BOCA RATON FL Possession of a Weapon by a Violent Career Criminal DEFENSE ATTORNEYS
If you or a loved one has been charged with a weapons offense such as possession of a weapon by a violent career criminal, possession of a weapon by a convicted felon, discharging a firearm in public, or improper exhibition of a weapon, in South Florida, Arnesen Law can help. Jay Arnesen is a retired police officer turned defense attorney who now dedicates his life to defending citizens charged with criminal offenses.
During his service in law enforcement, Mr. Arnesen received the same advanced weapons training provided to officials working for the FBI, DEA, and US Customs Bureau. Ultimately, he understands the law, as well as the complexities involved in weapons cases, and can fully evaluate your case to identify any potential violations of your constitutional rights.
With offices conveniently located in Boca Raton and Fort Lauderdale, Mr. Arnesen appears in courts throughout South Florida on a daily basis. Contact his offices anytime at 561-419-9630 for a free consultation and find the help you need to the fight the State’s weapons case against you.
“As a former police officer, I used to help prosecute these charges for the State. Now, let me use my training and experience to combat these charges for you in court.” Jay Arnesen, Esq., Criminal Defense Attorney
Possession of a Weapon by a Violent Career Criminal – Florida Statutes Section 790.235
Chapter 790, Section 235 of the Florida Statutes prohibits the possession of a weapon by any individual who meets the defining criteria of a “violent career criminal,” as explained in Section 775.084(1)(d). Under Florida Law, among those who qualify as violent career criminals are those who:
- Have previously been convicted as an adult three or more times for any of the following offenses:
- Any forcible felony; aggravated stalking; aggravated child abuse; aggravated abuse of an elderly person or disabled adult; lewd or lascivious battery, lewd or lascivious molestation, lewd or lascivious conduct, or lewd or lascivious exhibition; escape; a felony violation of Chapter 790 involving the use or possession of a firearm; and
- Served a term of incarceration in a state prison or a federal prison.
Summarily, Section 790.235 dictates that any individual who meets the aforementioned requirements cannot lawfully have a weapon in his or her possession. Unlike the statute above, 790.235 applies to both adults and juveniles, which means that juveniles who fit the description above are also prohibited from possessing a weapon in the state of Florida.
These offenses are taken extremely seriously, as is evidenced by their classification as first degree crimes. Further, those convicted of a violation of 790.235 are subject to a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 15 years and are ineligible for any type of discretionary early release.
*One exception applies to individuals who have had their civil rights and firearm authority restored.
Possession of a Weapon by a Violent Career Criminal – Potential Penalties
First Degree Felony Possession of a Weapon by a Violent Career Criminal: maximum sentence of life in prison, possibility of life-long parole, and fines not to exceed $10,000
Contact Boca Raton FL Possession of a Weapon by a Violent Career Criminal Defense Lawyer Jay Arnesen for Immediate Assistance
Attorney Jay Arnesen is well-versed in Florida’s laws regarding weaponry and has the experience necessary to fight for your rights if you have been charged with possession of a weapon by a violent career criminal in South Florida. Contact his Boca Raton or Ft. Lauderdale offices anytime at 561-419-9630 for a free consultation about your weapons case.
