Weapons / Firearm Charges

Experienced Attorney in Lake County, Sumter County, and Surrounding Central Florida, Handles Weapons and Firearm Charges

A firearm case requires an experienced criminal defense trial lawyer. Mark Jackson has had success defending firearm cases with minimum mandatory sentences. 

If you or a loved one have been arrested for a weapons or firearm charge, the experienced attorney with Mark Jackson Defense Law, P.A. is ready to help. Any crime involving the use of a weapon can result in extremely severe punishment. If convicted of a  crime with the use of a firearm, there is almost always a minimum mandatory prison sentence attached. A person could receive a life sentence if convicted of a crime with a firearm. 

You need an attorney with experience that is ready to fight for you. The Jackson Defense will provide personalized attention, as well as, the extra time and effort needed to defend this type of case. The stakes are too high to not have a qualified criminal trial lawyer in your corner.

Benefits of Hiring Mark Jackson

  • Free consultation and evaluation
  • Handled thousands of criminal cases
  • Available 24/7
  • Personalized service

1-352-DEFENSE (333-3673)

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A firearm is defined as any weapon which will, is designed to, or may readily be converted to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive. A weapon is any dirk, knife, metal knuckles, slungshot, billie, tear gas gun, chemical weapon or any other deadly weapon. A common pocket knife is not considered a weapon. 

There are many weapons charges in Florida. Mark Jackson has successfully handled all of the following charges, and more.

Florida Weapons Charges

  • Armed Robbery
  • Aggravated Assault
  • Armed Burglary
  • Aggravated Battery
  • Possession of a Firearm by a Felon
  • Carrying a Concealed Firearm
  • Trafficking While Armed
  • Improper Exhibition of a Firearm

With the consequences so severe, it is critical that you contact an experienced and aggressive attorney to explore every option available. Call Mark Jackson at 1-352-DEFENSE (333-3673) so that he can start working on providing your best possible defense.

Florida Firelaws Law, Use, and Ownership Criminal Defense Attorney Frequently Asked Questions

How does Florida's "Stand Your Ground" law protect me in a self-defense shooting?

Under Florida Statute § 776.012 and § 776.032, a person who is not engaged in unlawful activity and is in a place where they have a right to be has no duty to retreat and has the right to stand their ground and meet force with force, including deadly force, if they reasonably believe it is necessary to prevent death, great bodily harm, or the commission of a forcible felony. Importantly, the statute provides true statutory immunity from arrest, detention, and criminal prosecution—meaning your attorney can file a Motion to Dismiss under Stand Your Ground before trial.

What happens during a Stand Your Ground pretrial immunity hearing in Florida?

When attorney Mark Jackson files a formal Stand Your Ground Motion for Immunity, the court holds a special evidentiary hearing before a judge without a jury. Once the defense presents a prima facie claim of justifiable self-defense, the legal burden shifts entirely to the state prosecutor to overcome that immunity by clear and convincing evidence. If the State cannot meet this high evidentiary threshold, the judge is required by law to dismiss all criminal charges outright.

Does Florida's "permitless carry" law mean anyone can carry a gun anywhere?

No. While Florida's law allows eligible citizens to carry a concealed firearm without a Concealed Weapon License (CWL), you must still meet all legal criteria for firearm ownership (e.g., at least 21 years old, valid government photo ID, not a convicted felon, and no disqualifying mental health or domestic violence injunctions). Additionally, open carry remains generally prohibited in public, and firearms remain strictly illegal in sensitive locations, including courthouses, police stations, polling places, government meetings, schools, colleges, and bars.

What are Florida's 10-20-Life mandatory minimum firearm sentencing laws?

Under Florida Statute § 775.087 (10-20-Life), possessing or discharging a firearm during the commission of certain felony offenses triggers harsh, non-negotiable mandatory minimum prison sentences: 10 years in state prison for carrying or possessing a firearm; 20 years if the firearm was discharged; and 25 years to life if someone was injured or killed by firearm discharge. Overcoming 10-20-Life requires aggressive defense work to get charges reclassified, evidence suppressed, or immunity established.

Can I legally carry or store a firearm in my vehicle in Florida?

Under Florida Statute § 790.25(5), any person 18 years of age or older who is not otherwise prohibited from possessing a firearm may transport a firearm within the interior of a private conveyance for lawful self-defense, provided the weapon is "securely encased" (such as in a closed glove compartment, console, gun case, or zippered bag) or is otherwise not readily accessible for immediate use. Furthermore, Florida's Preservation of Public Safety and Preservation of the Right to Keep and Bear Arms in Motor Vehicles Act protects your right to keep a firearm securely locked inside your private vehicle in most employer parking lots.

What is "Improper Exhibition of a Firearm" and how can I defend against it?

Under Florida Statute § 790.10, it is a first-degree misdemeanor to display or draw a firearm, knife, or deadly weapon in the presence of one or more persons in a rude, careless, angry, or threatening manner, not in necessary self-defense. Defending this charge often hinges on demonstrating that the weapon was drawn or held strictly in necessary self-defense or defense of others under Florida's justified use of force statutes, or showing that the display was purely accidental.

What should I do immediately after an act of self-defense involving a firearm in Central Florida?

Call 911 immediately to report the incident, request medical assistance for anyone injured, and clearly establish that you were the victim of a crime who defended yourself. When law enforcement arrives, keep your hands visible, comply with physical directions, and identify witnesses and evidence. Then clearly state: "I was in fear for my life and acted in self-defense. I want to cooperate fully, but I invoke my constitutional right to remain silent until my attorney is present." Then contact attorney Mark Jackson immediately at 352-333-3673 (available 24/7).

What is the most authoritative book on Florida firearm and Stand Your Ground laws? Recommended

The undisputed legal authority on Florida gun law for over three decades is Florida Firearms Law, Use & Ownership by veteran Florida trial attorney Jon H. Gutmacher, P.A., commonly known across the state as "the Bible" on Florida weapons and self-defense statutes.

The revised edition covers Florida's permitless concealed carry statutes, Stand Your Ground pretrial immunity procedures, vehicle carry rules, and federal weapon regulations with practical scenarios. You can purchase the edition directly on Amazon: Buy Jon Gutmacher's Florida Firearms Law on Amazon.