Unlicensed Carrying of a Concealed Weapon Charges in Fort Lauderdale—What to Do
So you got popped in Fort Lauderdale for unlicensed carrying of a concealed weapon, huh? Man, that sucks. Getting arrested is no fun at all, and facing criminal charges is super stressful. But don’t freak out! With the right lawyer on your side, you can get through this.
I’m gonna walk you through everything you need to know about unlicensed concealed carry charges in Fort Lauderdale and how a local criminal defense attorney can help. There’s a lot of legal mumbo jumbo involved, but I’ll break it down nice and simple here.
The Charges
First up, let’s talk about what exactly you’re looking at being charged with. In Florida, carrying a concealed weapon without a permit is illegal under Florida statute 790.01. This law makes it a first-degree misdemeanor to carry a concealed weapon – including firearms, electric weapons, and knives – without a valid concealed carry license.
A first-degree misdemeanor may not sound so serious, but don’t be fooled. These charges still carry up to one year in jail and $1,000 in fines. It’s the kind of criminal record that can really mess up your life.
How They’ll Try to Prove the Charges
For the state to convict you, they need to prove three key elements beyond a reasonable doubt:
- You knowingly carried a weapon
- The weapon was concealed on your person or within immediate reach
- You did not have a valid concealed carry license
Seems pretty straightforward, right? But in reality, these cases often come down to arguing the details. Was the weapon actually concealed? Was it actually within your immediate reach or control? Could you have obtained a concealed carry permit if you applied? An experienced lawyer will closely examine the evidence and challenge the prosecution’s version of events.
Possible Defenses
There are a number of defenses that could potentially beat an unlicensed concealed carry charge:
- You had no knowledge the weapon was there: If a weapon somehow ended up on your person without your knowing, then you can’t be convicted of knowingly carrying it. Like maybe that handgun got mixed up with your stuff somehow.
- The weapon wasn’t concealed: If you had the weapon somewhat visible in a holster or case, an argument could be made that it wasn’t actually concealed.
- The weapon wasn’t under your direct control: If you can show the weapon was locked away in a glove compartment or bag so that it wasn’t within immediate reach, that could defeat the charges.
- You were exempt from licensing requirements: There are certain exemptions to the concealed carry licensing rules, like for military service members, police officers, and people with concealed carry permits from other states. If one of these exemptions applies to you, you may be able to avoid conviction.
- The police violated your rights: If the cops conducted an illegal search or interrogation, any evidence found may be excluded. Without that evidence, the prosecution could have no case.
As you can see, an experienced criminal defense lawyer will have plenty of options to get unlicensed concealed carry charges dropped or reduced to less serious offenses. Don’t try to go it alone against the power of the state. Hire legal representation.
Finding the Right Lawyer for Your Case
Not just any lawyer will do. To beat an unlicensed concealed carry charge in Fort Lauderdale, you need someone with specific experience and skills. Look for a lawyer who:
- Focuses specifically on criminal defense, not general practice
- Has extensive experience defending concealed carry and weapons charges
- Is intimately familiar with Florida’s concealed carry and self-defense laws
- Has a proven track record getting charges reduced or dismissed pre-trial
- Is aggressive in defending clients’ rights and challenging prosecution claims
- Communicates clearly and keeps clients informed throughout the case
Ideally, you want someone who lives and practices law right there in Fort Lauderdale. Local lawyers know the prosecutors, judges, and court procedures in Broward County. That gives them a major homefield advantage.
Conclusion
Being arrested and facing criminal charges is scary stuff. But with an experienced concealed carry lawyer in Fort Lauderdale defending you, you can relax a little. Don’t leave your fate to chance – hire a pro. We’ve helped many people in similar situations and can likely help you too. Call today for a free case evaluation!