🔫 Fort Lauderdale Gun Crime Charges Attorney

Aggressive Defense Against Firearm and Weapons Offenses in South Florida

If you’ve been arrested on a gun charge in Fort Lauderdale, Broward County, or anywhere in South Florida, you need to act fast. Prosecutors aggressively pursue firearms-related offenses—especially under Florida’s 10-20-Life law, which imposes harsh mandatory minimum sentences.

At Michael White, P.A., we bring over 20 years of experience to your defense—along with the unique insight of a former prosecutor who understands how the State builds its case.

📞 Call (954) 270-0769 or schedule a free consultation today.

⚖️ Florida’s 10-20-Life Law Explained

Under Florida Statutes § 775.087, commonly known as 10-20-Life, mandatory minimum sentences apply when a firearm is used during the commission of certain crimes:

10 years for merely possessing or brandishing a firearm
20 years if the firearm is discharged
25 years to life if someone is injured or killed

These enhancements leave judges with no discretion—once proven, the sentence is locked in.

🚨 Common Gun Charges We Defend in Florida

At Michael White, P.A., we defend clients against a wide range of state and federal weapons charges, including:

Improper Exhibition of a Firearm – Fla. Stat. § 790.10
Carrying a Concealed Weapon – Fla. Stat. § 790.01
Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon – Fla. Stat. § 790.23
Throwing or Shooting Deadly Missiles – Fla. Stat. § 790.19
Possession of a Firearm During a Felony (e.g., drug trafficking)
Possession of a Weapon at an Airport or School
Use of a firearm in connection with domestic violence or aggravated assault

👉 Learn how we defend weapons charges in Florida

🛡️ Defense Strategies Against Gun Crime Charges

Every case is different—but we examine every angle to protect your rights. Depending on the facts, we may:

File a motion to suppress if the gun was found during an illegal search
Argue lack of possession or intent
Show that the weapon was unloaded or inoperable
Use Florida’s Stand Your Ground law to support a claim of self-defense
Raise constitutional challenges under the Second or Fourth Amendment
Demonstrate that you were licensed or lawfully carrying at the time

📊 Why Florida Prosecutors Push Gun Cases So Aggressively

In 2023, Florida recorded 17,000+ firearm-related arrests, especially in Broward, Miami-Dade, and Palm Beach
Firearms are involved in 65% of felony enhancement cases statewide
Florida remains among the top states for mandatory minimum gun sentencing

These stats show that Florida law enforcement treats gun crimes seriously—and swiftly.

❓ FAQs: Gun Crime Defense in Florida

🔹 What is Florida’s 10-20-Life law?

It imposes mandatory minimum prison terms: 10 years for possession, 20 years for discharge, 25 years to life if someone is injured or killed. Judges cannot go below those penalties once they apply.

🔹 Can I receive probation instead of prison for a gun charge?

If a mandatory minimum applies, probation is not an option. However, a lawyer may be able to get your charge reduced to avoid those minimums.

🔹 What if the gun wasn’t loaded or didn’t work?

Even unloaded or inoperable weapons can result in charges—but these facts can support a reduced charge or lesser sentence.

🔹 Can I claim self-defense in a Florida gun case?

Even unloaded or inoperable weapons can result in charges—but these facts can support a reduced charge or lesser sentence.

🔹 Can I be charged with a gun crime if the firearm belonged to someone else?

Yes. If a firearm is found near you or in your vehicle, you can still be charged—especially under Florida’s constructive possession laws. However, the prosecution must prove that you knew about the weapon and had control over it. A defense attorney can often challenge this with facts showing lack of knowledge or access.

👉 Learn how constructive possession works in Florida gun cases

📞 Arrested on a Gun Charge in Fort Lauderdale? Let’s Talk.

Gun cases move fast—and so should you. At Michael White, P.A., we act immediately to challenge the evidence, suppress unconstitutional searches, and protect your future.

📍 Serving clients in Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Plantation, Pembroke Pines, and across South Florida.

📞 Call (954) 270-0769 or book your free consultation online