While most people know that United States citizens have the right to bear arms, few realize it can be taken away. For instance, Florida prohibits convicted felons, those with injunctions against them, and people deemed mentally incompetent from possessing firearms.
Being charged with illegally having a firearm is serious and can lead to prison time and a large fine if convicted. However, your lawyer may be able to mount a good defense against these charges. Contact our West Palm Beach possession of a firearm lawyer Ronald Chapman today to discuss your case.
The definition of possession is quite broad in Florida. You are considered in possession of a firearm if:
Some people who are charged with illegally possessing a firearm were not actually in possession of a gun when arrested. While the prosecutor will try to prove that the gun was still in your possession, your West Palm Beach possession of a firearm attorney can challenge the prosecution’s evidence in court.
Many people think someone must be in actual possession of a firearm in order to be charged with illegally possessing a gun. For example, they assume that it has to be on their person or in their hand, but that is not the case. If you are prohibited from possessing a firearm, the state can try to prove that you had constructive possession of a gun.
Constructive possession means that the weapon was in a place under your control and that you knew the gun was there.
The prosecutor will do everything possible to prove its case, so you need to mount a defense to fight back. First, contact West Palm Beach possession of a firearm lawyer Ronald Chapman to discuss the events surrounding your arrest. Then your attorney can formulate a legal strategy.
Your possession of a firearm lawyer will review all aspects of the case, including how the police discovered the weapon. If there was a violation of your constitutional rights during the search and seizure, the attorney might be able to get your charge dismissed.
Your lawyer also might discover that the evidence does not demonstrate that you possessed the gun. Constructive possession is challenging to prove, and your attorney can challenge the state’s theory during the trial.
With so much evidence to sift through, it is wise to consult with an attorney right away. Call our firm today to speak directly with our West Palm Beach possession of a firearm lawyer Ronald Chapman about your case.
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Ronald S. Chapman has practiced criminal defense in Florida state and federal courts since 1990, handling DUI cases in Palm Beach County involving first arrests, repeat offenses, injury, and property damage. Over the years, his case reviews have focused closely on testing records, officer reports, and the events leading to the arrest.
That experience can be really important when choosing a DUI defense lawyer, since the attorney you work with may affect how your license issues, criminal case, and defense strategy are addressed.
Ron Chapman is a solo criminal defense practitioner with more than 36 years of experience and 500+ jury trials and hearings. His clients work directly with him throughout their criminal defense matters.
When you choose Ronald S. Chapman, P.A., you work directly with the attorney handling your criminal defense matter. Early representation can be considered before formal charges are filed, if appropriate. If you are facing criminal charges or an investigation in West Palm Beach or Palm Beach County, Contact Ronald S. Chapman, P.A. for a meeting to discuss your situation and your options.
When you have a felony conviction, you lose certain civil rights, including the right to bear arms. However, some convicted felons manage to restore their civil rights, including the right to possess a firearm. If your rights are restored, you can use that fact to defend yourself.
Florida has mandatory minimum sentencing guidelines in place for illegally possessing a firearm. If you have a prior felony conviction and are convicted of actual possession of a firearm, the judge has to sentence you to at least three years in prison. So consult with possession of a firearm attorney Ronald Chapman to discuss your case in order to possibly avoid such a harsh sentence.
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You should consult an attorney for advice regarding your individual situation. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship.
