Tampa Gun Crimes Defense Lawyer

As a former Assistant State Attorney, I was responsible for investigating, filing, litigating and trying cases involving guns and weapons charges in the Tampa Bay area. In nearly every firearms charge, the case comes down to the police and prosecutor understanding the difference between criminal intent and the individual’s Second Amendment Rights.

Now, as a criminal defense attorney, knowing how both sides of a case work gives me a perspective that other gun crime defense lawyers seldom offer. Having worked with many Tampa law enforcement agencies allows me to also understand how the police may be looking at you regarding why you own a firearm. 

COMMON GUN CRIME DEFENSES

Being charged with a gun-related offense doesn’t necessarily mean an automatic conviction. There are several common defenses that a skilled gun crimes defense lawyer can employ to protect your rights and challenge the charges against you, including:

Second Amendment Rights

The Second Amendment to the United States Constitution protects the right to bear arms. If your case involves a situation where your possession or use of a firearm aligns with your constitutional rights, your attorney can argue that the charges should be dropped.

Lack of Knowledge

In some cases, individuals may not be aware that they were in possession of a firearm. If you can demonstrate that you didn’t knowingly have a weapon in your possession, this can be a valid defense.

Unlawful Search and Seizure

The Fourth Amendment protects individuals from unlawful searches and seizures. If the evidence against you was obtained through an illegal search or seizure, your attorney can move to have that evidence suppressed in court.

Self-Defense

Florida law allows for the use of firearms in self-defense situations. If you can show that you used the firearm to protect yourself or others from imminent harm, this could be a strong defense.

Violation of Miranda Rights

If law enforcement failed to read you your Miranda rights during the arrest or interrogation, any statements made during that time might be inadmissible in court.

Mistaken Identity

Sometimes, individuals are wrongfully identified as the culprits in gun crime cases. Your attorney can work to establish that you were not the person involved in the alleged crime.

Illegal Search Warrants

If the search warrant used by law enforcement was not obtained legally or contained errors, the evidence found during the search can be challenged.

NO-NONSENSE PROTECTION OF YOUR RIGHTS, YOUR FREEDOM AND YOUR FUTURE

I have helped thousands of clients resolve their criminal cases in a fair and timely manner. I will make no empty promises regarding ‘getting you off the hook’ but I will promise to fight relentlessly for your rights if you have been charged with a federal or Florida gun violation. Ask former clients, prosecutors and the police – I have a reputation for being an aggressive and a “no-nonsense” type of criminal defense lawyer, committed to working diligently for anyone who faces prosecution.