hereof which are lawfully owned and possessed under provisions of federal law are excepted.

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